Don and Judy Thiel shared a devotion to family and a commitment to building a better community. They taught their children the importance of giving back, of sharing their family's blessings with others.

Support for Broward women and children in need as well as affordable housing for struggling families are among the ways Don and Judy's generosity has lifted up the community that became their home more than 40 years ago. Through the years, as Broward's needs grew, Judy became more involved by serving on the boards of Women in Distress of Broward County and the Community Foundation of Broward.

To expand their impact, Don and Judy decided to enlist the Community Foundation to find innovative ways for their support to take on Broward's big challenges. When Don passed in 2021, Judy carried out their vision by creating the endowed Don and Judy Thiel Fund at the Community Foundation.

Partnering with the Community Foundation provides Judy a team of philanthropic experts to help her navigate the best ways to provide support where it's needed the most. Judy has peace of mind that the Community Foundation's stewardship ensures her endowed fund will remain a permanent source of support for improving the community - just as she and Don envisioned.

To carry on the Thiel family tradition of philanthropy, Judy gifted her children endowed charitable funds of their own at the Community Foundation. Just as she and Don taught the value of local philanthropy to their children, future generations of their family will now have the opportunity to experience the joy of giving back.

With the Community Foundation as their partner, the Thiel family's support for the community they love will never end.

“Giving back is important. When I’m not here, people that I trust – the Foundation that I trust – will continue to direct my support for good, forever.” – Judy Thiel

THIEL FAMILY FUNDS

• Kenneth and Trina Thiel Family Fund
• Kimberly and Jim Dix Family Fund
• Elizabeth and Walter Gasparovic Family Fund
• Jude and Treaver Kuipers Family Fund
• Susan and James Prince Family Fund

More About Our Community Builders

Community Builders are BOLD leaders who partner with the Community Foundation to establish endowed charitable Funds of $1 million or more to shape a brighter future for the community they love.

Through the power of endowment, the gifts from these individuals, families and local organizations fuel innovation and tackle Broward’s biggest issues today and forever.

Click here to learn more about all of our Community Builders.

How To Become A Community Builder

Thanks to the momentum of our BE BOLD Leadership Campaign, more visionary local philanthropists are stepping up to join the ranks of our Community Builders.

The BE BOLD Leadership Campaign sparks innovation, inspires new thinking and uses the power of endowment to create permanent resources that tackle Broward’s big challenges. With a one-time gift or a pledge to build your support over time, you can create an endowed charitable Fund and become a Community Builder who shapes a brighter future for Broward.

Click here to learn more about the BE BOLD Leadership Campaign.

To learn more about our Community Builders and the BE BOLD Leadership Campaign, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.