Generosity in Action
Growing up, Michelle learned to embody the philosophy instilled in her: for those who are given much, much will be expected. To this day, this phrase has been a guiding light as she has navigated her career and philanthropic life.
Michelle has been a supporter of CommonBond since 1996 when she joined CommonBond’s board. Since then, she has chaired a capital campaign, served on the gala committee, volunteered with young residents, and given generously. We are pleased to share insights from Michelle on her contributions and experience supporting and advancing our mission work.
How did you get connected to CommonBond?
I connected with CommonBond through Bill, my husband. When we got married, his family was already involved in CommonBond. When the organization was looking for a new board member, I was offered the opportunity to join. I said I would be happy to as long as I did not have to raise money.
Fast forward and my money raising skills were developed: I did the first annual gala event, and then I ended up being the chair of the development committee – and ultimately chairing the first capital campaign in 2011.
Can you talk a little bit about your background and journey with philanthropy?
I grew up in a small working-class community in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Sometimes my family was barely getting by, but we lived with the mindset of generosity. We shared with family, friends, and neighbors, and they shared with us.
When I got married, I started learning about the board and what philanthropy really meant. Prior to my engagement with CommonBond, I was donating and volunteering, but I was not familiar with the broader scope of philanthropy.
How would you distinguish between giving and philanthropy? What does philanthropy mean to you?
Philanthropy, to me, is the encompassing of my time, talent, and treasures. I started understanding the systemic issues. It took me a long time to claim the title of philanthropist, but I think of philanthropy as that whole circle, and how I can support in those three areas.
What was it about CommonBond that stood out when you first started getting involved?
For me, it is heart wrenching that people don’t have homes. CommonBond feels the same way and operates very professionally on behalf of those in need. Also like me, the organization recognizes the importance of relationships.
It’s mutually respectful and honoring of the employees, volunteers, and especially the residents. I love and respect the people I have met along the way. It’s about helping our fellow brothers and sisters. I feel really grateful, and that’s why I’ve stayed with CommonBond for so long – that and the quality of their work.
Why is supporting affordable housing so important to you?
It is important because I don’t know how you sleep if you don’t have a place to live. When I was young and living my paycheck-to-paycheck existence as a college student, I remember how hard it was, but I had a support system. If you don’t have that, and you don’t know where to begin looking or paying for housing, much less maintain it, that has to be one of the darkest places to be.
As long as the need is there, I believe – for those who can – it’s our responsibility to do what we can to help.
What do you think would inspire more people to get involved in CommonBond’s work or the affordable housing movement at large?
I think people have to understand the broader issues and the great need in our community. CommonBond is necessary because many people working full-time jobs are not receiving livable wages.
It’s important to build bridges of understanding. People want a leader, and they want to know what they can do to help. CommonBond is that leader. You are shifting systemic issues as well as providing the immediate needs.
To me, CommonBond’s Advantage Services stands out and is crucial. It’s one thing to provide less expensive rent, but providing services that allow residents to flourish and grow improves lives for generations to come.
I think there’s nowhere that does housing better than CommonBond. After all, CommonBond is plowing the road and as supporters we would be wise to follow it.
