Our Trusted Partners Thank you to our fundholders and advisors—they have helped create a more vibrant Vermont by opening a fund at the Foundation or by referring clients. To see the current lists of funds and referring attorneys and advisors, visit vermontcf.org/componentfunds and vermontcf.org/advisors.
The Sturman Family
Generations of Giving Skip and Marilyn Sturman liken charitable giving to skipping stones into a lake and watching the ripples extend across the water. “We feel a strong obligation to support organizations here in Vermont, to be good citizens, and to alleviate suffering around the globe,” says Skip, “and we have tried to impress upon our children, Cara and Jed, the importance of paying it forward.” Established 20 years ago, the Sturman Family Fund has been a catalyst for those conversations. Now adults with children of their own, Cara and Jed recall being asked to identify causes or organizations important to them. From an early age, they were part of how the family directed their charitable giving, a tradition they now are passing on to the next generation. “My parents instilled a deep understanding that it is not only important to care about others, but to take responsibility and action,” said Cara. Jed agrees. “Our family fund gave us an opportunity to have conversations around who and what to support, and why it’s important to give,” he said. “While our one- and three-year olds are too young to understand philanthropy as a mechanism, we can show them how giving can make a difference.” While each family member is encouraged to bring their own values and priorities to the table, Skip says it is “very satisfying” when the family is aligned, as was the case with the VT COVID-19 Response Fund. “The pandemic offered a reminder of how much we can accomplish quickly when we give together through the Vermont Community Foundation.” 18
The Vermont Community Foundation
