100 New Philanthropists: Aaron Terpstra + Berniz Constanza Terpstra

As Grand Rapids Community Foundation moves toward its 100th anniversary in 2022, we will continue to celebrate One Hundred New Philanthropists. This special group of partners has committed to help us usher in a new century of service and mark out our path for the future. These philanthropists commit to giving, volunteering, making a planned gift and sharing their story with others.

As One Hundred New Philanthropists, Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra have shared their passion and commitment to our community—for today and the future. They care deeply about immigrant rights, housing and ensuring living wages and economic access. They are proud to live in the Boston Square neighborhood and are personally enthusiastic about creating a welcoming environment for all people.

“We are passionate about supporting initiatives that are collaborative catalysts in moving our community forward, particularly those that intentionally support and empower our undocumented and refugee neighbors,” Aaron and Berniz said. “After serving as foster parents for a number of young people, we have seen firsthand the unsung heroes whose work helps to stabilize the most vulnerable among us.”

WHY DO YOU GIVE?

Aaron and Berniz strongly feel that in order to live in a community that respects and treats all people equitably, they must invest in organizations doing that work. They value nonprofits addressing the uneven access to economic opportunity, healthcare and housing that some of our neighbors experience.

We would like Kent County to be a place where people would be treated with respect regardless of their race, age, ability, status or gender. We want Kent County to be a city on a hill where everyone has access to affordable housing and receives fair wages for their work.

Aaron Terpstra + Berniz Constanza Terpstra

Aaron and Berniz make monthly contributions to the Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good, our unrestricted fund, which provides flexibility in our grantmaking and allows us to address a wide spectrum of community needs. Besides their monthly pledge, Berniz and Aaron supported La Lucha Fund in spring 2020. Berniz has personal experience as an immigrant growing up in a community of individuals with mixed immigration status. This shaped her perspective on giving and informed the couple’s advocacy for immigrants in Kent County.

“These causes matter to us because we know firsthand that our community plays a huge role in helping families thrive financially, mentally, spiritually and physically. We believe that when people have support from the community where they live, they are more likely to succeed and know that they were empowered to say, ‘We did it ourselves,’” Berniz said.

Aaron Terpstra + Berniz Constanza Terpstra

WHY GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

Aaron and Berniz were invited to partner with the Community Foundation when their friends—and fellow members of One Hundred New Philanthropists—Jeff and Margarita Chappell invited them to a Community Foundation event. Both were familiar with the Community Foundation through their professional work. Berniz is vice president of housing and family services at Inner City

Christian Federation, a nonprofit housing corporation that believes all people deserve safe, clean, affordable housing. As the City of Grand Rapids parking facility supervisor, Aaron is responsible for the operations of City-owned parking lots and ramps.

“We support Grand Rapids Community Foundation because they have an extensive track record of supporting the Grand Rapids community,” Aaron and Berniz said. “The Community Foundation is not afraid to collect real data that informs their decisions and leads them to unapologetically invest in work that propels our community forward.”

Because they give to the Fund for Community Good, Berniz and Aaron’s support today will yield results for future generations. Last year, the fund provided over $5 million in critical resources for nonprofit partners addressing inequities and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ability to respond is a credit to the power of the Community Foundation’s endowment, which has been built by donor partners like Aaron and Berniz over decades. In addition, as 100 New Philanthropists they will leave a future planned gift through their estate, creating a lasting legacy for their passions.