An Interview With Si & Shirley Johnson
Si and Shirley Johnson of Richland have been longtime donors and fundholders with KZCF. Both came from modest upbringings and were raised by mothers who volunteered well into their later years, modeling generosity and a community mindset from an early age.
In the beginning, their approach to giving was simple and informal: supporting local organizations and education initiatives when opportunities arose. As Shirley put it, “We made contributions here and there to different things, but it was fairly disorganized.”
The Decision to Do More
Those early acts of generosity led to a realization: they wanted to give more intentionally. Encouraged by their accountant, Barbara James — who had long been active with KZCF — they decided to establish their first DAF in 2002. That decision, they said, marked a turning point from casual giving to a structured, lasting commitment.
Getting started was actually pretty easy,” Shirley recalled. “We met with our advisor, Ann Fergemann, who explained how it worked and the benefits. Initially it was just periodic check-ins when we wanted to make suggestions, but over time we became much more involved.”
“I really would not have considered myself a philanthropist. What I would have said at that time was that KalamazooCounty is home. This is where I was raised, and I wanted to figure out how we could help our community.”
— Si Johnson, Multiple-fundholder at KZCF
A Foundation of Support & Guidance
As their relationship with KZCF deepened, so did their understanding of philanthropy. Through KZCF’s guidance, they learned about emerging community needs, discovered opportunities for collaboration and found ways to align their giving with their values. The Johnsons said that working with KZCF helped them elevate their knowledge and be more thoughtful about how and where to help. Si called the partnership “a powerful combination” — one that allows donors to learn, dream and act with greater purpose. “Donor Advised Funds and the treasures at Kalamazoo Community Foundation together allow you to be more thoughtful, knowledgeable and intentional about your giving.”
One particularly meaningful example came when the Johnsons were deciding what to name their fund, something that felt superficial and not particularly important at the time. During conversations with KZCF staff, Ann helped them see how central the idea of family was to their philanthropic vision — a realization that shaped the fund’s name and meaning.
“I’ll say, the name of our fund, that was probably Ann’s wisdom and knowledge that helped us think a little more deeply,” Shirley said. “Now it’s so meaningful to me, that our giving has our family attached to it. It’s something we’re preparing to bring our daughters and grandchildren into.”
Today, the Johnsons steward two funds: the Si and Shirley Johnson Family Fund, which reflects their hope of engaging future generations, and the Si and Shirley Johnson Community Fund, a Discretionary Fund supporting broad community needs. They continue to meet regularly with KZCF advisors to refine their giving, learn about local challenges, and ensure their philanthropy remains impactful.
A Legacy in Motion
Shirley said their goal has always been simple yet profound:
“Wouldn’t it be lovely if in our community everyone could have a secure, independent life? So what are the obstacles to achieving that?”
— Shirley Johnson, Multiple-fundholder at KZCF
While the couple doesn’t seek recognition, they take pride in knowing their philanthropy will ripple outward through their children, grandchildren and the community they’ve always called home.
“Over time,” Shirley reflected, “we realized just how valuable KZCF is. I would suggest to anyone considering a fund: get in touch with a KZCF advisor who can understand your passions and what’s important to you. That relationship makes all the difference.”
