Tom and Rose Winkels’ commitment to giving began early in their marriage, lived out in simple, intentional ways as they raised their five children. A weekly allowance of four quarters and one simple rule — that one quarter must go to charity — helped instill the habit of generosity.
Years later, that same spirit continues through thoughtful, long-term charitable planning. The Winkels’ early practice of intentional generosity within their family set the foundation for creating lasting impact in their community and beyond.
In 2021, Rose and Tom established a donor advised fund with CCF. They structured it to continue their generosity beyond the needs they see in the community today. They use the fund to steward their resources and meet their giving goals in their lifetime with care and purpose.
In the years ahead, after they are called home to God, the fund will receive additional resources through their estate plan and convert into a perpetual endowment. It will carry on their charitable intentions for generations to come. Their approach to giving reflects the spirit of Luke 12:48: to whom much is given, much is required.
“With God as our creator, we know that nothing exists without him,” Tom says. “We fully understand the need to provide for others and pay it forward.”
Guided by Experience, Grounded by Faith
For more than three decades, Tom worked as a wealth management advisor, partnering with clients to develop their own estate plans. His professional background, along with the Winkels’ Catholic faith, led them to both CCF and a donor advised fund.
They wanted to create an estate plan that would support organizations aligned with their values and respond to the changing needs of our community long into the future.
To date, the couple has made numerous grants from their donor advised fund, primarily to Catholic organizations. These charities support education, religious vocations, basic needs, and more — reflecting many of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. They carefully choose charities “here, near, and far” to have an impact at the local, regional, and global levels.
The Winkels, who are active parishioners at Holy Name of Jesus in Wayzata, say CCF streamlines their giving and amplifies their faith in action
“There are many generous people who support important work,” says Rose. “For us, it’s about helping those efforts continue, staying close to what matters most to us and our faith.”
Through 33 years of marriage, their approach to charitable giving has provided a series of teaching moments within their family. What began with a simple allowance grew into conversations around the kitchen table. These conversations now help Rose and Tom talk with their children about their values, the need for ongoing charitable planning in their lives, and the role faith plays in their generosity.
By putting structure around those beliefs, they hope to give their children both peace of mind and an example to follow. Already they’ve seen those lessons take root in the next generation, as their grandchildren dutifully set aside coins for charity.
“Our legacy isn’t in a name,” Rose says. “It’s our legacy of faith and how we bring that forward to fulfill God’s call.”