On May 16th, 2024, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County will recognize Donna Niester with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Foundation’s 80th Anniversary celebration.
The Community Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award dates back to the 1960’s, it is the pinnacle of recognition from the Foundation, it has been awarded to only 27 other people. Donna has a lifetime woven with threads of community service, volunteerism, philanthropy, and unwavering support for numerous organizations, she is a leading example of what it means to give back.
Patti Manley, the Foundation’s Board Chair, speaks with admiration, calling Donna one of the “region’s most prominent voices for philanthropy”. Donna’s journey started long ago, spanning both Michigan and Florida, where her passion for community blossomed into a legacy of impact. Her involvement with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County began in 2003, but her commitment to making a difference trace back to her pivotal role alongside the late philanthropist James C. Acheson, helping him to establish a private foundation that bears his name.
Donna reflects on her first encounter with the Foundation, a nostalgic memory from the 1980s when she attended an annual dinner as a guest of her late friend and business partner, Doug Austin, who was also a long-time board member of the Community Foundation. “We were expected to be involved,” she recalls, embodying the spirit of community engagement that has defined her life.
Her mantra, “time, treasure, or talents,” has been the guiding light of her philanthropic journey. Manley acknowledges Donna’s exceptional experience in the foundation world, noting her significant contributions to the Community Foundation and collaboration with the Broward County Community Foundation in Florida. “Donna, a rare talent and role model, epitomizes the transformative power of philanthropy.”
For Donna, philanthropy is not just a concept; it’s a powerful tool for community growth. As a CPA, her professional practice aligns seamlessly with her advocacy for social change. Serving in various roles within the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, including being the first woman in 70 years elected as board chair in 2013, breaking barriers and paving the way for a new era of leadership.
Her impact extends beyond the Foundation, having served on the Michigan Community Service Commission and receiving the Distinguished Woman of the Year award from Northwood University. Donna believes in the profound rewards of community service, stating, “You will always get more out of it than what you put in. Few things in life are more rewarding than helping others.”
Donna and her family have a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation, and she is a founding member of the Women’s Initiative. She demonstrates a commitment that runs deep. She has actively participated in multiple Foundation committees including the Executive Committee, Governance Committee and Complete Your Degree.
Recalling her favorite projects, Donna highlights the creation of Studio 1219, Youth Home, the Blue Water River Walk, and the Back-to-School events, all testaments to her enduring passion for community development. Her passion extends to supporting the work of local organizations, including Safe Horizons, Mid-City Nutrition, McLaren Hospital, Woodrow Wilson, Cleveland Elementary, Port Huron Museums, and SONS.
Randy Maiers, the Community Foundation President & CEO, emphasizes the magnitude of Donna’s impact, often extending beyond the spotlight, “Most people don’t have any idea of how significant Donna’s impact has been”, he said. “For every project that made headlines, Donna has been the driving force behind two others that remained in the shadows.”
Before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Donna earned recognition from the Council of Michigan Foundations for the Community Foundation Philanthropy Award and Crain’s Detroit as one of the 100 most influential women in Michigan. These accolades serve as testaments to a life dedicated to making a difference. As the Foundation prepares to honor Donna Niester at its 80th anniversary celebration, one can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the profound impact she has had on countless lives. Donna is a true champion of philanthropy; she has left a lasting mark on the hearts and souls of those fortunate enough to witness the grace of her contributions. To join in the Foundation in honoring this extraordinary woman, tickets to the celebration are available via this link to our 80th Anniversary page.