Donor Spotlight: The Krausnicks

For Mick and Claudia Krausnick, life has always been about more than accumulating possessions. “It’s important to both of us that we have a greater sense of purpose. We don’t want to just collect things – we want to feel that we are making lives better for other people,” says Claudia.

Mick Krausnick came from humble beginnings. In 1975, he relocated to Modesto from Southern California to join the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s office as head of the Consumer Fraud Unit. It was there that he met Claudia, who worked in Consumer Affairs. Their professional collaboration blossomed into a personal one, leading to their engagement and marriage after eleven years as colleagues and friends.

After more than three decades of dedicated service to Stanislaus County, Mick retired as County Counsel and Claudia retired from the Chief Executive Office. With their newfound freedom, they set off on their next great adventure – traveling the world together. However, it wasn’t long before their focus shifted from global exploration to local impact. Claudia’s early involvement in church-based fundraising instilled in her a deep sense of community service. This commitment was reinforced during her 30-year career at Stanislaus County.  Inspired by the community spirit that built the Gallo Center for the Arts, Mick and Claudia were motivated to give back in a significant way. Their passion for service and philanthropy led them to support Community Hospice & Health Services (CHSS) extensively. As Board and Friends of Hospice members, they have found joy and fulfillment in making a difference.

Seeking to amplify their charitable efforts, the Krausnicks opened a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at Stanislaus Community Foundation. The decision was an easy one.  “As experts in the field, SCF knows what’s going on. We know that we are giving to vetted, quality organizations through them,” Claudia explains. By opening the Michael and Claudia Krausnick Fund, their charitable assets will grow over time, allowing them to strategically support causes they care about. 

Last November, the Krausnicks used their Required Minimum Distribution from their retirement account to establish the Sharing Gratitude Fund, a Designated Fund at SCF. This innovative approach allows them to bypass additional income tax and support organizations that they were not already supporting in other ways. It’s a win-win that maximizes their charitable giving.

The Krausnicks are also taking things one step further by creating an estate plan that will allow their charitable giving through SCF to continue long after they are gone.  “We like to plan ahead. We’re both planners. And the vehicles that SCF provides are great for charitable giving,” says Mick.

Mick and Claudia Krausnick’s partnership with the Stanislaus Community Foundation embodies how strategic philanthropy can amplify impact over time. By leveraging the resources and expertise of SCF, they have transformed their desire to help others into a powerful, enduring legacy. To learn more about contributing required minimum distributions from an IRA or other retirement account, please contact Melissa Van Diepen at mvandiepen@stanislauscf.org.