Stories From Across Minnesota
A Legacyof Givingin Hutchinson
The I. J. Burich Family Foundation was created by Irvin Joseph and Mary Burich to carry out their philanthropic commitment to the city of Hutchinson and McLeod County.
The I. J. Burich Family Foundation has been a pillar in Hutchinson since 1996, when it was launched as the Citizens Bank Foundation. Its funding has helped support many prominent fixtures in the community, such as the Hutchinson Library, Hutchinson Health Hospital, Elks Park, Burich Arena and Harmony River Senior Living.
The I. J. Burich Family Foundation board consists of community members, Citizens Bank staff, members of the Burich family and a member of the Southwest Initiative Foundation. Together they collectively make recommendations to support organizations and causes they care about.
Three Generations of Giving
Heather Knorr is the third generation to carry on the Burich family’s tradition of giving. In the early 1960s her grandfather, Irvin J. Burich, became majority owner and third president of the Citizens Bank of Hutchinson where he carved out his family’s legacy of giving back. His son and Heather’s father, Thomas “Buzz” Burich followed in his footsteps and led the bank from 1985 to 2020, as well as the foundation.
Snapshots
This fund is just one of four funds the Burich family has with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. It is a family authorized donor advised fund, which has been philanthropically inherited, to ensure the family's charitable legacy lives on.
“ I always hear people say, ‘if the community needs something, they go to the bank or they go to the foundation. They're always here for the community trying to make them better.’”
Heather Knorr
More Stories
Fostering Wealth in Minnesota’s Indigenous Communities
Learn how Mni Sota Fund supports Native homeownership in the Twin Cities.
See their impact
Emma Norton Services: A Century of Transformative Housing
For more than 100 years this renowned nonprofit has ensured that people in Minnesota have a safe and affordable place to call home.
See the impact
Juana Garcia: Celebrating Cultural Traditions Through Dance
Dance has been a way for Juana (Jaynie) Garcia to connect to her Mexican heritage, introducing Ballet Folklorico to others in the city of Willmar.
See the project
Rondo's Heartbeat: The Enduring Impact of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
Learn how this community center has served as a safe haven for generations in Saint Paul.
Watch the video
Drumming for Unity: A Vision for Community Change
Created by John Salgado Maldonado, Cimarrón Batucada uses the art of drumming to address social justice issues and promote cross-cultural community engagement.
See the project
Announcing Our New Strategic Plan
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation launches our strategic plan for the next five years. Watch our video to see our aspiration, purpose and key strategies.
Watch the video
We’ve Moved
On January 21, 2025, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation relocated to Osborn370, a dynamic hub of innovation and diversity in downtown Saint Paul.
Read about our move
From Lab to Stage: Kenji Shoemaker's Unique Path in Theater
There’s a unique art and science to prop and stage design. These skills helped former scientist Kenji Shoemaker switch careers, showcasing his talents behind the curtains.
See the project