Brad and Nancy Straw’s Lifetime of Generosity 

Nancy Straw has a long history of service. Raised on a farm near Slayton, Minnesota, she met her husband, Brad, in Mitchell, South Dakota, where she began her career working in the nonprofit field. 

In 1996, Nancy accepted a position in economic development with West Central Initiative. She served on the lending team for three years before spending another 15 years as the organization’s President. Nancy recalls West Central Initiative as “The most uplifting, positive organization out there. The camaraderie with our sister Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nurtured by the McKnight Foundation, allowed us to see, serve, and succeed in our region, based on each region’s needs.” 

While Nancy remembers her time at West Central Initiative fondly, she’s also reminded of the challenges facing the region. 

“Our region was one of the first to feel the impact of the workforce shortage,” Nancy says. “We worked directly with employers to address the issue.” 

She also fostered relationships with local governments and worked to spur economic growth. 

“The cities and counties in our region partnered with us in the 1990s to become the Federal Economic Development District, which was a unique way to serve our region,” Nancy says. “We were likely the first nonprofit organization to receive that designation in the entire country.” 

Nancy’s innovative thinking and generosity have had a lasting impact on West Central Initiative and the region. 

Early Philanthropy 

Nancy’s first memory of philanthropy dates back to fifth grade. Growing up in Avoca, Minnesota, she helped her church organize a Walk for Hunger, where participants gathered donations based on the miles they walked. The event raised awareness and funds to support people experiencing hunger. The joy of giving was something Nancy learned at home.  

“My mom was always volunteering, giving back, and helping others, and my dad served on church committees and taught Sunday school,” Nancy explains. “Helping others was natural—it was and is in our DNA.” 

Giving Back to the Place that Shaped Them 

Generosity is Straws’ way of life. They’ve made a point of modeling what it means to share your time, resources, and talents—especially for their children and grandchildren. To share in their way of life, Nancy and Brad have created a Donor Advised Fund that allows their family to make designated gifts to causes close to their hearts. It’s a hands-on way to pass along their values and experience the joy of giving together.  

Now retired and residing in Florida, their giving spirit has remained strong. The Straws chose to open a fund with West Central Initiative because they care deeply about reinvesting in the region where their success was built, ensuring their generosity continues to strengthen the communities that shaped their lives. 

Generosity Made Easy 

Nancy shares, “We’re grateful that we’re in a position to give back. Having a Donor Advised Fund makes gifting to causes we care about quite easy.” 

Whether investing in trusted public institutions or responding to needs that have touched their own lives, their giving remains thoughtful and responsive. “We support larger causes, such as public television and local journalism, as well as causes we’re more personally connected to,” Nancy explains.   

At the same time, they value the role West Central Initiative plays in strengthening the region. Nancy adds, “We also appreciate the work and evolution of West Central Initiative, both in the existing initiatives such as early childhood and economic development, and the newer programs in sustainability and civic leadership training. These are all critical programs that provide lift and help whole communities thrive now and into the future.”  

As for the future, Brad and Nancy still make annual trips back to the region, but will eventually move back to their home state of Minnesota, where family and friends reside, and opportunities to get involved are plentiful. 

Learn more about West Central Initiative and how you can leave a lasting legacy.