For Jeff and Tricia Sheridan, generosity has always been part of the rhythm of life. It’s how they were raised, how they have lived, and now, how they are preparing the next generation to lead.
Through the establishment of the Sheridan Family Fund at the Wayne County Foundation, Jeff and Tricia are doing more than making charitable gifts. They are building a legacy, embedded in family, community, and the belief that giving should be both intentional and enduring.
The fund is part of the Sheridan’s estate planning, ensuring that their commitment to philanthropy will continue long into the future. But for Jeff and Tricia, waiting wasn’t the point.
“Establishing the fund now gives us the opportunity to teach our adult kids the importance of philanthropy and how they can potentially create funds of their own,” Tricia explained.
That decision has transformed the fund into something deeply personal. Today, a portion of the funds are already being distributed, with Jeff and Tricia’s children having the primary responsibility to decide where those gifts go. Some choose organizations in Wayne County. Others direct funds to causes in the communities where they now live.
Luke Sheridan shared, “We learned a lot through this process of giving, especially about researching causes and understanding where we can make an impact. It’s incredibly rewarding. It didn’t take long for us to see where we could show our appreciation and compassion for the organizations that we think can make a better future.”
The Sheridans’ commitment to generosity didn’t start with Tricia and Jeff. As an Ahaus, Tricia’s family has been part of the community for generations, and philanthropy has long been woven into her family’s story. Her father founded Every Child Can Read, an initiative dedicated to ensuring children develop strong literacy skills. She also co-chairs the Women’s Fund of the Wayne County Foundation. Jeff grew up in a family that also believed in giving, both time and resources, to strengthen the community.
Over the past 29 years, Jeff’s own experiences as a local business owner and community member have only deepened that commitment. He has also served for 20 years on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, witnessing firsthand how community organizations change lives.
“I want the community to thrive,” Jeff said. “And that means supporting the organizations that help people and places. We need a Richmond Civic Theatre, a Richmond Art Museum, food pantries, and so much more. This fund allows us to be part of that.”
When the Sheridans began exploring how to structure their giving, they turned to the Wayne County Foundation. The choice was based on the Foundation’s reputation.
“We chose the Foundation because of its history of trust and stewardship and because people we respected recommended it,” Jeff said. “The process was easy, flexible, and tailored to our preferences. And it’s local. We can make changes and have our questions answered quickly.”
For Tricia, another benefit quickly became clear.
“If anything happens to us, the fund is set up and our kids can continue giving,” she said. “It gives them the freedom to designate funds to who they choose—not who they think Jeff and I would want them to choose. It allows them to get comfortable with the process and build a habit of philanthropy.”
The process itself has been surprisingly simple. Through the Foundation’s online system, the family can easily recommend grants each year, a feature the Sheridans say their children have especially enjoyed.
“The process for making recommendations through the online system is very straightforward,” said Sarah (Sheridan) Kolle. “My family chose to give to organizations outside of Wayne County, closer to where we live in Northern Michigan, and we were still met with great support.”
And for Jeff and Tricia, it has created an unexpected gift: insight into their children’s values.
“It gives us a window into their adult lives and what they care about,” Jeff shared.
In the end, the Sheridan Family Fund isn’t just about generosity. It’s about ensuring that the spirit of giving continues to grow, generation after generation. Jeff offers simple advice for others who may be considering something similar.
“Do it sooner rather than later,” he said.
Matt Sheridan echoes this sentiment. “The family fund has allowed us to be involved in philanthropic giving to a greater extent than we otherwise would be at this point in our lives. We are excited for the ways that it will allow us to model giving and service to our own children in the years to come.”
Because when families give together, they build more than charitable funds. They build traditions, shared values, and a future where communities continue to thrive.
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If you’ve ever considered how your family might give back, now and in the future, the Wayne County Foundation can help you create a plan that reflects your values and your vision.