“A Legacy of Generosity”
In Michael Cinquemani’s family, a story has been handed down about his grandparents when they were a young couple living in Brooklyn. His grandfather was out of work and they were facing eviction when two nuns knocked on the door saying they were hungry and asking for a donation. His grandmother gave the sisters the last few dollars the family had left. Fortunately, that same day his grandfather came home with a job.
“We have more of an opportunity to give, and we think that comes with great responsibility. Having the means to contribute, we have a responsibility to make a difference,” says Michael. “We prefer giving without gain or recognition as exemplified by our grandparents.”
It’s a philosophy he and his wife, Susan, have shared with their children, Emily, a poet and creative writing instructor at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, and Anthony, who recently graduated from Cornell University with a degree in mechanical engineering. The couple has made a difference through involvement with charitable causes and donations from their Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with the Community Foundation of Greenville.
Michael has served in several roles with United Way, as a board member and chair, campaign chair, and with the Palmetto, Poinsett, and Alexis de Tocqueville Societies. He served on the board and as treasurer of the Greenville Tech Foundation and as a board member and chair of Compass of Carolina. Most recently Michael has served as a business mentor for Village Launch. He has supported local startups as a member and former board chair of Venture South’s Upstate Carolina Angel Network (UCAN).
He currently serves as chair of the American Gear Manufacturers Association and has previously served on the board of the Power Transmission Distributors Association, trade groups for the industry he has worked in for 37 years. In 2010 he purchased Master Power Transmission, which currently has about 90 employees in Greenville and Columbus, Indiana. The company also has a strong culture of giving, participating in United Way’s annual pledge drive and Hands on Greenville Day.
“The generosity of our employees is humbling,” Michael says. “We have a donation matching program because our employees told us that this is what they want. They have a strong sense of community.”
Susan Cinquemani shares her husband’s “When you can, do,” philosophy, and has been equally active in community roles. She served six years on CFG’s board and recently completed a four-year term as co-chair of Greenville Women Giving.
“What’s so wonderful about Greenville Women Giving is that it gives you exposure to all that’s going on in our community. You learn about all of the established and grassroots organizations working to address local needs,” she says. “It’s exciting to see the impact that we’ve been able to have by partnering with nonprofits through granting. When you see everyone working together with great passion, it inspires you.”
Susan has served on the board of the Hispanic Alliance and was president, vice-president, and secretary of the advisory board for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. She mentored a teen in foster care for six years through Fostering Great Ideas, and was moved by her resilience and grit.
With their financial donations, the Cinquemanis like to support a variety of causes, focusing on young people and families. When inquiring about a DAF, their out-of-state advisors recommended they open one with the Community Foundation of Greenville and they followed their advice.
“Having a Donor Advised Fund allows us to act quickly. When we see an opportunity that resonates, we can jump on it,” Michael says.
Both agree that helping others access opportunity is one of the most rewarding aspects of community involvement and charitable giving.
“I really enjoy being part of the philanthropic community in Greenville,” Susan says. “The philanthropic spirit here is really strong; we’re humbled to be a part of that.”