Naperville residents Zac and Kristin Larson believe in living their legacy–not waiting to leave one behind. As founders of the new Zac and Kristin Larson Youth and Family Services Fund—part of our All In DuPage campaign—the Larsons are investing in causes that support under-resourced youth and families across DuPage County. Their fund focuses on creating safe, supportive spaces for young people and ensuring families facing challenges have access to the help they need.“We want to fuel the impact and let the experts get it out to the places who need it,” said Zac. For the Larsons, this mission is deeply personal. With four sons of their own, they’ve experienced the power of a strong, connected community—and now they want to ensure others can access that same support. “Our family has received great community support,” said Zac. “We want to make sure there’s a fund that continues to support the organizations that help people as they need it.” But it’s not just about giving back— it’s about giving with purpose.

Kristin and Zac with their four boys at a Cubs game.

A Philosophy Rooted in Experience

Zac grew up the son of two pastors in Iowa, and he traces his giving mindset to a moment that stuck with him as a teenager. One night, after asking his mom for money for basketball shoes and being told no, he noticed his parents quietly putting the same amount into their church offering plate. “They were giving $150 a week while I was upset about not getting the shoes I wanted,” said Zac. “It was a formative experience that taught me how values and priorities can shift and make us think about what we want to do in our lives.” That moment helped shape Zac’s future. After a successful career in financial advising, he and his business partners launched IntentGen, a Naperville- based financial planning firm whose name combines “intention” and “generosity.” “Our mission is to empower people to live intentionally,” said Zac. “It’s great to accumulate more money, but ultimately, what’s the purpose of it?” IntentGen weaves philanthropy into its business model, helping clients align their finances with their values. Earlier this year, the firm hosted a Generosity Summit for local nonprofits and invited Michael Trench, Foundation vice president for advancement, to speak about charitable trends.

Generosity in Motion

Zac doesn’t just talk about giving back—he rides for it. In 2018, for his 40th birthday, Zac biked across Iowa as part of RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), inviting friends and raising money for a community center in Davenport. That ride would spark something bigger.

Zac’s Solstice Century fundraising bike ride.

In 2024, he launched Solstice Century, a local 100- mile charity ride that combines physical challenge with community giving. The event allows riders to choose where their fundraising dollars go, supporting a wide range of causes from mental health to housing and youth services. In just its second year, the event raised nearly $105,000. “I heard people say, ‘That sounds amazing, but I could never do that,’” said Zac. “People can do hard, generous things if you train your body and your mind to go do it.”

Zac during his 2025 Solstice Century ride.

Giving, Together

Kristin, who holds a degree in early childhood education and spent several years teaching kindergarten, brings her own giving spirit to the family’s work. Her passion lies in uplifting marginalized communities, especially LGBTQ+ youth and families navigating hardship. “I think of community in a broader sense,” said Kristin. “It’s not just the people we affiliate with regularly, but it’s the people who surround us in the world.” She’s drawn to organizations that provide safe spaces, mental health services, and everyday support for those who need it most. For her, philanthropy is less about writing a check and more about showing up with compassion. “It does often take you putting yourself out there and speaking up for someone who can’t speak up for themselves,” said Kristin.

A New Kind of Legacy

While many couples wait until retirement to focus on philanthropy, the Larsons are doing it now—all while raising four sons and running a growing business. And they hope their boys are paying attention.

Zac, Kristin and their four boys enjoying a day at the golf course.

“In life, sometimes we’re consumers and other times we’re contributors,” said Zac. “Our family wants to contribute resources for the same community that’s given us so much, and DuPage Foundation offers a meaningful way to do that without the pressure of choosing where the funds should go.” This is why they established a permanently-endowed community fund through DuPage Foundation: to create long-term support without needing to pick every cause themselves. Their advice to others? Don’t wait, and don’t overthink it. “Being an example is the way to be generous,” said Kristin. “Put yourself out there and do something for someone else. It doesn’t have to cost any money.” The Larsons are more than DuPage County residents— they’re builders of community, one act of generosity at a time. “I want this to be a community where my kids say, ‘Yeah, we would love to be here,’” said Zac. “Not just because of all the great things that are here, but because of how the community rallies around each other. And hopefully we’re doing a little bit to contribute to that.”

Grow Local Impact

To learn more about All In DuPage and how you can support our community’s future, contact Michael Trench, vice president for advancement, at michael@dupagefoundation.org or 630.665.5570. Read more stories like this in our fall newsletter.