Visionary Impact
Celebrating 50 Years of Generosity and Stewardship
Barnabas Foundation was born out of a series of insightful conversations among a group of savvy businessmen in the early 1970s. What started as a discussion about planned giving for a single ministry quickly evolved into a broader vision: a foundation that would educate and empower generous believers for greater Kingdom impact. The idea took root, and Barnabas Foundation was officially launched as a nonprofit ministry in April 1976.
Having provided extensive advice to the founders, Robert den Dulk was asked to serve as executive director in late 1976 and continued in that part-time capacity through 1978. Reflecting on his contributions at the Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration, Bill Weidenaar said, “Bob was a rare combination of theological and religious insight coupled with business acumen. His contributions to Barnabas Foundation, based on his strong Christian faith and his knowledge of finances and financial responsibility, have proven to be long-lasting and invaluable.”
Dr. Dennis Hoekstra became the first full-time executive director and served from 1979 to 1993. His early days were marked by vast ambition and endless travel, often with limited resources. Barnabas Foundation began operations with $35,000 in seed funding from a Christian Reformed Church grant and 13 founding member ministries. With his wife Jeni’s permission, Dennis Hoekstra set up headquarters in his home for the first five years, eventually taking over their kitchen and basement. When the fifth full-time employee was hired, Jeni (who was both the Foundation’s volunteer secretary and a full-time high school teacher/mom) gently suggested it was time for the growing organization to relocate. Soon after, two generous Chicago builder families gifted Barnabas Foundation its first corporate office.
David Vander Ploeg, J.D., one of the founders, became the executive director and served from 1993 to 2000, followed by Henry Doorn, Jr., CPA from 2000 to 2015, and James Bakke, J.D., who has led since 2015. Under each man’s godly, wise, and courageous leadership, Barnabas Foundation has continued to grow in reach and impact.
Today, Barnabas Foundation helps thousands of generous Christians transfer their wealth in ways that honor God, provide for their families, and support the causes close to their hearts.
Last year alone, $148 million was distributed to 3,166 charities. Since its founding, Barnabas Foundation has distributed more than $1.5 billion to causes worldwide. An additional $2 billion is currently in the pipeline for future distributions.
As we celebrate Barnabas Foundation’s 50th anniversary, we cannot help but recognize God’s remarkable faithfulness and provision over the years. What began as a conversation and a dream has grown into a thriving movement with global and eternal impact.
Looking toward the future, Barnabas Foundation remains committed to equipping the next generation of generous believers to steward their God-given resources for lasting Kingdom impact. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, both now and in the decades to come.
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This content is written as part of Generosity Today (2026, Issue 2).
