Bringing Philanthropy to Life

Safety and connection have always gone hand in hand at Lifescape, an organization dedicated to providing care for children and adults across South Dakota.In 2025, Lifescape received a $100,000 Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) from South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) for its Safe Care Project, an initiative aimed at improving staff safety and promoting healthy, positive behavior support for the people Lifescape serves. The Beyond Idea Grant program, offered in partnership with the Bush Foundation, funds community-based ideas that move South Dakota forward.Jessica Wells, president of the Lifescape Foundation, sat down with Ginger Nieman, senior program officer at SDCF, to discuss how the Safe Care Project came together and the difference it is already making.In this episode, you will hear:How Lifescape supports children and adults throughout South DakotaLifescape’s Safe Care ProjectHow the Beyond Idea Grant helps organizations think outside the boxA lot of times in nonprofits, we feel very limited in our thinking. Like, okay, this is the only funding I have, this is the only thing I can do. But the Beyond Idea Grant says no, think about possibilities and take that leap.” —Jessica WellsFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

In Tripp County, South Dakota, a grassroots matching challenge planted three decades ago has grown into the vision of what happens when a small community decides to invest in itself, one gift, one memorial, and one scholarship at a time.Dawn Covey, chairperson of Tripp County Community Foundation (TCCF), sat down with Jamie Farmen, senior community development coordinator of South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), to talk about how that grassroots beginning grew into a legacy for the community that built it.In this episode, you will hear:How TCCF was establishedThe ways TCCF is making an impact Inspiring stories of community members giving back through the foundation“It’s pretty amazing that donations from very generous people have been able to do all that,” - Dawn CoveyFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org  

Philanthropy comes to life in a multitude of ways throughout South Dakota, creating a ripple effect of good. That ripple starts with people who are willing to dream of a better future not only for themselves but also for those around them. One such dreamer is Scott Jones, immediate past chair and longtime board member of South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF).Last year, Jones took some time to reflect on his tenure as SDCF's board chair—recounting milestones, describing programs and impact, and sharing what he hopes his own philanthropy will mean for South Dakota.In this episode, you will hear:How SDCF has grown as an organization.How a $300 pledge put Scott on a path to pursue philanthropy for years to come.How SDCF makes giving back simple. "To have those stories connected in a way that had a huge impact, not only on my own personal life as a volunteer and as a donor, but also on my own community. It means the world to me." — Scott JonesFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: SDCommunityFoundation.org  

Though its name sounds otherworldly, the Fairy Godmother's Fund is very real. And it's built on a belief that has been acted upon time and again: South Dakotans don't think twice about helping a neighbor in need.That spirit was on full display in a recent conversation with two members of the Fairy Godmother's Fund Advisory Council, Sally Christenson of Pierre and Penny Porter of Sioux Falls. Their stories paint a vivid picture of what it means to step in for someone at exactly the right moment.In this episode, you will hear:How Christenson and Porter became involved with the fund.The way the Fairy Godmother’s Fund makes an impact, large or small.Why meeting critical needs matters.“We have to ask: is this a critical need, or more of a chronic need? A young mom who has escaped a domestic violence situation and needs money now to pay for daycare so she can keep her job. That's critical. And that's where we try to step in." - Penny PorterFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org  

In communities like Britton, S.D., generosity is not just an idea. It is a way of life. Through Britton Area Foundation (BAF), that spirit of giving has been shaped into something lasting, supporting local needs today while building a stronger future for generations to come.Patty Roehr, a longtime board member of BAF, joined South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator Patrick Gallagher to reflect on the foundation's history and impact as well as the role community savings accounts play in strengthening rural communities.In this episode, you will hear:The history of BAFThe way Community Savings Accounts support momentum for positive changePatty Roehr’s longtime commitment to the Britton area.“Philanthropy is just part of life when you live in a small rural community,” - Patty RoehrFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org