Bringing Philanthropy to Life

The Miller Area Foundation (MAF) is one of 84 community savings accounts housed at the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). The individuals involved with the MAF are passionate about facilitating the opportunity for economic development, human services, educational, cultural, and environmental enhancement for generations to come. Simply put, the organization is working to see Miller, SD thrive for generations to come. For this special two-part conversation, Jamie Farmen, Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager for the SDCF joined Dawn Joy, current MAF Advisory Council Chairperson, as well as Tiffany Hofer, MAF Advisor Council member. She also sat down with Jim and Nini Hart, who helped to establish the MAF in 1994. In this episode you will hear: The history and success of the MAF from Dawn Joy and Tiffany Hofer Why community support is vital in rural communities of South Dakota The story of Jim and Nini Hart, and why they are passionate about supporting Miller SD “It’s a great accomplishment for a small community–not only as donors but as doers and door openers,” shared Nini Hart. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Call to Freedom (CTF) is a nonprofit organization based in Sioux Falls, SD that brings wholeness to all individuals impacted by sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation. CTF facilitates a healing path through its continuum of care model. Becky Rasmussen, CTF’s Executive Director, joined South Dakota Community Foundation's (SDCF) Director of Development Jeff Veltkamp to discuss the critical care the organization provides. In this episode you will hear: Statistics on human trafficking in South Dakota Call to Freedom’s work to keep survivors from slipping through the cracks The ways partnering with the South Dakota Community Foundation has helped their organization grow. “We want to see that every survivor has an opportunity to be safe. We as a community need to come together to say ‘your life is valued’,” shared Becky. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Dr. Charles and Kathie Hart have given back to South Dakota in more ways than one, and their devotion to continue giving back isn’t stopping any time soon. Both of the Harts have had lasting careers in health care. Dr. Hart spent 14 years practicing Family Practice and Emergency Medicine before he transitioned to CEO at Regional Health (currently Monument Health) in Rapid City, SD. Kathie is a registered nurse and an avid community volunteer with a focus on children’s activities. Dr. Hart and Kathie, joined Beth Massa of the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to talk about their experience working with the SouthDCF to give back to South Dakota.  In this episode you will hear: Firsthand experience in establishing a donor-advised fund through the SDCF Dr. Hart and Kathie’s passion to create a philanthropic legacy they could pass on to their children The ways they have given back to South Dakota “It’s been our goal that this is something that benefits our children, in an ongoing future way,” shared Kathie. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) was created as a public, nonprofit corporation on November 11, 1987, driven by the imagination of former Governor George S. Mickelson. He believed that the state of South Dakota needed an organization that would promote statewide donations and provide financial assistance to nonprofits. Jeff Veltkamp, SDCF’s Director of Development, recently sat down with two leaders — current President & CEO Stephanie Judson, and past President & CEO, and current board member, Bob Sutton to discuss their efforts to make a stronger South Dakota through philanthropy. In this episode you will hear: what it was like growing the foundation from each of their perspectives; the unique experiences they have each had as president; and the lessons they have learned from the generosity of South Dakotans. “We are an endowment-based organization, so people are choosing to invest in the future of others,” said Stephanie Judson. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at: Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

The Aberdeen YMCA has strong roots in South Dakota and has been present in the area for over 100 years. Their commitment to community remains as strong today as it did in 1921. South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator, Pat Gallagher, recently joined the Aberdeen Y’s CEO, Mike Quast, to discuss the impact the organization makes in Aberdeen. In this episode you will hear: The history of the Aberdeen YMCA; the unique ways the organization serves its community; and the inspiration charitable giving can have on others. “Seeing generational philanthropy from a family is amazing, and is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” stated Mike Quast. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at: Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

The Helpline Center (THC) began serving South Dakota in 1974, and through the years the agency has grown to become a 24-hour/7-days-a-week service. It is the first location west of the Mississippi River to begin 2-1-1 services and is available to the entire state of South Dakota. As an organization, THC serves thousands of people yearly by connecting individuals to resources and support, connecting local agency volunteers, and offering hope to individuals with thoughts of suicide. Jeff Veltkamp, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF)’s Director of Development spoke with Janet Kittams, the Chief Executive Officer for the Helpline Center to discuss her work, and the community support THC offers to the state of South Dakota. In this episode you will hear: the broad range of services THC offers; what drew Janet to working with THC for over 25 years; and how partnering with the SDCF is helping THC make a stronger impact for good. “It doesn’t matter who you are, we all fall on hard times…sometimes we just need help and support, and that is okay,” said Janet. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at: Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

First Dakota Bank, the first banking institution in the Dakota Territory, began operations in 1872. 150 years later, First Dakota wanted to celebrate a century and a half in business by giving back to the communities of South Dakota. Rob Ness, Chief Financial Officer, and Dan Statema, Director of Corporate Image & Development of First Dakota, joined Jeff Veltkamp of the South Dakota Community Foundation to talk about the Stronger Communities Fund.  In this episode you will hear: what inspired the Stronger Communities Fund; the way this fund is empowering and improving communities; and how First Dakota is giving back after 150 years in business in South Dakota. “If there is one thing that has stood out, it's just how many amazing South Dakotans there are out there looking to make improvements to their communities and regions,” stated Dan. To learn more about the Stronger Communities Fund click here. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at: Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Though the WINGS Foundation is just over a year old, its mission has roots nearly a century deep in the Huron South Dakota community. WINGS–which stands for Women In Network Growing Stronger–was born from the ashes of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Dawn Mutchelknaus, board chair of WINGS, joined Jamie Farmen of the South Dakota Community Foundation to talk about the evolution of the WINGS Foundation.  In this episode you will hear: the history and evolution of the WINGS Foundation; the way WINGS honors its past while making the necessary changes to best serve the Huron community; and all the ways WINGS is making a positive impact. “Our name signifies that this foundation is going to take people places, and it’s going to allow some really amazing things to happen,” said Dawn. To learn more about the WINGS Foundation click here. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at:  Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Kurt Solay, an attorney of over 30 years and a South Dakota Community Foundation key club member, recently joined Beth Massa, host, and Director for Foundation Relations for a conversation on estate planning. Kurt, who has spent his whole career focused on estate planning and business law, shares information and experiences of helping his clients fulfill their charitable goals.  In this episode you will hear: The importance of understanding the ever-changing tax laws in the state of South Dakota; Why giving before you have passed away can lead to deeper fulfillment; What inspires Kurt about philanthropy in South Dakota. Kurt Solay is a Partner at Nooney & Solay, LLP, and is an A-rated lawyer in the national Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, a member of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, the Pennington County Bar Association, the South Dakota State Bar, and the American Bar Association. To learn more about the work Kurt and other key club members of the South Dakota Community Foundation do click here. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at: Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Chad Locken, an attorney in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and native to the neighboring community of Groton, has a strong connection to his small-town roots. In his practice, Chad specializes in estate planning, wills, and business law. Chad is a strong advocate for charitable giving, and he feels that it is an important option to share with clients of any age when estate planning. In this episode you will hear: Chad’s passion for introducing clients to the work of the South Dakota Community Foundation; Why he appreciates donating on a local level; Chad’s ability to see that most people are charitable by nature, they just need to know where to begin. Chad Locken is an Attorney at Law at Gellhaus and Gellhaus, P.C. He attended the University of North Dakota School of Law and graduated with honors, is a member of the South Dakota State Bar Association, and offers pro-bono work through South Dakota Access to Justice. To learn more about the work Chad and other Key Club members of the South Dakota Community Foundation do click here. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at: Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

The Madison Central School Educational Foundation (MCSEF)–based in Madison, South Dakota, became a 501(c)(3) organization, offering scholarships to students and grants to teachers for professional development. These grants gave teachers the ability to innovate their classrooms with funds for equipment, subscriptions, and field trips that exceed the school’s budget. Renae Prostrollo, Executive Director of MCSEF, and Jennifer Gross, Chairperson of MCSEF work to enhance the school district of Madison South Dakota.  In this episode you will hear: MCSEF’s work to enhance opportunities for students and teachers; The history of the Foundation; Why MCSEF’s partnership with the South Dakota Community Foundation has helped their endowment stabilize and grow exponentially over the last decade. Renae and Jennifer are passionate about their work with MCSEF and hope to see the foundation grow to the point of offering a scholarship to every student graduating high school in the district.  To learn more about the Madison Central School Education Foundation click here. Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota at: Facebook Instagram www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Since 1987, the South Dakota Community Foundation has been bringing philanthropy to life for a stronger South Dakota by connecting generous people and charitable nonprofits in our state. This special 35-year anniversary podcast series airs this August and features inspiring stories from donor, community, advisor, and nonprofit partners invested in creating an improved South Dakota for generations to come. Follow us now where you find your favorite podcasts, so you don't miss conversations with key club member Kurt Solay, the WINGS Foundation, Madison Central School Foundation and more.

Across South Dakota, there are people quietly shaping the future, helping others dream bigger, give more, and leave a mark that lasts for generations. Among them are the members of the South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) Key Club: professional advisors who not only guide their clients through important financial decisions but also open the door to lasting philanthropy. These trusted partners work hand-in-hand with SDCF to transform personal passions into legacies that strengthen communities statewide.SDCF Director of Development, Jeff Veltkamp, sat down with President & CEO, Stephanie Judson, and attorney and Key Club member, Trudy Morgan. Together, they discussed the importance of planned giving vehicles and how they can be used to create lasting impact.In this episode, you will hear:How Stephanie and Trudy have helped shape philanthropy in South DakotaHow Trudy guides clients to find the right planned giving path for themStories of impact that fuel Stephanie and Trudy’s mission to create a lasting impact“The conversation often starts with understanding what matters most to them, learning what causes they’ve supported, and experiences that have shaped their lives. From there, we can explore how their estate plan can carry that forward.” - Trudy MorganFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

History lives in the stories we tell, the artifacts we preserve, and the lessons we pass down to future generations. At the South Dakota Historical Society (SDHS), the mission is simple yet profound: safeguard the heritage of South Dakota so it continues to inspire, educate, and connect.Chelle Somsen, State Archivist and longtime staff member at the SDHS, joined the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, for a conversation. They discussed how her work with the South Dakota Historical Foundation helps raise funds to support SDHS’s efforts to preserve state history for generations to come.In this episode, you will hear:How the South Dakota Historical Society is preserving state historyChelle’s experience applying for a South Dakota Fund grant The digitization project of the history of American Indian life in South Dakota.“History isn’t just something in the past,” she reflected. “It’s happening every day. And when people take the time to record their experiences, they’re helping to shape the record of who we are as South Dakotans.”  - Chelle SomsenFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Mark and Christine Buche have spent their lives rooted in South Dakota values. The Buches sat down with SDCF Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, Jamie Farmen, to talk about their passion for community service and philanthropy.In this episode, you will hear: Mark and Christine’s South Dakota rootsTheir drive to give back to communitiesMark’s involvement with the SDCF and how it has helped the Buches give back in meaningful ways“Sometimes you think a small act won’t make a difference, but you never know what kind of doors it might open for someone.” - Christine BucheFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

For John and Joy Mills, giving back is both a calling and a reflection of their values. Deep faith, a love for learning, and a strong belief in supporting others fuel John and his wife Joy’s passion for giving back. By partnering with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), they have found a meaningful way to leave a legacy that aligns with all three.John sat down with SDCF Director of Development, Jeff Veltkamp, to talk about his decision to establish the Peace Lutheran Education Fund. This charitable fund is designed to support educational efforts at Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings, South Dakota, a church community that has played a major role in John and Joy’s lives.In this episode, you will hear:The Mill’s life and inspiration for giving backHow this fund will support early educationWhy they recommends working with the SDCF for your charitable goals“Ultimately, I just want to help others know God more deeply,” John said. “If I can do that through this fund, then I know I’ve done something worthwhile.”Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

In the heart of South Dakota, a bold vision is turning sidewalks into exam rooms and compassion into healing. Founded in June 2023 by Drs. Shannon Emry and Melissa Dittberner, Midwest Street Medicine is redefining what it means to deliver healthcare. Based in Sioux Falls, Midwest Street Medicine is meeting individuals where they are, figuratively and literally.Midwest Street Medicine was the recipient of a Beyond Idea Grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) in 2024, helping them to expand their reach. Dr. Emry shared this inspiring nonprofit's origin story and mission with SDCF Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann.In this episode, you will hear:How Midwest Street Medicine is making a difference in Sioux FallsTheir hopes to expand thanks to receiving the Beyond Idea GrantThe importance of relationship building when working with South Dakota’s unsheltered population“The medicine comes after the trust. For many of our patients, just having someone show up, remember their name, and treat them with dignity is the first step.” - Dr. Shannon EmryLearn more about Midwest Street Medicine here: https://www.midweststreetmedicine.org/Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Nestled in the heart of Sisseton, the Stavig House stands as a testament to the immigrant experience in America. In 2024, the Stavig House Museum completed fundraising of more than $120,000 to establish a permanent endowment fund at SDCF and was awarded $20,000 in matching funds from SDCF’s Nonprofit Savings Account grant program. Endowment funds are invested over time, and earnings create a long-term revenue source to support the organization.Pat Gallagher, Community Development Coordinator for South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) joined John and Jane Rasmussen, Board President and Board Director of the Stavig House Museum to discuss their work preserving the Stavig House for generations to come.In this episode, you will hear:The history of the Stavig HouseThe Rasmussen’s experience establishing an endowment fundHow they hope their work will inspire future generations“It is really fortunate that the home stayed in the Stavig family since the time it was built in 1916, and they chose not to modernize it over the years. This preservation reflects a different era and time, which is quite special.” - Jane RasmussenFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Higher education opens doors to new opportunities yet for many students the financial burden can be a major barrier. The Freedom Scholarship is changing that reality for students in South Dakota. Offering a pathway to success, the Freedom Scholarship benefits students from all economic backgrounds who dream of pursuing a bachelor’s degree.South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, Jamie Farmen, joined Freedom Scholarship manager, Elli Haerter, to discuss the impact this landmark scholarship program has had on South Dakota over the last four years.In this episode, you will hear:Details about the Freedom ScholarshipStories of impact from students to the workforceUniversities that offer the freedom scholarship“This scholarship’s impact grows every year, and the exciting part is that we are just getting started, " - Elli HaerterFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

As a nonprofit sister organization to the South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA), the South Dakota Dental Foundation, SDDF is dedicated to improving oral health through education, advocacy, and direct support. SDDF focuses on serving those who need it most—elderly and disabled individuals, underserved children in need of orthodontic care, aspiring dental professionals, and communities lacking access to preventive dental services.SDCF Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, joined the Executive Director of both SDDA and SDDF, Paul Knecht, to discuss how the South Dakota Fund grant is helping SDDF expand its impact in South Dakota. In this episode, you will hear:What it was like applying for the South Dakota Grant Fund.The vital role SDDF programs offer, like the Donated Dental Services program.How Paul hopes the SDDF will grow in the future. “Applying for the South Dakota Fund Grant was such a positive experience for us. It was very straightforward, and we are so thrilled to turn these grant funds into results for the people we hope to help across South Dakota.” – Paul KnechtFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org