Bringing Philanthropy to Life

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...

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. Thei...

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 Coordinat...

Helping people plan for the future is more than mere finances for Barb Miller. It is about legacy. Miller, an Associate Financial Advisor based in Hot Springs, works closely with individuals and families to help them align their financial plans with what matters most to them. That often includes thoughtful conversations about charitable giving. Miller recently joined South Dakota Community Foundat...

For Terri Mielitz, the work of supporting families is deeply personal. “I’ve always worked alongside families involved in child welfare. For most of my life, really. I was in foster care myself as a child,” shared Terri.  That lived experience helped shape Building Our Families, a Milbank-based nonprofit Terri co-founded in 2018 alongside Carol Weber. What began with a simple phone call and $1,500...

For nearly four decades, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) has worked to connect generosity with need, helping communities across the state build lasting impact. As SDCF reflects on 2025 and looks ahead to the year to come, President & CEO Stephanie Judson shared a clear message: South Dakota’s philanthropic future is strong, responsive and rooted in partnership. Now in its 39th year, S...

In small towns across South Dakota, the heart of community life often beats strongest through the people who care deeply about their neighbors. In Irene, South Dakota, that spirit shines through the story of Bob Satter, and his relationship with Sherman and Kimiko Petersen, whose generosity will continue to shape the lives of local students and families for generations to come. Bob Satter, chair o...

South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is proud to partner with the Bush Foundation to introduce the 2025 Bush Prize: South Dakota honorees, Abbott House and Youth & Family Services (YFS). Each organization received $250,000 in flexible support. Their work highlights the power of compassionate, creative problem-solving to transform the future of children and families throughout our state. Bu...

Generosity shows up in many forms throughout South Dakota. It is seen in donor legacies, in local volunteers who rally around their hometowns, and in families who honor their loved ones by investing in meaningful causes.  Recently, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) President and CEO Stephanie Judson sat down with several members of the SDCF development team to highlight four stories from 20...

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 partner...

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 Foundat...

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 roots Their drive to give back to communities Mark’s involvement with the SDCF and...

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 Deve...

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 reci...

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-...

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 Develop...

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 acce...

Harding County Community Foundation (HCCF) has transformed a generous challenge into a legacy. Established in November 2022 with a $100,000 challenge gift from former residents Jim and Janice Clarkson, HCCF quickly became a testament to the strength and generosity of Harding County’s communities. Residents and supporters rallied to meet the challenge, raising $100,000. This achievement was further...

South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) in partnership with the Bush Foundation, is thrilled to offer the Bush Prize: South Dakota program. This prestigious award recognizes organizations deeply valued in their communities that have a proven track record of effective problem-solving.  SDCF is proud to announce Call to Freedom (CTF) as the 2024 Bush Prize winner. CTF will receive the maximum award...

Since 1998, the Spearfish Community Foundation (SCF) has been enhancing lives across northwestern South Dakota through its community savings account (CSA) endowment, established in partnership with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). In 2021, SCF launched the “Impacting Tomorrow Today” initiative, aimed at driving higher-impact projects that address key community needs.   Sue Konstant, S...

Ty Eschenbaum, a Lake Preston, South Dakota native, has felt the powerful impact hope can have on one’s life. After narrowly surviving a battle with cancer as a teenager, Ty Eschenbaum was motivated to recognize others who lost some of their formative years to cancer. In 2011, at just 23 years old, he established the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, a nonprofit offering scholarships to graduating seniors...

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) has developed a culture of philanthropy that has only grown stronger since its inception. This culture is greatly influenced by those who dedicate their time and expertise to serving on our Board of Directors. SDCF President and CEO, Stephanie Judson, recently sat down with former SDCF Board Chair and current Board Member, Doug Sharp, to talk about his...

Gordon Nielsen is a dedicated attorney and partner at Delaney, Nielsen & Sannes, P.C. in Sisseton. With roots deep in Northeast South Dakota, Gordon has been serving his community for decades. Beyond his legal practice, Gordon is a passionate advocate for philanthropy. As a Key Club Member of the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), he helps clients realize their charitable goals through...

Former Governor Dennis Daugaard, and his wife Linda, have given back to South Dakota in numerous ways–from serving as 32nd governor and first lady of South Dakota from 2011 to 2019, to their dedication to multiple organizations, including the Children’s Home Society, the Fairy Godmother’s Fund, and to the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) where Dennis currently serves as Vice Chair on the B...

Emily’s Hope is a legacy charity in the name of a prolific painter whose life was cut short. On May 16, 2018, Emily Groth tragically died of fentanyl poisoning. Angela Kennecke, Emily’s mother, a seasoned investigative reporter, was covering a story focusing on the opioid crisis the day her daughter passed away. In the face of her grief, Angela vowed that she would do anything she could, in Emily’...