Fostering meaningful development starts with setting a strong foundation, which is what Build Dakota is dedicated to establishing. Build Dakota is a unique scholarship program encouraging and supporting skilled scholars to enter high-demand programs at South Dakota technical colleges.  Deni Martin, Program Manager for Build Dakota, joined Jamie Farmen, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, to discuss how this scholarship program which is housed through SDCF, is developing a stronger future for South Dakota. In this episode, you ..read more

DeMaris Nesheim counts her blessings, and at the top of her list are the examples her parents set for her while growing up on a ranch near the community of Philip, South Dakota. DeMaris sat down with Beth Massa, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Director for Foundation Relations, to discuss how her life experiences have shaped how she serves others.  They also discuss DeMaris’ passionate partnership with SDCF to jumpstart Community Savings Accounts that have led to the creation of the Hill City Community Foundation and the Philip Area Community Foundation.   In this episo ..read more

Community involvement and philanthropic giving cultivate a legacy that lasts for generations. Jim and Dianne Gropper, South Dakota natives living in Huron, South Dakota, are soaking up the joys of experiencing the impact of their legacy now while they are living. Jim and Dianne partnered with South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to establish the Gropper Clement Legacy Fund–a scholarship fund supporting Huron, James Valley Christian, Kadoka and Miller High Schools students.  Jim and Dianne sat down with Jamie Farmen, SDCF Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, to di ..read more

A thriving community relies on members to work together to create a brighter tomorrow. Luckily for Gregory, SD, giving back to his hometown is woven into Elmer Karl’s DNA. His family name has become a household name in South Dakota through his business, Karl’s TV Audio, Appliance, and Furniture. Elmer has appeared in commercials promoting the business for more than 50 years, so many South Dakotans are familiar with his smiling face and classic slogan: “Your servicing dealer since 1956.” From a single store in Gregory, “Karl’s” has grown into the region’s largest independent electronics and app ..read more

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is proud to partner with the Bush Foundation to offer the Bush Prize: South Dakota – an award that celebrates organizations highly valued within their communities that have a track record of successful community problem solving. SDCF was honored to award the 2023 Bush Prize: South Dakota to two amazing South Dakota nonprofits. Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) and the Lost&Found Association. BHSSC will receive the maximum award of $500,000 and Lost&Found will receive $185,000. SDCF’s Senior Program Officer Ginger Niemann had t ..read more

A flourishing community relies on a strong foundation. A strong foundation of growth, commitment, and collaboration. This cannot become a reality without strong leadership. The development of homegrown leaders is at the heart of the mission of Leadership South Dakota. Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), joined John Meyer, the new Executive Director of Leadership South Dakota, to discuss how they cultivate tomorrow’s leaders across the state. In this episode, you will hear: John’s involvement with Leadership SD His vision for the sustained ..read more

Safe Harbor is a domestic violence shelter for seven counties near Aberdeen in northeastern South Dakota. It began in 1977 as a volunteer phone service providing information to women and people in crisis. They soon realized that they had to do more than just offer information; they wanted to offer hope.   Today, Safe Harbor serves adults and children by providing food and shelter, but they also empower people in abusive situations to change their lives. They offer resources for learning to make positive life choices, provide advocacy and supportive services, and educate and motivate the l ..read more

In his lifetime, Gene Abdallah (1936-2019) dedicated himself through and through to community service. For nearly 50 years, Gene served the public in multiple branches of government and nearly all branches of law enforcement, from the federal level to a state and local level. Today, Gene’s dedication to giving back and honoring his community continues on even after his passing.  In 2019, The Gene Abdallah Scholarship Fund was established through the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to provide financial support to students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Jeff Ve ..read more

Hani Shafai has worked tirelessly to transform industries and provide sustainable employment and housing in the Black Hills for nearly 40 years. Hani first arrived in South Dakota at the age of 19, seeking a safe education out of harm’s way. He found himself far from his war-torn home in the Gaza Strip in Palestine when he arrived in Rapid City.  Hani recently joined South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Director for Foundation Relations Beth Massa to discuss his philanthropic work with the Freedom's Haven for New Americans' Workforce and his time as a board member with the SDCF. In th ..read more

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 Ch ..read more