Bringing Philanthropy to Life

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 will hear:

• How the scholarship program came to be

• The work Build Dakota does to stimulate economic growth

• Deni’s passion for community connections

“On the outside, it is a full-ride scholarship,” shared Deni, “but behind the scenes, it is a true workforce development program bringing people together. For someone in a small town, to not only have a scholarship to attend school, but a job waiting for them when they graduate, is the key to making an impact in communities across South Dakota.”

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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 episode, you will hear:

• The pivotal moments that have shaped DeMaris’ life 

• Her work with children in need

• How DeMaris helped establish two community foundations

“Starting a foundation in Philip was certainly a joyful experience,” shared DeMaris, “And to know that some really good things were about to happen in Philip as a result of this foundation was so gratifying.” 

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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 discuss how their own paths to higher learning inspired giving back to their hometowns in a meaningful way. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• The impact higher education has had on Jim and Dianne

• Why perpetual giving is important to the Groppers

• Groppers’ encouragement to give now so you can enjoy the impact during your lifetime

• Their experience working with SDCF to establish the Gropper Clement Legacy Fund

“We are feeling happiness and joy during our lifetime,” shared Jim, “I suggest you enjoy your legacy now as we are.”

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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 appliance dealer, operating 19 stores in the Midwest.

Elmer recently sat down with Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), to discuss his story and dedication to giving back to Gregory.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Elmer Karl’s story

• Why investing in your community is vital

• How a donor advised fund offers flexibility in giving back

“It can be a battle for small towns to survive, but it looks like Gregory will, and the town has been good to us. We’ve enjoyed living here,” said Elmer Karl.

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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 the opportunity to sit down with BHSSC’s Executive Deputy Director Dr. Pam Lange, as well as Lost&Found’s Executive Director and CEO Erik Muckey.

During their conversation Ginger, Pam, and Erik discussed the work of their nonprofits and what the future looks like as Bush Prize: South Dakota Winners.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The vital work of these South Dakota nonprofits

• The way each organization will utilize their prize funds

• Information about Bush Prize: South Dakota

“I hope folks know there are nonprofits you can believe in and trust, because of all the South Dakota Community Foundation does.” 

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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 future of the nonprofit

• How Leadership SD partners with SDCF to create sustainable funding

“Having an endowment ensures that anyone who deserves to be in Leadership South Dakota can be without any financial barrier,” said John. “So when we think about the future, we think about opening doors, and South Dakota Community Foundation is showing us how to do that.”

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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 local community to be proactive in eliminating abuse.

South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator Pat Gallagher sat down with Gina Karst, Executive Director of Safe Harbor, and Danielle Oliver, President of the Safe Harbor Foundation. They discussed the vital work of Safe Harbor and the organization’s partnership with SDCF. The Safe Harbor Foundation established an endowment fund through SDCF’s nonprofit savings account challenge.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Safe Harbor’s story and mission

• How partnering with SDCF has helped secure a long future for Safe Harbor

• The vital support victims receive from Safe Harbor

“We will continue to provide victims services. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, we will be there to help until that person is ready to be done and to move on with their life.”  - Gina Karst

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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 Veltkamp, SDCF Director of Development, sat down with Scott to talk about his passion for supporting law enforcement and his establishment of the Gene Abdallah Scholarship Fund in honor of his father.

In this episode you will hear:

• Gene Abdallah’s story and impact

• How the Gene Abdallah Scholarship Fund is creating a bright and safe future in SD

• The Impact the Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner continues to have in its 42nd year

“This event is a reflection of how much our community loves law enforcement, and it makes me proud to live in this state,” shared Scott. 

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Lost&Found, based out of Sioux Falls, is a nonprofit organization focused on facilitating proactive, data-driven, public health approaches to suicide prevention for young adults ages 15-34. What started as a student project in 2010 has grown into an extensive organization with a decade of outreach, advocacy, and mental health referral programs in South Dakota through college campus partnerships.

South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann joined Erik Muckey, Executive Director of Lost&Found for a conversation on the organization as a whole and the ways they are utilizing grants from the SDCF to expand their reach. At 18 years old, Erik was one of the founders of the program when it was designed by students at the University of South Dakota.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Erik’s involvement with Lost&Found from day one

• Suicide statistics in South Dakota and what Lost&Found is doing to change them

• How the organization is utilizing a $100,000 grant from SDCF to expand their reach

“As our services have grown over the years, we’ve been able to touch just about every corner of South Dakota, and it always comes back to why we do what we do and what we care about as an organization,” said Erik. 

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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 this episode, you will hear:

• Hani’s early life story and journey to South Dakota

• His help in developing and supporting Freedom's Haven for New Americans' Workforce

• How this project is aiming to fill 30,000 vacant jobs across the state 

“We saw that this would provide one option to bring up our workforce in the state, but at the same time help good people who really need our help,” said Hani. 

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In 1999, the South Dakota Nurses Association established a charitable foundation branch, the South Dakota Nurses Foundation (SDNF), to offer financial support to RNs and the work of nurses throughout the state. The SDNF offered its first scholarship in 2005 and has offered over $50,000 dollars in scholarships since then. The foundation has partnered with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) for a number of funds ranging from scholarships to research funding, as well as donor-advised funds (DAFs). 

Thomas E. Stenvig, PhD, MPH, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Associate Professor and PhD Program Coordinator at the South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing and current President of the SDNF joined Jeff Veltkamp – Director of Development of the SDCF, to discuss the organization’s founding pillars, education, and research, and partnership with the SDCF to achieve their funding goals to support registered nurses in South Dakota. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• How the SDNF was formed

• The pillars of support that the SDNF provides to RNs in South Dakota

• How partnering with the SDCF has provided them with the support they need to focus on creating a better tomorrow

  
  

“There are many people whose lives have been impacted by a nurse; and if that is something one can see and recognize, we invite them to help us further the nursing profession. You can make a difference,” shared Thomas.

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The Haakon School District is dedicated to assisting in the development of each student's optimum potential with education programs focused on providing opportunities for students pursuing knowledge based in all fields of learning. They recognize the need for educational programs that are sensitive to the concepts of a changing world.

Britni Ross serves as the Business Manager for the Haakon School District, and Pamela DeJong serves as the district Guidance Coordinator for K–12. They joined Beth Massa, Director of Foundation Relations for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), to discuss the partnership between Phillip High School and the SDCF which offers students scholarship opportunities. 

In this episode you will hear:

• The history of the Haakon School District’s partnership with the SDCF

• The way community support is making a big difference in rural area students’ futures

• How the school district partners donors with students for a successful scholarship match

“Our 2022 graduates were notified that, collectively, their class received $166,700 in scholarship funds,” shared Pamela. This was then distributed to a class of just 28 students.

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Jim and Vicki Lust of Aberdeen have partnered with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to facilitate their charitable giving since 2012. They began down their path of philanthropy with the Jim and Vicki Lust First Foundation, a designated fund set up to support the St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Aberdeen. More recently, they established a second fund–this time going with a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) for more flexibility within their charitable goals. 

Jim and Vicki joined Pat Gallagher, Community Development Coordinator of the SDCF, to discuss their journey of philanthropy over the last 11 years.

In this episode you will hear:

• What Jim and Vicki appreciate about their DAF and the flexibility it offers them in their charitable giving

• Why giving back, especially to Aberdeen, is important to the Lusts

• What they love about working with the SDCF

“You know, someone did it for us. Someone helped build schools, libraries, and YMCAs, and we hope to leave that legacy for the next generation,” shared Vicki.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.