Donor Spotlight Scott & Julia Jones More than 200 years ago, theologian John Wesley wrote, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Scott and Julia Jones of Pierre embody and embrace this philosophy. “While their generosity is well-known throughout the Pierre-Fort Pierre community —their giving extends across the state, and frankly, across the world,” said Stephanie Judson, SDCF President & CEO. The Joneses believe that to whom much is given, much is required. “We try to be good stewards of our time, talents, and treasure,” said Scott. “We leverage tax laws to give as much and as efficiently as possible during our lifetime, and we will direct most remaining assets to favorite charities in our estate plan.” Scott and Julia have provided gifts to dozens of nonprofit organizations in recent years, including several six and seven-figure gifts. They are often able to leverage their gifts along with other donors, increasing the impact of their generosity.
12
In addition to their financial support, both have served in leadership roles on several nonprofit boards. Between the two, they have chaired many fundraising campaigns and often were the lead donor and the lead fundraiser. “We feel fortunate to be in a position to support the work of so many who have made helping others their life’s work,” said Julia.
Scott serves as CEO of Delta Dental of South Dakota and leads by example. The charitable programs delivered by Delta Dental and the gifts made by the Delta Dental of South Dakota Foundation are a result of the culture that he has created. Ask any of his board members, and they will tell you how his personal commitment to giving back to the community has fostered a business model that encourages others to do the same— board and staff alike. Delta Dental of South Dakota embraces Scott’s philosophy and has donated more than $40 million to programs to improve the oral health and overall health of South Dakotans. The company has a generous employee gift matching program and has made contributions in honor of staff and retiring board members. Several have followed this example and have stepped up to make gifts alongside Scott and Julia. Former Delta Dental of South Dakota Board Member, Dr. Dale Gibson had this to say about the Joneses: “I had the opportunity to serve on the Delta Dental of South Dakota Board of Directors for 33 years, 17 as board chair. Scott’s visionary leadership and personal philosophy have fostered a profound commitment to giving back to the communities we serve through our programs and our grant dollars. He and his wife Julia are incredibly generous individuals, and I have personally been inspired by their actions, as have many others on our board.”
