as well as supporting a program to provide zero-interest loans to local small businesses.” In partnership with many CSAs including HCF, SDCF provided dollar-for-dollar matches through the CSA COVID-19 Matching Fund. HCF provided grants to the Salvation Army’s food box program and Huron Area Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program. Terry and Nancy Schiltz of Huron established a family fund as a sub fund of the HCF in 2019. SDCF recognized their generosity to the Huron area with the Hometown Hero award
“Partnering with the HCF is literally like having an ’Easy Button’ for our Family Funds and other HCF associated sub-funds,” said David McGirr, HCF advisory council member. “We actively solicit grant applications from our community. The family and other sub-funds review them and approve funding for projects they like and/or specific nonprofit organizations. Then, the HCF handles all the administration and monitoring with each of the grant recipients on behalf of those funds.” The HCF partners with four families and encourages others to consider creation of charitable sub-funds. “These growing family funds will continue to support many of HCF's traditionally funded smaller grant requests, allowing the HCF to ’think outside of the box’ to create larger projects that are needed to allow Huron to grow,” said Dr. Fuchs.
RESPONDING TO A PANDEMIC Early in the pandemic the HCF decided it needed to be a proactive resource for the community. Rhonda Kludt, one of HCF’s newer leaders and the former director of United Way, volunteered to reach out to local food pantries, the backpack program, civic organizations, and the senior center to get a first-hand account of what their needs were in the beginning stages of the pandemic. “We shifted our focus to making sure that there was an ample food supply and shelter for individuals and families disrupted by the pandemic,” said Gohn. “We also provided significant funding to support rental assistance to families that were impacted, 52
“Our board can’t thank the SDCF enough for setting up the COVID-19 CSA matching grant program,” said Gohn. “Through this program we were able to fund two separate grant applications to make sure that our local food pantry was adequately stocked.”
THE CHARITABLE LEGACY CONTINUES “What I personally love about Huron is the fact that it is a giving community,” said HCF advisory council member Mary Pearson. “Whenever a need arises, the entire community rolls up their sleeves and chips in to make it happen. No matter how big or small the need is.” Through crisis and more stable times, the HCF is and will be a consistent source of support to charitable causes and the Huron area. “The single biggest reason that I love Huron as a community is the people. This town makes it easy for people to get involved and make a difference,” said Gohn. To learn more about the HCF, please visit SDCommunityFoundation.org and visit the Local Impact page.
Dr. Michael and Mary Fuchs of Huron have been generous supporters of the Huron Community Foundation. Dr. Fuchs serves on their advisory council. In addition, Mike and Mary established the Mary E. Fuchs Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to graduates of the Abbott House. SDCF recognized their generosity to the Huron area and Abbott House with the Hometown Hero award.
