Summer 2026 Our Mission: Bringing philanthropy to life for a stronger South Dakota.
BIG Ideas, Even Bigger Impacts What is the Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) Program? Solving problems locally, investing in communities, making South Dakota a better place to live today and tomorrow. That's what BIG recipients do. A partnership between SDCF and the Bush Foundation, BIG awards $1.2 million each year to nonprofits ready to inspire real change. In 2025, 14 organizations answered the call. See full list of BIG recipients on Page 2.
Three BIG Highlights Catholic Social Services - $100,000
Neighbors Helping Neighbors St. Anne’s Aging Services is a program tackling the lack of affordable housing and senior isolation. Through research, CSS found that, not only has median rent in the Black Hills area increased, but also the rate of suicide in people 75 years or older. The solution? Implement a home-sharing system, where homeowning seniors with extra space open their homes to adult renters struggling to find affordable housing. Through the program, staff pair seniors and renters in a safe, compatible way. Both parties benefit: Seniors have a built-in companion who assists them in maintaining their independence. Renters gain access to comfortable, affordable housing. Promising Future Funds fiscally sponsored by Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation - $100,000
South Dakota State University - $32,991
Opening Every Door
Lending More Than Books
No child’s economic background should ever prevent them from having the same education, experiences and opportunities as a child whose family has more resources. That is the mission of the Promising Futures College and Careers Access Program. It focuses on increasing access to college and career paths for lowincome, minority and first-generation students in the Sioux Falls School District. Beginning at Jefferson High School, students have access to four on-site advisors who help students find their path as they engage in activities such as college/technical school and military base visits, attend financial aid workshops and tour area employers. These experiences help students explore potential career paths and build the financial knowledge they’ll need to get there.
Despite technological advancements, many families in rural and tribal communities still lack access to home internet. This digital gap creates more than disconnection; it can lead to educational struggles, employment hardships and loss of access to essential telehealth services. To address the challenge, the Rural Libraries Hot Spot Lending Program allows residents to “check out the internet.” Each year, this program distributes six Wi-Fi hotspot devices to five libraries. The libraries set their own lending policies; however, any amount of access can change lives for these community members. SDSU believes that linking communities through local libraries lays a foundation for stronger educational access, more resilient local economies and healthier communities.
South Dakota Fund Grants From January to June 2026, SDCF awarded 11 South Dakota Fund grants totaling over $224,009. The South Dakota Fund is an unrestricted fund that makes grants to nonprofits and charitable organizations across the state in support of culture, economic development, education, financial literacy, health and human services. SDCF accepts applications for South Dakota Fund grants on a rolling basis.
Active Generations
Active Generations received a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to support the enrichment of adults living with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive conditions.
Brookings Behavioral Health A $20,000 South Dakota Fund grant is expanding access to mental health care across communities by expanding telehealth and integrating responsible AI to improve continuity of care.
Number Ninjas
Number Ninjas Aberdeen Area received a $4,500 South Dakota Fund grant to expand its after-school math program. Blending fun, competition and learning helps students build confidence and develop a love of math.
All 2025 BIG Recipients Boys & Girls Club of Rosebud
$75,000
Catholic Social Services
$100,000
Children’s Care Hospital & School dba LifeScape
$100,000
Emily’s Hope Inc.
$100,000
Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership Inc.
$100,000
Marshall County Healthcare Center
$50,000
Promising Futures Fund
$100,000
Rapid City Club for Boys Inc.
$60,000
Solace
$100,000
South Dakota Bar Foundation
$63,222
South Dakota News Watch
$100,000
South Dakota State University
$32,991
Underdog Foundation
$100,000
Western SD Community Action Inc.
$100,000
Oaye Luta Okolakiciye A Lakota-based Rapid City nonprofit received a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to expand alcohol and substance abuse prevention, intervention and recovery education, reconnecting individuals with Lakota culture, identity and traditional values.
To learn more about the BIG Grant, visit: SDCommunityFoundation.org/BIG
South Dakota Fund: New Initiatives 2026 Child Wellbeing
Housing
Workforce Development
Addressing issues impacting child wellbeing at every stage
Supporting affordable housing development, access and sustainability
Enhancing workforce skills and expanding employment opportunities
The South Dakota Fund grant program is competitive, and grants are awarded by the SDCF Board of Directors throughout the year. Please visit our website to learn more about grant recipients and the application process: SDCommunityFoundation.org/Grants
What is a Nonprofit Savings Account (NSA)? SDCF’s Nonprofit Savings Account grant program challenges nonprofits in South Dakota to build endowment funds, creating a sustainable revenue source for organizations for years to come. Successful applicants are challenged to raise an agreed-upon amount of money over two years, with SDCF contributing up to $20,000 in matching dollars at a matching rate of one dollar for every four dollars raised. From January to June 2026, two organizations accepted this challenge grant opportunity: First Circuit CASA Program and South Dakota Nurses Foundation.
Nonprofits Succeed in Endowment Fundraising Challenges
UP TO
First Circuit CASA Program
$20,000
$20,000
MATCHING FUNDS
AGC Foundation
1:4 MATCH RATE
$20,000
SDCF Earns Reaccreditation Earlier this year, SDCF was reaccredited through the Community Foundations National Standards® program. This accomplishment signifies that SDCF is committed to using best practices identified for community foundations nationwide and to demonstrating accountability and excellence in its operations. Every three years, SDCF engages in the accreditation process, which examines compliance with 26 national standards covering five areas: mission, structure and governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grantmaking; and donor relations. “Earning accreditation tells our donors, financial advisors and non-profit partners that we’re a credible organization with sound policies and practices – making us a trustworthy partner for meeting their needs and goals,” said Dennis Daugaard, former Governor of South Dakota and chair of SDCF’s Board of Directors. The National Standards program is administered by the Council on Foundations, with oversight from the Community Foundation National Standards Board.
Learn more about this challenge grant opportunity and the benef its of endowment funds on our website: SDCommunityFoundation.org/Nonprofit-Savings-Accounts
Listen and Learn: Stories from Our Podcast Growing Generosity with Britton Area Foundation In communities like Britton, generosity is not just an idea. It is a way of life. Through Britton Area Foundation, 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 SDCF Community Development Coordinator Patrick Gallagher to reflect on the foundation's history and impact as well as the role community savings accounts play in strengthening rural communities.
Built by the Community BAF was established in the mid-1990s through a shared vision and strong local leadership. Roehr has been part of the effort since the beginning.
“I’ve been in Britton pretty much my whole life. I got started with Britton Area Foundation way back in the beginning when it started and have just been a part of that ever since.” Early momentum came from a matching effort supported by community leaders and businesses, combined with grassroots outreach. Volunteers met with residents, hosted small gatherings, and worked to explain the then-unfamiliar concept of a community savings account. That early curiosity soon turned into support, and through consistent effort and local buy-in, BAF built a base that continues to grow today.
Small Gifts, Lasting Impact One of the defining strengths of BAF is how it has grown over time. Rather than relying on a few large donations, its success has been built through many smaller gifts, most under $5,000, from individuals and families across the community. Those contributions, combined and invested over time, have created a meaningful and sustainable source of funding for the community.
Meeting Needs in the Moment Community savings accounts offer something especially valuable for rural communities: the ability to respond when needs arise. In the past, communities often had to spend years fundraising for a single project, sometimes losing momentum along the way.
Having funds available allows communities to act quickly, supporting projects and initiatives while energy and enthusiasm are still strong.
Investing in Education and Opportunity Over the years, BAF has supported a wide range of local efforts. One example that stands out to Roehr is a teacher grant program made possible through a donor-established fund. Each year, teachers in the Britton and Langford school districts can apply for funding to support classroom needs that fall outside traditional school budgets. The program has grown into a trusted resource for educators, helping bring new tools, technology and opportunities into classrooms.
Looking Ahead As the foundation continues to grow, Roehr remains focused on its long-term impact. Her hope is that the fund keeps growing and continues to make a difference in small communities across northeastern South Dakota.
A Way of Life For Roehr, philanthropy is not defined by large gestures. It is reflected in everyday acts of generosity that bring communities together, from supporting neighbors in times of need to celebrating milestones. Through BAF, that spirit of generosity continues to grow, ensuring that giving today will benefit generations to come.
For more stories like this, visit Spotify and search “Bringing Philanthropy to Life.”
A Lifelong Home: Honoring Lowell Genzlinger Lowell Genzlinger grew up on a farm outside Burke, South Dakota. He graduated from Burke High School in 1962 and went on to earn his degree from South Dakota State University in 1966. From there, a 38-year career as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officer took him to 80 countries and territories, and he became a resident of Seattle, Chad, Ethiopia, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Washington, D.C., Miami and finally Boulder, Colorado. But no matter how far the world took him, Burke was always home. Lowell held onto the family property and returned as often as he could, never missing the annual Burke Dog Days celebration. It was there, on those South Dakota roads and pastures, that he passed his love for the community on to his daughter, Stacey.
When Lowell passed away in 2024, he gifted Stacey the family home and property. Leaning on a network of friends, family and contacts in Burke and Gregory, she began navigating the transition and building new memories of her own. When it came time for Stacey to think about her own estate planning, the decision came easily.
"I am grateful to honor dad's legacy by supporting Burke, a truly special community that he loved so much, and one that has also captured my heart."
"I've never lived in Burke," Stacey says, "but I'm so glad that Burke has always been a part of my life.” Stacey grew up in Miami and has called Olympia, Washington home for the past 30 years. She and her father made a tradition of coordinating visits to the family property, riding quads down dirt roads, past the stock dam that had served as Lowell's childhood swimming hole. It was there they traded stories and made memories in the place that meant so much to him.
Ruth, Harry, Stacey and Lowell Genzlinger Summer 1975
Stacey has included SDCF in her estate plans, with her planned gift directed to the Burke Community Foundation. Burke is one of 90 communities across South Dakota supported through SDCF's community savings accounts—endowment funds that provide lasting, local impact for generations to come. We are honored to be part of how Lowell's legacy will carry forward and deeply grateful to Stacey for her commitment to strengthen one very special South Dakota Community.
Stacey and Lowell
Interested in supporting a community you love through your estate plans? Contact South Dakota Community Foundation to learn more about legacy giving or visit: SDCFGift.org
PO Box 296
Pierre, SD 57501
SDCommunityFoundation.org info@SDCommunityFoundation.org 800.888.1842
Meet Our New Staff Member A small-town South Dakota native, Rachel Hoffer graduated from Dakota State University with a degree in Multimedia and Marketing, along with five minors. Growing up in Lyman County, she witnessed firsthand the giving nature of rural communities and just how big an impact they can make. Rachel joined SDCF in April as Communications Coordinator.
SDCF Hosting Regional CSA Conferences SDCF will again host regional gatherings this fall for Community Savings Account advisory council members. The conferences offer an opportunity to hear about best practices, share ideas and discuss ways to support their communities. Details are still being confirmed, but the conferences will be held in: Clark, Parkston, Pierre and Rapid City. More to come!
2025 Annual Report Highlights
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SIOUX FALLS, S.D. PERMIT NO. 7972
SDCF Leadership BOARD OF DIRECTORS - OFFICERS Dennis Daugaard Donald L. Roby Bob Sutton Stephanie Judson
Chair Vice Chair Treasurer President & CEO, Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS Mark Buche Marci Christensen-Burdick Matt Cronin Linda Erickson Suzanne Feist Robert Fouberg Carla Gatzke Marilyn Grossenburg Scott Jones (Past Chair)
Jack Kucera Cynthia Mickelson DeMaris Nesheim Susan Overgaard Casey Peterson Shawn Rost Greg Sands Hani Shafai Preston Steele
Contact Us 800.888.1842
Seen in the 2025 SDCF Annual Report: Provided over $40 million in grants (including scholarships) Provided 55 South Dakota Fund grants – creating positive change for individuals, families and communities statewide Partnered with 90 local communities, who awarded over $2 million in grants and scholarships Exceeded $1 billion in assets
info@sdcommunityfoundation.org SDCF | PO Box 296 | Pierre, SD 57501 SDCommunityFoundation.org
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