Summer 2019 Newsletter

SUMMER 2019 BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS DRIVING SOCIAL IMPACT CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE

FOR GOOD. FOR EVER. sfacf.org

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR It continues to be an exciting time to be part of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. As chair of the board of directors, it’s my privilege to share some recent highlights: We were proud to present the Helpline Center’s Network of Care with a $50,000 Initiative Grant in May at City Blossom, our premier fundraising event. This year’s event set records for attendance and dollars raised for the Community Fund, used to provide important and meaningful grants to local nonprofits and causes, like Network of Care.

As we welcome Stacy and Aaron, we also give our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to outgoing board members Angeline Lavin, Greg Carmon and Tom McDowell who, together, gave a combined 30 years of service to the Community Foundation.

We are forever grateful to Angeline, Greg and Tom for their commitment and tireless dedication to the Community Foundation as we have worked to expand our mission to improve the quality of life in our area through philanthropy. Read reflections from Angeline, Greg and Tom on page 7 and on our website at sfacf.org/news.

SCOTT CHRISTENSEN

In May, we awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to more than 100 area high school students. It’s our honor to administer these scholarships on behalf of donors who, like us, believe in the power of education to create the next generation of thoughtleaders and change-makers.

This month, we will welcome two new members to the Foundation’s Board of Directors: Stacy Erdmann is a certified public accountant and partner for Eide Bailly LLP. A graduate of Augustana University, Erdmann also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation. An active community volunteer, she is a coach for Girls on the Run, teaches Sunday School at her church and recently completed a term as vice president for the Harrisburg Community Library Board.

Aaron Severson is a financial advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors.

A graduate of Augustana University, Aaron is an active civic volunteer, supporting the Sioux Empire United Way, the Academy of Finance, Levitt at the Falls and Junior Achievement.

Read more about Stacy and Aaron at sfacf.org/news.

We also give thanks to our Sustaining Members, listed below, for their continued support of the Foundation and for their belief in our mission.

For more than 35 years, we’ve been connecting passionate and generous individuals with important causes, harnessing the power and purpose of philanthropy to help drive real and meaningful social impact. Since our founding, we’ve helped thinkers and dreamers grant more than $171 million to nonprofits throughout our community, improving the quality of life for today, and tomorrow.

We care about this community and those who call it home, so we work hard to assemble resources, organize collaborative partnerships and facilitate dreams to help make the Sioux Falls area an even better place to live, work and play.

Are you ready to make a difference? Join our movement to create impactful, lasting change through philanthropy.

Thank you, Scott Christensen Chair, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Board of Directors

SUSTAINING MEMBERS Gifts from Sustaining Members support the Community Foundation’s development activities, including special events and the publication of this newsletter.

These gifts were received in the last fiscal year. To view recent gifts to the Community Foundation, visit sfacf.org/gifts.

PLATINUM Eide Bailly LLP The First National Bank in Sioux Falls First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard Howalt-McDowell Insurance, Inc., A Marsh & McLennan Agency Wells Fargo GOLD American Bank & Trust Boen & Associates, Inc. Boyce Law Firm, LLP Century Business Products, Inc. Citi CorTrust Bank Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP The Lindquist Group at Merrill Lynch, Bill and Steve Lindquist Lloyd Companies Sammons Financial Group Showplace Wood Products South Dakota Trust Company Thompson Law, P.C. Van Demark — Lavin Financial Advisors at RBC Wealth Management The Venrick Goeman Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith P.C.

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SILVER Cutler Law Firm, LLP First Bank & Trust Great Western Bank Legacy Law Firm P.C. Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun, P.C. Redstone Law Firm, L.L.P. RSM US, LLP Security National Bank of South Dakota Thurman, Comes & Foley, LLC Woltman Group PC BRONZE Brandt Solomon & Anderson, LLP First Dakota National Bank Fischer Rounds & Associates/ Wollman Insurance Group McKinneyOlson Insurance MetaBank INDIVIDUALS Mavis Amundson Martha Baker Larry and Anita Bierman Dick and Sue Brown Rick and Holly Brunick Walt and Martha Carlson

Greg and Sheri Carmon Scott and Carolyn Christensen Stephen and Nancy Ciofalo Steve and Betty Crim Daniel and Sara Crosby Cara Lee Davis Tim and Tonya Dwire Kris and Steve Egger Todd and Christie Ernst Tom and Barb Everist Mike and Lauri Finnegan Patrick and Susanne Gale Doug and Anne Hajek Candy Hanson Bruce and Wendy Hasche John and Ann Henkhaus Regina and Dale Jahr Dan and Arlene Kirby Kevin and Peggy Kirby Joe and Jennifer Kirby Mary and Chris Kolsrud Linda Larson Angeline and Marshall Lavin Helen Madsen Tom and Susan McDowell Jeff and Mary Jo Murray Stephen and Mary Lynn Myers

Lewis and Helen Ofstein Michael and Debby Olson Susie and Kim Patrick Andy and Sara Patterson Doug and Sandra Pay Steve and Marianne Perkins Paul and Lyndy Peterson Don and Ann Platt John and Eileen Quello Jimmie and Phil Rysdon Steve and Sarah Sarbacker Jeff and Katie Scherschligt Paul and Koni Schiller Jerry and Mary Pat Sweetman Richard and Kathleen Sweetman Mary and David Tidwell Richard and Michelle Van Demark Robert and Marilyn Van Demark Suzanne and Jon Veenis Jamie and Penny Volin Jerry and Pat Walton

Our efforts to build the charitable capital of our area are also supported by the Sioux Empire United Way.

On the cover: Thomas Lewther plays as Ruthie Foster performs during the grand opening of the Levitt Shell in Sioux Falls on Friday, June 14.

On this page: Music lovers filled the lawn at the Levitt Shell; Ruthie Foster shares her music. Photos by Emily Spartz Weerheim.

Helping to Launch the Levitt COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LENDS CHARITABLE EXPERTISE, ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR THE CITY’S NEW OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE, LEVITT AT THE FALLS Building community through music is the mission of Levitt at the Falls, the city’s new outdoor music venue which opened in June in Falls Park West.

That mission — and all the possibilities for good that will come from it — is why the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation was proud to collaborate with the Levitt’s local board of directors on its first major fundraising effort.

Since 2013, the Community Foundation has accepted and managed nearly $2 million in gifts received as part of the Levitt’s capital campaign.

Now, following its debut concert featuring awardwinning singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster, the Community Foundation is celebrating the Levitt’s success, as well as the organization’s exciting future.

“Whether it’s music on a stage, paint on a canvas, actors in costume or words on paper, we believe the arts can inspire us, connect us and give us joy,” said Andy Patterson, president of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

“Knowing that Levitt at the Falls will offer free concerts for members of our community, we were thrilled to be able to offer our expertise in charitable fund management and gift processing to help this endeavor reach its launching pad.

We congratulate Levitt at the Falls on its successful first season and we are excited to witness the countless ways we believe this venue will enhance our community.”

The Community Foundation has a long history of providing charitable fund management and support for major projects throughout the Sioux Falls area, including the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, the State Theatre, Stockyards Plaza and, most recently, Levitt at the Falls.

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Breathe Bravely Named 2019 Community Spirit Award Recipient F O U N DAT IO N GRANT HELPED ORGANI Z ATI ON E STAB L I SH 5 0 1 ( C) 3 STATUS In June, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation presented Breathe Bravely with the 2019 Community Spirit Award, celebrating the nonprofit’s work to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF) and recognizing its innovative efforts to positively impact those living with the disease.

Ashley Ballou-Bonnema, founder and executive director of Breathe Bravely, with the 2019 Community Spirit Award.

Working toward its mission to help improve the quality of life for individuals and families in our area, the Foundation regularly awards grants to local nonprofits who are doing important work to serve others in need. The Community Spirit Award recognizes one nonprofit who has used its grant to drive change, engage in dialogue and spark new ideas, making an extraordinary impact in the lives of those it serves and in the community we call home.

How it Began Breathe Bravely began in 2011 as a personal blog written by Ashley Ballou-Bonnema, a 31-year-old musician and teacher striving to get the most out of a life living with cystic fibrosis, a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.

While the disease primarily impacts the lungs, research shows that singing can be a powerful weapon against the effects of CF. Singing can help CF patients increase lung function and enhance breath awareness. Singing can also increase endorphin levels, improving mood and mental health.

Taking the Next Step, With Support From the Foundation

Recognizing Good Work

Passionate about improving the quality of life for those impacted by cystic fibrosis through awareness, education and the sharing of her own journey, Ballou-Bonnema took the steps necessary to transition Breathe Bravely from a blog into an official nonprofit in 2015.

In presenting the award, Patrick Gale, the Foundation’s vice president for community investment, called Breathe Bravely an illustration of the words “community” and “spirit.”

A grant from the Community Foundation helped Breathe Bravely achieve its 501(c)3 nonprofit designation. In addition, the Foundation also shared Breathe Bravely’s story with local philanthropists passionate about making a difference. Inspired by the organization’s mission, a number of donors directed grants to Breathe Bravely through their charitable funds held at the Community Foundation.

Expanding its Reach Committed to giving voice to CF, Breath Bravely went on to launch its flagship initiative, sINgSPIRE, a 10-week program designed to combat cystic fibrosis by promoting self-awareness and respiratory strength through the practice of good posture and deep breathing and through the act of singing. Over the program’s first eight sessions, sINgSPIRE instructors taught more than 900 voice lessons to students from 25 states and three countries.

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“Here, we believe that meaningful and important social impact comes from thinking outside the box, challenging the status quo and having the courage to dream big dreams,” Gale said.

“The spirit behind Breathe Bravely is rooted in one woman’s passion for music, her courage and resilience in the face of challenge, and her dream to not only live her own life to the fullest, but to help others impacted by CF to live their best lives as well. The good work this organization is doing is indeed building community — for those impacted by CF, for those working to find a cure, and for those seeking to understand the disease and its impact,” he continued.

“When we award grants, we consider the idea behind an organization’s mission and the passion behind its story. We weigh those factors against existing needs within our area,” Gale said. “When we met with Breathe Bravely’s organizers in 2015, we saw the potential this organization had to drive real change. So we’re especially proud to present Breathe Bravely with the 2019 Community Spirit Award in recognition of the extraordinary impact it is making in the lives of those it serves.”

Community Grants Total More Than $157,000

Tips for Smarter Giving T H REE WAYS TO BOOST YOUR GIVI N G I Q Wondering how to streamline your current giving? Curious about the benefits of a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation? We’ve put together three easy tips designed to help boost your giving IQ and maximize your charitable impact.

Donate Appreciated Stock to Maximize Your Impact Donating appreciated stock is one of the easiest ways to give to causes you care about. Plus, when you donate stock directly to a donor advised fund, you avoid the capital gains tax and can still deduct the full fair-market value of the asset.

You might think donating stock is a hassle requiring messy paperwork and endless phone calls. Not the case. We work with your broker or advisor and handle all the administrative work for you.

You’ll get the charitable tax deduction in the year you made the donation and, as a fund advisor, you can choose when you want to recommend distributions from the fund to nonprofits and causes you care about.

Utilize the “Bunching” Strategy Many donors began to utilize a donor advised fund to take advantage of a smartgiving strategy called “bunching” following 2017 tax law changes that brought about higher standard deductions.

Together, these changes pushed many people to take the standard deduction, rather than itemizing their deductions — including their charitable donations — as they did in the past, essentially eliminating their 2018 charitable giving tax benefit.

“Bunching” enables you to group several years’ worth of charitable donations into one contribution, pushing your itemized deductions above the new higher standard deduction amount for that year. Then, over subsequent years, standard deductions can be taken.

Utilize Our Experience to Develop Your Giving Strategy

The Community Foundation awarded more than $157,000 in grants to the following organizations from February 2019 - June 2019.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA SIOUX COUNCIL CALL TO FREEDOM CANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 41-1 DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS, INC. GARRETSON COMMUNITY AMBULANCE CORPORATION GENTLE SPIRIT HORSES RESCUE & SANCTUARY GLORY HOUSE OF SIOUX FALLS HELPLINE CENTER PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER SIOUX EMPIRE COMMUNITY THEATRE SIOUX EMPIRE WHEELS TO WORK SIOUX FALLS JAZZ & BLUES SOCIETY SIOUX FALLS THRIVE SOUTH DAKOTA NEWS WATCH SOUTH DAKOTA VOICES FOR PEACE SPIRIT OF PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STRIDER EDUCATION FOUNDATION THE LOST & FOUND ASSOCIATION THE TRANSFORMATION PROJECT TRANSEPT Read more about these grants and their impact at sfacf.org/news.

When we ask donors and financial advisors why they choose to work with the Community Foundation, they often say it’s because we offer technical expertise from a philanthropic planning standpoint — we hold more than 1,000 funds at more than $168 million in assets — and because our Community Investment division has a pulse on the needs and opportunities within our community.

Let us help you streamline and maximize your current giving today. Call us to get started! 605.336.7055.

Each situation is unique and exceptions to the rule exist. Always consult your tax professional before making any charitable gift.

FLOOD RECOVERY FUND UPDATE

Thanks to our community’s generosity, we were able to offer up to $1,500 to all 43 applicants who applied for flood recovery assistance. Learn more at sfacf.org/flood.

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‘Experiences Stay in the Heart’ ANONYMOUS GIFT PROVIDES LOWELL ELEMENTARY FIFTH GRADERS A DAY TO REMEMBER Sometimes the best gifts don’t come in brightly wrapped packages or bags filled with tissue paper. Sometimes the best gifts are experiences that change us — moments that spark us to think differently, act more boldly and realize the magic around us.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity that I will never forget.”

Such was the case in April, when a group of fifth graders from Lowell Elementary got a gift like no other — an allexpenses-paid day at the Washington Pavilion, thanks to the generosity of one caring and compassionate couple from Sioux Falls.

It was truly a gift like no other. It was, according to one fifth grader named Jynesha, “life-changing.”

The Etiquette Experience For the last six years, the couple, who chose to remain anonymous for this story, have funded a program dubbed the “Etiquette Experience” for elementary school students in Sioux Falls. This year, the program served a fifth grade class from Lowell Elementary, a school located on 18th street, just near the city’s center.

To make it happen, each year the couple directs a grant from their donor advised fund, housed at the Community Foundation, to the Washington Pavilion to cover the costs associated with giving one class an unforgettable, day-long experience that includes tickets to a main stage production and a full course lunch. Also included in the experience are lessons from a certified coach who teaches the students valuable communication and social skills such as proper theatre etiquette, tips for fine dining, tableware etiquette and more.

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— Maximiliano Fifth grade student Lowell Elementary School

Magic and Memories Kicking off their day dressed in their best button down shirts, neck ties and dresses, Lowell fifth graders were excited as they filled the rows of the Mary W. Sommervold Hall in April to watch the “Science of Magic” show by nationally known magician Bill Blagg.

Following the show, they were joined by members of the Sioux Falls School Board for a full-course lunch featuring house salad, chicken Alfredo, mashed potatoes, green beans, chocolate cake and lemonade in the Pavilion’s Schulte Room.

Later, the students wrote notes and letters to the donors, sharing their reflections on the experience.

“You brightened my day,” wrote a fifth grader named Chivalry. “I hope I can do something someday like you did for me.”

Another fifth grader, Maximiliano, called the day an unforgettable experience.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity that I will never forget,” he wrote, adding that he “loved the dinner because it was good — and fancy.”

Fellow classmate, Margaret, said she “thought the whole experience was very elegant.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be able to watch that amazing magic show and eat that delicious food,” she wrote.

Angel, another fifth grader who participated in the day, expressed his gratitude for the way the experience made him feel.

“The best part of this experience was getting to know that someone cares that much about me and my classroom,” Angel wrote. “I learned that experiences stay in the heart.”

Looking Back OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS SHARE THEIR REFLECTIONS We extend our deepest appreciation and thanks to Angeline Lavin, Greg Carmon and Tom McDowell for their combined 30 years of service to the Community Foundation as members of our Board of Directors. As their board terms come to a close, we asked them to share reflections from their service. Read more reflections at sfacf.org/news.

ANGELINE LAVIN Q. How has the Foundation grown and changed during your tenure on the board?

A. On the asset side, it sticks in my mind that back in 2004, the Foundation had something like $40 million in assets. Today, we are the stewards of more than $168 million in assets.

What amazing growth thanks to the generosity of so many in the Sioux Falls area! It is even more amazing to me that the endowment has experienced this type of growth while helping donors grant more than $171 million since 1984.

GREG CARMON Q. How the Foundation has grown and changed during your tenure on the board?

The donors said it was an honor to support this special day.

“We both come from very humble beginnings and have been blessed through the years. We believe that the arts are for all people and no one should be intimidated by a fancy performance hall or feel excluded in any way. We want to provide an experience at a performance and meal where the students feel comfortable and enabled to handle a new and different experience. We have a strong belief that the greatest gift is the opportunity to find ones’ individual success. In order to have a vision of what success can be, you first need to have experiences that allow you to dream ... and dream big. Good experiences create confidence to move into other new events with self-assurance. As we move into the future, our dream is to create more experiences for more young people so that they can have dreams and find their success,” the donors said.

Etiquette coach Aleta Lindell said the experience will live on in these fifth graders far beyond that one special day in April.

“The magician said ‘When we break the laws of science, we create magic,’” Lindell wrote. “These Lowell fifth graders decided they could break the stereotypes people have of kids these days to create magic.”

A. It’s been amazing to watch the growth of the organization over the past eight years! The Sioux Falls area has witnessed their Community Foundation’s guiding hand assisting in hundreds of projects involving area non-profit groups, improving and building this diverse and vibrant community. With the trust that doing “Good For Ever” was being realized, the community poured in another $100 million in permanent endowments in just the past eight years.

TOM MCDOWELL Q. What role do you see the Foundation playing in the future of the Sioux Falls area?

A. I see the Community Foundation continuing to be the leader in providing an outlet for donors to accomplish their charitable goals. Additionally, the Foundation has become such a tremendous resource for local charities through education, advocacy and connections. This combination has had a wonderful impact on our community.

Read more reflections at sfacf.org/news.

That’s a pretty special gift, indeed.

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Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID

Sioux Falls, SD Permit #7519

200 N. Cherapa Place Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Connecting Donors With Passions at the Arc of Dreams Through art we find courage and inspiration to think differently, take creative risks, pursue bold ideas and forge new pathways. In doing so, we find common ground and discover meaningful connections. Through philanthropy, we give of ourselves to create a stronger, more vibrant community — one where a spirit of giving and care inspires us to develop solutions, break barriers and build bridges toward a brighter tomorrow.

As a proud supporter of the arts, it’s been an honor for us to help support the Arc of Dreams, a true illustration of the persistence, hard work and leap of faith thinkers and dreamers, past and present, have taken to make Sioux Falls into the strong and vibrant city it is today.

Photo by Paul Schiller.

OUR MISSION In partnership with donors, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation provides trusted leadership that inspires philanthropy and enriches the quality of life in our area, for good, for ever.

Learn how the Foundation helped donors offer support for this project through a variety of ways, including facilitating grants from donor advised funds, assisting with transfers of stock gifts and more at sfacf.org/news.