Summer 2021 Newsletter

SUMMER 2021 BUILDING COMMUNITY

FOR GOOD. FOR EVER.

Investing in Dreams for a Brighter Tomorrow When you work with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, you become part of a growing community of donors committed to giving of themselves for the greater good.

Whether you’re interested in giving today, or in creating a plan for future giving, we’ll work with you to create a customized philanthropic strategy that aligns with your passions and interests and achieves your dream to create lasting good in our community.

THE HEART AND SCIENCE OF GIVING FOR GREATER SIOUX FALLS Enhancing Our Community Today » Donor Advised Charitable Funds » Donor Advised Endowed Funds » Family Philanthropy Services Impacting Future Generations » Legacy and Deferred Funds » Scholarship Funds Helping Our Local Nonprofits » Organizational Endowments » Competitive Grantmaking Funds » Strategic Partnerships » Community Projects

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SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103

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605.336.7055

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S F A C F. O R G

A MES SA G E F R O M T HE CHAIR O F T HE B O ARD After a year unlike any other, I find myself energized by the welcome symbols of hope I see all around us. It feels like the momentum many of us felt before the pandemic is humming again as signs of growth, development and recovery are evident across our area.

At the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, we are motivated by new and emerging ways for philanthropy to impact positive change, innovate, and create possibilities for individuals and families to thrive. With optimism and enthusiasm, we turn the page on a new chapter and welcome two new members to our Board of Directors.

Matt Gassen comes to the Foundation’s Board with extensive knowledge of the local nonprofit sector, having served as CEO of Feeding South Dakota for the last 22 years. Prior to his time with Feeding South Dakota, Matt was a member of the U.S. Air Force, supporting hundreds of troops over the course of his 22 years of service. An active civic volunteer, he also serves on the Feeding America National Affiliate Council, the South Dakota Sportsman Against Hunger Board and the Sioux Falls Thrive Food Security Action Team. A member of Downtown Rotary and a deacon at Sioux Falls First Church, Matt’s hobbies include golf, working on classic cars and spending time with his grandkids.

Marilyn Korsten joins our Board with extensive experience across multiple industries including financial services, data analytics, technology and retail. A long-time community volunteer, Marilyn has served on boards for a number of nonprofits and is a past member of the Foundation’s Grants Committee. An entrepreneur, she runs her own business, SamCreative, and currently serves on the First Lutheran Church Foundation Board. Marilyn’s hobbies include spending time outdoors and photography.

As we welcome Matt and Marilyn to our board, we give our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our outgoing board members, Scott Christensen and Mary Jo Murray — two extraordinary individuals who have volunteered their time and service to the Foundation in so many ways. Scott served as chair of the board, and both he and Mary Jo served on our Grants Committee in addition to their board service. Scott and Mary Jo have played key roles in helping the Foundation advance its mission to build a brighter tomorrow through philanthropy and we will remain forever grateful for their visionary leadership and trusted guidance over the years.

Please join me in welcoming Matt and Marilyn, and in thanking Scott and Mary Jo for their many contributions to the Foundation and the community we all call home.

Sincerely, Susie Patrick Chair of the Board of Directors

ON THE COVER: Alicia Hudson dances with Jalysse Beaudion at the 2021 Juneteenth celebration, held on Saturday, July 19, at Terrace Park in Sioux Falls. The event was supported, in part, thanks to a grant from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation to Establishing Sustainable Connections (ESC), the local nonprofit that organized the event. Learn more about our Q2 Community Fund grants on page 15. (Photo by Emily Spartz Weerheim)

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of GENEROSITY GENERATIONS

Believing that business and philanthropy can intersect to enhance and enrich our community, the Nyberg family has been giving back to Sioux Falls for more than six decades.

Entrepreneurial, community-minded and charitable, this family believes that when giving thrives, a community thrives.

From left to right: Erik Nyberg, Rodora Nyberg and Kevin & Linda Nyberg.

(Photo by Emily Spartz Weerheim)

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F

rom our first step, to our first day of school, to our first job, and beyond, our parents are there to show us the way forward. They run behind us — breathless with hope, fear and excitement — teaching us everyday skills, cheering our wins, consoling our losses, and offering endless patience and love until that magical moment when we find our balance, discover our confidence, and pedal off on journeys of our own.

And yet, for all they pass on, perhaps the most valuable lessons we learn from our parents aren’t those they intentionally teach us. Rather, it’s what they show us — about how to live, love and give — that impacts us the most.

Rodora and Roy Nyberg at a Foundation event in 2009.

Just ask Kevin Nyberg.

As a kid growing up in Sioux Falls, Nyberg watched his parents, Roy and Rodora, raise a family, build a successful local business, volunteer for important causes, and give back to the city of Sioux Falls in countless ways in partnership with the Community Foundation.

His parents’ love for their community, and their hopes and dreams for its future, are what Nyberg says inspires his own family’s civic involvement, servant leadership, and charitable giving today.

Intersections Kevin’s father, Roy Nyberg, came from humble beginnings.

Roy’s father, Nils, was a Swedish immigrant who worked hard to make a home for his family in International Falls, Minnesota. As a teen, Roy took a job at the local Ace Hardware store before joining the U.S. Army Air Corp and later serving in WWII. After the war, he met and married Rodora and the couple eventually settled in Sioux Falls. In 1957, he purchased an Ace Hardware store here and in 1969, he built the store on the corner of 41st Street and Minnesota Avenue.

His dad, Kevin said, could easily see the intersections between business, community development, and philanthropy.

“Being a local business, you want to embrace the community and Dad did that so well. He was really a

visionary for promoting the city and its retail opportunities, and for seeing the possibilities for outdoor recreation along the Big Sioux River,” Kevin said.

Roy and Rodora’s love for Sioux Falls eventually led the couple to the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, where they established charitable funds to help support their favorite local nonprofits.

Giving back, Kevin said, was central to his parents’ way of life.

“Giving was always important to them and we really came to understand the importance of the Community Foundation through them,” Kevin said. “They definitely instilled in us the impact the Foundation creates here in Sioux Falls.”

After Roy’s death in 2010, the Nyberg family worked with the Foundation again to create the Roy D. Nyberg Greenway Park, River and Trail System Fund, honoring Roy’s many efforts to preserve the River Greenway and expand outdoor recreational opportunities for future generations.

A Legacy of Giving Lives On Today, as owners of the five Nyberg’s Ace stores in Sioux Falls, Kevin and Linda Nyberg are intentional about keeping the family’s legacy of giving and care alive.

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“As far as giving is concerned, that’s always been important for us. Sioux Falls is such a giving community.

There’s such a spirit of care here and so many people have a real heart for giving. We want to be a part of that,” Kevin said.

“As an independent local business owner, I believe in giving back to this city. This community supports our business, and in turn, we want to support the community,” he said.

“I think the mark of a strong community is having individuals who are engaged and want to contribute. By being involved, I feel like I'm doing a small part to make our city a better place.”

— ERIK NYBERG

Nyberg’s philosophy on giving took on an even greater meaning in the wake of the pandemic.

As the consequences of COVID-19 began to unfold in early 2020, Nyberg’s Ace stepped forward to help with major gifts to the One Sioux Falls Fund and the Corona Help Sioux Falls Fund, both held at the Foundation.

In addition to the philanthropic efforts of Nyberg’s Ace, Kevin and Linda are also active in their own giving, using their donor advised fund held at the Foundation to support their favorite local charities and causes.

“Donor advised funds at the Community Foundation work well because they offer both immediate tax advantages and the flexibility for donors to recommend grants to their favorite charities from the fund when the time is right,” said Mary Kolsrud, vice president for philanthropy. “Donor advised funds really allow donors to develop a more impactful giving strategy over time.”

The Next Generation In 2020, the Nyberg family’s work with Community Foundation grew by another generation when Erik Nyberg, Kevin and Linda’s son, joined one of the Foundation’s grants committees.

As a member of the committee, Erik was among those who reviewed proposals and awarded grants from a funding collaborative designed to support organizations and ideas committed to lifting up disadvantaged individuals, families and children in the Sioux Falls area.

The experience has been enlightening, Erik said.

“I’ve been able to see how the goodwill of individuals throughout this city helps those in need. It’s really striking to see the level of generosity this community has and how engaged donors are, not only with the Foundation, but with the city at large,” he said.

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Given his family’s long-time relationship with the Community Foundation, as well as its history of giving and service, Erik said standing up to volunteer for the committee felt like a natural step.

And working with the Foundation, he said, is a chance to join with others who have the same love and passion for the Sioux Falls area.

“My family has always had a close connection and affection for great work the Community Foundation does, and that started with my grandpa and grandma.

We continue to support the Foundation and believe in its mission because we know the Foundation has such a great track record for helping those in need and for creating important impact across our area.”

Erik Nyberg

Family Philanthropy Working with the Foundation, the Nybergs said, makes giving easy.

“There are so many advantages to a donor advised fund — the most important of which is that you’re giving back to the community,” Kevin said. “But second of all, there are significant tax advantages. And the Foundation is so easy to work with."

"It’s easy to set up a donor advised fund, the costs are minimal, but the impact is so huge. Plus, it’s a big timesaver for us, for sure," he said.

Generations of the Nyberg Family.

(Photos by Emily Spartz Weerheim.)

The Nybergs also utilize the Foundation’s insights on community needs in making their charitable giving decisions.

“There are so many amazing nonprofits throughout Sioux Falls, and they’re all doing such important work,” Linda said, explaining how the Foundation helps outline different giving opportunities.

Looking ahead, the couple is exploring ways the Roy D. Nyberg Greenway Park, River and Trail System Fund could further enhance the city’s outdoor recreation opportunities.

“I just believe that if the community does you well, you should give back to the community. And that’s our philosophy at Nyberg’s, and within our family.”

— KEVIN NYBERG

When asked if it makes her proud to see that her family's tradition of giving back has carried on through generations, Rodora said, "absolutely."

“At its core, philanthropy is about people helping people,” she said. “When Roy and Rodora began their charitable giving at the Foundation, they modeled the act of selfless generosity for their children, passed on the importance of giving back to the place you call home, and created a legacy of giving that has benefitted our community for generations over,” Kolsrud said. “For those of us who have the privilege of serving at the Community Foundation, it’s an honor to work with special families such as the Nybergs to help their charitable wishes for a stronger, more vibrant community come true,” Kolsrud said.

The Nyberg family’s story, Kolsrud said, illustrates the impact of family philanthropy.

Want to learn more about the Community Foundation’s family philanthropy services? Call us at 605.336.7055 today.

“Dad was instrumental in creating the vision for the Greenway, and that fund really honors his legacy and creates a way for his vision to live on for generations to come. We want that fund to continue to grow so that someday we can do something really special with it,” Kevin said.

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Donor Advised Funds TIPS FOR SMARTER GIVING

A S IMPLE , TAX-EFFICIENT WAY T O SUPPORT Y OUR FAVORITE CHAR IT IES

Recent Sale of Donor Raven Industries Is a Good Reminder Why Advised Funds A SIMPLE , TAX - EF FICIE NT WAYMakes T O SUPPORT Great YOUR Donating Appreciated Stocks Sense FAVORITE C H AR ITIE S A D VA N TA G ES OF A D O N O R A D VI S E D F U N D AT T H E C OMMUN I T Y F O UN D AT I O N

You can open a fund with a simple agreement, often in less than a day. Whether you give cash, appreciated stock, or other assets, you receive an immediate charitable deduction for your gift.

Donating appreciated stocks not only allows the Smart. cially, avoidance of capital gains tax, it also provides an A D VA N TA G E S O F A D O N OR A D V I S E D F U N D AT T H E immediate deduction forwhen theto recommend fair market value of the grant distributions.

C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D AT I ON asset. And donating that The stock to a donor advised fund Community Foundation also has the ability to accept a variety of noncash assets which may help you reduce capital gains tax so you can give gives you time to thoughtfully where how You canconsider open a fund with a simpleand agreement, often in lesscharitable than a day. Whether youfor give cash, or other assets, to apply your gifts theappreciated greateststock, impact. you receive an immediate charitable deduction foryour your gift.

Plus, you have the option to name fund – or give anonymously – without With looming tax law changes on the horizon, there’s having to establish a private family foundation. never been Smart. a better time to act. cially,

Donate Non-Cash Assets • Stock • Securities • Real Estate • And more!

Convenient. Recommend grants to charities at your convenience, set up recurring grant recommendations so checks go out automatically, and print when to recommendone grant distributions. simple statement at tax time.

Donor Advised Funds

Local expertise. you set to up accept a fund, you have access to the The Community Foundation also hasWhen the ability a variety of non-

Foundation’s professional program staff. With extensive knowledge of F FIC IE N T WAY T O S UPPORT YOU R S IMP LE, TAX -E cash throughout assets which may help you life, reduceyou’ll capital gains tax sofind youAcan give At some point your likely FAVORIT E C H ARIT IE S yourself facing a taxable event. Maybe you’re selling provide recommendations to help structure your giving over time. your business. inherited Or, – without Plus, Maybe you have theyou’ve option to name your fundproperty.

– or give anonymously Donor Advised Fund A DVA NTA GES O F A D O N O R A D V IS E D FU N D AT T H E having to establish a private family foundation.

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recurring grant recommendations so checksyou goreceive out an automatically, and printfor your gift. immediate charitable deduction MINIMUM INITIAL one simple statement at tax time.

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FEES GRANT DISTRIBUTIONS Smart. cially, Did you know you can dramatically reduce your taxation CONTRIBUTION when to recommendassets grant distributions. from these events by donating non-cash Local expertise.

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With knowledge Theextensive Community Foundation alsoper hasof the ability to accept a variety of non1% of fund balance a donor advised fund at the program Community Foundation? $15,000 year, based the ENDOWED charitieseachnow, oron over time. cash assets mayquarterly. help you reduce capital gains tax so you can give year,which taken previous 12 quarters.

Plus, you have the option to name your fund – or give anonymously – without 0.5%giving ofand eachover contribution provide recommendations tosuch help structure your time.

Donating appreciated assets as stocks Between $100 and the full having to establish a private family foundation.

NON-ENDOWED at time of gift. SFACF $5,000 fund balance. retains any earnings . securities has always been a tax-wise philanthropic Convenient. Recommend grants to charities at your convenience, set up recurring grant recommendations so checks go out automatically, and print simple statement strategy. This method not only allows aonedonor toat tax time. *Fees reduced for fund balances over $1,000,000 D O N O R A D V IS E D F U N D OP T I ON S When you set up a fund, you have access to the avoid capital gains tax, it also provides Local anexpertise. immediate Foundation’s professional program staff. With extensive knowledge of deduction for the fair market value of the asset. What’s provide recommendations to help structure your giving over time.

MINIMUM INITIAL more, it gives donors time to thoughtfully consider FEES GRANT DISTRIBUTIONS CONTRIBUTION where and how to apply their charitable gifts for the to predict whether the retroactive capital gains tax DO NO R A DV ISED FU N D O P T IO N S greatest impact. increase will survive negotiations in Congress.

ENDOWED

1% of fund balance per year, taken quarterly.

FEES

$15,000

MINIMUM INITIAL CONTRIBUTION

Up to 5% of fund balance each year, based on the GRANT DISTRIBUTIONS previous 12 quarters.

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Between $100 full NON-ENDOWED at time of gift. SFACF $5,000 fund balance. changes on the horizon, we are predicting an even or securities to support the charities that matter most retains any earnings .

0.5% of each contribution Between $100 and the full NON-ENDOWED at time of gift. SFACF $5,000 fund balance. greater surge in the number of donors who choose to retains any earningsto . you. And again, it’s important to remember: Donors reduced for fund balances over $1,000,000 use non-cash assets to fund their philanthropy. who make*Fees outright gifts of appreciated assets essentially *Fees reduced for fund balances over $1,000,000

Preliminary proposals and several bills recently introduced in Congress may provide an even greater incentive for gifts of appreciated assets. Currently, high-income earners pay a 20% capital gains tax when selling assets held for longer than one year. Under one proposal, those who earn more than $1 million could see a 39.6% capital gains tax rate, with the tax hike retroactive to the date of announcement. Of course, the tax change is still under negotiation and it’s tough 8 | FOR GOOD. FOR EVER.

receive a double benefit: you’ll eliminate capital gains tax and you’ll receive an immediate deduction of the fair market value of your asset.

Want to learn more? We’re here to help! Contact us at 605.336.7055.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, tax or financial planning advice. Always check with your tax advisor before making any charitable gift.

SPOTLIGHT: SCHOLARSHIPS

INVESTING IN

TOMORROW’S LEADERS Learn more, see a full list of our 2021 scholarship recipients and meet our scholarship review committee members at sfacf.org.

Earlier this spring, the Community Foundation awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing post-secondary education — young people from across our area who, in their educational pursuits, will be challenged to ask questions, listen, engage in dialogue, learn, serve and explore new ideas for a brighter tomorrow.

The scholarships are funded by donors who are passionate about changing lives, promoting economic security and investing in the future through the power of education.

“We’ve long believed that philanthropy and education can and must intersect to help drive positive change, said Patrick Gale, the Foundation’s vice president for Community Investment. “We are so grateful to the donors behind these scholarship funds for investing in the leaders of tomorrow."

"We believe our 2021 scholars are an extraordinary group of young people and we are confident they will play a vital role in creating a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

Scholarship funds at the Community Foundation allow donors to make a meaningful, life-changing charitable contribution, qualify for an immediate tax benefit, and provide scholarships in perpetuity to area students pursuing post-high school education.

Donors work with the Foundation to design an impactful scholarship fund based on criteria that’s personally meaningful and relevant to current societal needs. Once the fund is established and applications arrive, the Foundation team supports scholarship review committee members in an annual selection process.

We caught up with two of our 2021 scholars to learn how they hope to use their education to impact positive change throughout our community.

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ANDREW MOEN High School: O’Gorman High School, Class of ‘21 Next Stop: University of South Dakota Future Plans: “I’ll be majoring in medical biology and minoring in psychology. I hope to continue on to med school and pursue a career in medicine.”

Q. Can you talk about your desire to serve?

A. It really started when I was little. My dad got sick and had a long rehabilitation process. His condition is incurable, but he can function on a normal basis now.

In my family, it’s just my dad, my sister and me. What people did for me and my family during that time — helping my dad get back to a place where he could take care of my sister and me again — that really made me realize that I’m called to do for others what people did for my dad and my family all those years ago.

I want to pursue a career in the medical field because I want to understand people and the situations they’re in, and to always be compassionate through that.

“I’m just so thankful and appreciative.

These scholarships will help so much.

I look up to the donors behind these scholarship funds as people I want to be like someday.

By caring about someone like me, they’re helping to build a better community.

It takes a lot of generosity to do that.

Down the road someday, when I have the means, I want to do the same thing.”

— ANDREW MOEN

Q. You’ve been an active volunteer throughout high school. Why is volunteerism important to you?

Moen received awards from two scholarship funds.

A. I’ve witnessed how volunteering helps our community.

I’ve volunteered at The Banquet, the Bishop Dudley House, the Good Samaritan Society and more. Through volunteering, I’ve realized I can impact someone’s life.

I want to carry that passion over into what I do in my future, which is why I want to pursue a career in the medical field. It’s where I know I’ll be able to help people and their families.

The Fred and Marie Christopherson Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Fred and Marie Christopherson, a loving couple who devoted their careers to the newspaper industry. Fred served as editor of the Argus Leader for 33 years. Marie was a reporter and columnist.

Because of the Christophersons’ love for South Dakota, this scholarship is open to graduating seniors from high schools across the state.

Q. What inspires you?

A. My dad inspires me. He’s been through a lot, but he’s never given up. I think his drive, and his attitude for life in general, really inspires me to take on that mindset and serve and inspire others in the work I do.

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The Davenport Evans Scholarship Fund was established

by Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, one of South Dakota’s oldest and largest law firms, to honor the academic achievement and community involvement of area students in Brookings, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Moody, and Turner counties.

ANGIE BARRIENTOS High School: Washington High School, Class of ‘21 Next Stop: Augustana University Future Plans: “I plan to major in nursing.”

Photos by Emily Spartz Weerheim

Q. Why do you want to pursue a career in nursing?

A. My mom was in born in Guatemala and she immigrated to the U.S. for a better life. When she was in Guatemala she was a nurse and she’s told me so many stories about how she loved the field and being able to help others. That really inspired me to want to go into nursing.

I think nurses can be such a rock for individuals and families when they’re at their most vulnerable. I really want to be that for people. I’m fluent in Spanish, so I want to use my language skills in my nursing career, too.

“As a first generation college student coming from a single-income home, this scholarship will help me so much. It’s amazing. I’m really thankful to the donors. College is so expensive and their generosity is opening doors for people like me to get an education. Their generosity, and the education it supports, will change our world; it will change our community.”

— ANGIE BARRIENTOS

Q. What inspires you?

A. I want to make my mom proud. She’s so special to me.

When she immigrated to the United States she couldn’t continue her nursing career because of the language barrier and the different requirements for nurses here.

Currently she manages the housekeeping area at a local hotel. She does so much for me and I love her so much.

I’m also inspired by the opportunity to help minorities in my community feel welcomed and loved. Sioux Falls has been growing exponentially in recent years. With that growth comes a growth in diversity. I believe it’s important to show that minorities are more than just a stereotype. I think everyone deserves the same care and opportunity. My goal as a nurse is to let my future patients know that I’m not here to judge them, I’m here to give them the care they need and to make them feel they’re just as important as anyone else.

Barrientos is the recipient of an award from the Robert W. Best Scholarship Fund.

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Best graduated from Washington High School, served in World War II and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1949, he purchased a small typewriter store he named Best Business Products. The enterprise grew and eventually provided copiers, computers, and related office equipment throughout the region.

The scholarship celebrates Best’s legacy of caring for the Sioux Falls community and honors his volunteer work with the Children’s Care Hospital and School board, Avera McKennan Hospital Advisory Board, the Sioux Falls Community Playhouse board, Sioux Empire United Way, Downtown Rotary Club and more.

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Steve Johnson with Faith Through Frames takes photos at his portrait studio in downtown Sioux Falls.

(Photos by Emily Spartz Weerheim)

Providing Faith Through Frames For many of us, framed family portraits and candid 5 x 7s are sprinkled throughout our homes and offices — frozen moments in time that illustrate our life’s story and feature what’s most important to us: our family, our friends, and our most cherished memories.

But for families who are struggling to cover even the most basic of life’s necessities, or for those who have no home, family portraits just aren’t in the cards. And as a result, pages and chapters of their stories remain blank — a stark illustration of the vast and deep hopelessness one can feel during times of extreme challenge.

But today, thanks in part to grant support from the Community Foundation, one photographer is working to change that by offering free portrait photography and photo ID cards, to families and neighbors in need.

Steve Johnson was fresh out of college when he bought his first camera just over 25 years ago. An outdoors enthusiast, taking photos of nature and wildlife was just a hobby until 2018, when he decided to start his own 12 | FOR GOOD. FOR EVER.

photography business. His plan was to take portrait and commercial photos for clients throughout the area. Soon after though, Johnson said he felt called to use his skill as a photographer to take a different kind of photo — he wanted to capture and provide family portraits of those in need throughout Sioux Falls.

“The idea first came to me while taking pictures of church activities and events for Peace Lutheran Church’s ‘Pieces of Peace’ weekly video,” Johnson said. “This was the first time I started pointing my camera at people rather than animals and landscapes, and I really enjoyed the challenge of capturing those moments.

I soon began thinking about pursuing a career as a professional portrait photographer, but when I started praying about becoming one, God changed my mind. I knew there had to be people in Sioux Falls that would enjoy a family or self-portrait, but who are without the means to obtain one.”

And so, Faith Through Frames began.

In its early days, the effort primarily provided free printed and framed portraits to attendees of Peace Lutheran’s “Necessities for Neighbors” events, as well as those who were un-housed and/or struggling with poverty and were part of Church on the Street.

In early 2019, Johnson approached the Community Foundation with a grant proposal, hoping to offer the service to even more neighbors in need.

The Community Foundation loved the idea and awarded Johnson a grant to help expand and support Faith Through Frames.

Rebel Hurd, minister and mission developer for Church on the Street, said Johnson’s work is bringing joy to those who, perhaps, need it the most.

“A family who is struggling with poverty and/or homelessness is not going to get a professional photo taken, so to see the joy in their eyes when they receive (a photo from Johnson) — it’s truly amazing,” Hurd said.

Providing Ongoing Support The Foundation’s initial grant has helped Faith Through Frames to capture and share more than 1,000 portraits.

As the organization continues to expand its reach, it's also stepping forward to help in new ways. One example: In the wake of the pandemic, with so many families impacted by economic consequences of COVID-19, Faith Through Frames worked to create photo ID cards to help individuals access food pantries in the area.

Seeing the impact of Faith Through Fames in the lives of individuals and families thanks to the initial grant, earlier this year the Foundation awarded the organization a second grant to help it expand to a physical location which includes a portrait studio. The new space, Johnson said, has allowed him to offer more services, including senior portraits for families in need.

Their Stories Behind the lens of his camera, Johnson’s heart often breaks.

“Words can’t describe (what it’s like to) hear a family say, ‘We have never had a family picture taken before,’” he said. “I hear that a lot.”

“We all have a story, and our stories deserve to be chronicled. What Steve Johnson is doing through Faith Through Frames is such a great example of the good that can come from people helping people. We are honored to partner with Steve as he uses his skills to help our neighbors in need illustrate their life’s stories and memories.”

— PATRICK GALE VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

Standing in front of Johnson’s lens, another family shared: “Our place just burned down and this (will be) the only photo we have of us.”

Another family, with excitement, said this: “We just got our first apartment after living on the streets and can’t wait to hang our picture.”

While his photos are making a difference for neighbors in need, Johnson said working on behalf of Faith Through Frames has changed his life as well.

“I am absolutely floored with humility at being able to hand a family or an individual a portrait that they will either carry with them, share with family, or hang on the wall in their home. The biggest change in my life is now having conversation, laughs, and sometimes tears with people who I would have previously just walked by and not even noticed. Being able to take my passion with what I love to do and share that with those most in need, well it just doesn’t get any better than that,” Johnson said.

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Building a Link to a Better Tomorrow It’s only been open since June, but already The Link, the city’s first-ever community triage center, is making an impact. Now, the Foundation is part of a new effort to help those struggling with mental health or addiction issues move forward in the recovery process.

When The Link was first envisioned, community leaders imagined a central place that could serve two key areas: To provide immediate access to compassionate care for those struggling with mental illness or addiction, and to stop a growing pattern that showed individuals experiencing these issues were increasingly cycling in and out of jail or emergency departments.

They realized a community triage center could offer an innovative way to address gaps in services for some of our community’s most vulnerable.

Aptly named, The Link was designed to meet the individual needs of those experiencing a non-violent behavioral health crisis or needing care for substance abuse disorders by providing a link to immediate treatment and referrals to support services.

Recognizing the important role a facility like this could play in Sioux Falls, the Community Foundation stepped forward to serve as a strategic partner when the idea was still in its infancy, providing administrative support and charitable fund management to help bring the project’s vision to life.

After extensive planning and community collaboration, The Link officially opened its doors in June. The facility is already making a positive impact.

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Since The Link's opening: • More than 437 total triages were completed • More than 76 withdrawal management admissions were processed As a result, officials from both Sanford and Avera hospitals report a significant decline in emergency room visits related to substance use issues/acute intoxication.

In addition, local law enforcement reports that fewer patients are being processed in Minnehaha County Jail.

Now comes the next step in helping to bring the idea for a community triage center full circle. The Foundation has announced its fiscal sponsorship of the Operation Hope Fund, a new effort to help improve the continuum of care for individuals served by The Link.

Via grants made to Avera McKennan, as operator of The Link, the Operation Hope Fund will support clients of The Link as they move forward in their recovery process.

The Fund will help defray costs associated with shortterm or transitional housing, transportation, medication, payment of co-pays, deductibles and provider visits, and personal care and/or hygiene needs.

“Central to our mission is helping our neighbors in need, including those struggling with mental health or addiction issues,” said Andy Patterson, president. “We’ve been proud to serve as a strategic partner for The Link and we believe the Operation Hope Fund will play a key role in helping its clients move forward in their recovery.”

The Fund launched with a $500,000 gift from the City of Sioux Falls. Learn more at sfacf.org.

COMMUNITY IMPACT Q2 Community Fund Grants The Community Fund, the endowment behind the Foundation’s most visionary grantmaking, awarded grants to the following area nonprofits for the second quarter of 2021.

These grants were awarded from April - June 2021: Ace Academy In addition to being a K-8 school, ACE Academy works to address community issues found in marginalized communities such as workforce development, juvenile delinquency, low literacy rates, generational poverty, and mental health challenges. This grant will support the school’s Equitable Admissions and Case Management Process, a program providing assistance for low-income families to participate in ACE Academy’s educational services, nutrition program, and before-and-after school care.

The program also offers case management, mental health services, parenting groups, and peer support.

Chamber Music Collective With a mission to make music and art more accessible at all corners of the community, the Chamber Music Collective works to bridge art forms for more creative possibilities and break the barrier between performers and audiences. This grant will support the organization’s summer 2021 projects, designed to uplift youth and celebrate African American and Asian American artists through music, art, and creativity, including a concert in June at Fawick Park and a Summer Strings Camp for violin and viola students from Title 1 schools.

Downtown Hartford, Inc. The Foundation’s grant will support the development of a master plan for Downtown Hartford, Inc., an effort that will serve as the visual roadmap to help the organization achieve its mission to revitalize downtown Hartford through beautification efforts, community events, and economic development initiatives.

SHIFT Garage With a mission to provide reliable transportation to those living in poverty, SHIFT Garage utilizes volunteers to provide repairs for existing vehicles and places donated vehicles with families and individuals in need.

Clients are also provided car maintenance and financial literacy training.

The Foundation’s grant will support SHIFT Garage as it establishes a location in Sioux Falls.

Translators of Culture Dedicated to empowering minority youth, Translators of Culture offers opportunities for youth to practice civic duty, showcase their cultures, and learn leadership skills. This grant will support a collaborative short film project that aims to bridge the gap between marginalized students of Sioux Falls and the larger community while connecting minority youth with historic downtown.

Working Together to Create a Thriving Community F OR G OOD . F O R EVER .

FI SCA L YE AR- TO- DATE CO M M U NI TY I MPACT UPDATE

2, 500 GRA N T S TO CO M M U NI TY PROG RAMS & O R GA NIZATION S

In partnership with our donors, we've distributed more than $24 MILLION to local nonprofits, making our area a better place to live, work, and play.

E D U C AT ION

H EALT H

HUMAN S ER V IC E S

C OMMUNI T Y DEVELOP MENT

ARTS & H U M A N IT IES

LEARN MORE ONLINE Learn more about these grants and the nonprofits they support at sfacf.org.

RELI GI ON

Save the date for our 2021 Donor Reception, set for Thursday, Oct. 21, where we'll share final numbers from FY 21 and celebrate the impact of philanthropy in our community.

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID

Sioux Falls, SD Permit #7519

200 N. Cherapa Place Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Save the date!

JOIN US FOR OUR 2021 DONOR RECEPTION 5-7 P.M. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

HILTON GARDEN INN, DOWNTOWN

Watch your mailbox for the official invite!