SPRING 2019 H I G H FIVE! S T RI V E FOR FIVE PR OGR AM I S C H A NGING THE GAME
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear Friends, If you’re anything like me, I know that you, too, are glad for the arrival of spring. While all seasons represent change, I think spring, especially, is a season of promise – of new life, new beginnings, revived momentum and fresh excitement. For those of us who serve the Sioux Falls area as Community Foundation representatives, the sense of excitement and momentum we feel as this spring nears seems almost palpable. The opportunities we have to help you create good, forever, have never been greater; and, thanks to your support, our outreach has never been stronger. The word “outreach” has been especially significant to us this spring following historic flooding which has impacted thousands of residents throughout our area. In mid-March, when the first stage of major flooding hit the metro area, Sioux Falls city leadership turned to the Community Foundation for help. Working quickly, we established the Flood Recovery Fund as a way to help our neighbors whose homes and properties sustained damage. Also significant to us are the hundreds of meaningful grants we have been able to award to important causes and local nonprofit organizations – grants made possible thanks to the many generous visionaries who choose to invest in the future of our community through philanthropy. (See page 6 for details.) The impact of people helping people is nothing short of extraordinary. Seeing it every day, I’m so often reminded of a passage I once read, attributed to Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Here, our mission is to connect the change-makers of today – the philanthropists and the advocates – to begin the ripples that will one day create a better tomorrow.
To that end, I am especially pleased to share with you two exciting staff promotions, as well as a new member of our team. • Patrick Gale has been named Vice President, Community Investment. With more than 14 years of experience leading the Foundation’s grantmaking programs, he brings a wealth of information to our donor advisors. In his new role, Patrick will focus primarily on the Foundation’s community investment arm – working closely with nonprofits to identify areas of community need and connect donors to causes they are passionate about. • Mary Kolsrud has been named Vice President, Philanthropy. She most recently served as a Gift Planning Officer, and as you’ll see in the following pages, she just attained her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation. In her new role, Mary will help donors navigate their philanthropic journey, providing guidance on legacy planning and charitable endowments, while also assisting advisors with the technical aspects of giving. • Kelly Sprecher has joined the Community Foundation as Marketing and Communications Manager. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Kelly comes to us after serving in executive communications roles for Augustana University and Wells Fargo. In her new role, Kelly will focus on telling the Community Foundation’s story in an effort to raise awareness and, in turn, grow support. As we welcome a new season and celebrate new beginnings, we thank you for your continued support and investment in the community we all call home. Thank you,
Andy Patterson, President
OU R MISSION
FL O O D REC OV ERY F U N D Learn more at sfacf.org/flood
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I n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h d o n o r s , S i o u x F a l l s A re a C o mmu n i ty F o u n d a t i o n p ro v i d e s t r u s t e d l e a d e r s h i p t h a t i n spi re s p h i l a n t h ro p y a n d e n r i c h e s t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e i n o u r are a, f o r g o o d , f o r e v e r.
Helping Nonprofits Evaluate Impact N E W P R O G RA M RE CE IV E S $ 5 0 ,000 CO MMUNIT Y F O UNDAT IO N I N ITI ATI V E G RA N T It’s the ability to binge watch all 10 seasons of the hit sitcom Friends anytime, anywhere. It’s knowing that with just a few quick swipes on our phone, food can be delivered to our front door. And, it’s the convenience we experience thanks to Google — providing answers to even our toughest questions. For so many of us, technology has made today an extraordinary time.
“We have an exciting report due back from the Augustana Research Institute in the coming months,” said Janet Kittams, CEO of the Helpline Center. “This report will allow us to analyze data from our partner agencies to determine gaps in services to uncover where the community needs to invest additional resources.”
For others though, technology can create complex challenges and difficult barriers.
That leap forward in analyzing data to determine our community’s areas of need is why the Community Foundation is proud to support this landmark program with a $50,000 grant through its 2019 City Blossom Initiative Funding.
Research has shown that despite advances in technology and data analysis, foundations and the nonprofit community have not used technology effectively. As a result, they continually struggle to evaluate their impact. But thanks to a new initiative from the Helpline Center, with support from the Community Foundation, that’s about to change. The Helpline Center’s newest program, Network of Care, is transforming the nonprofit landscape in Sioux Falls. By utilizing a shared database, nonprofit organizations are able to communicate with each other in real time. This means once an individual is added to the database, the services he or she receives can be viewed by partner agencies. With a focus on client privacy, nonprofits can now more efficiently serve those in need and make smarter referrals to better help their clients. Moving forward, Network of Care will add additional reporting features for cross-sector data analysis – enabling community leaders to identify trends, learn what’s working and understand what’s not.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation and its visionary donors for this great support. Working together, we’ll create a better tomorrow for individuals and families in the Sioux Falls Area.”
JANET KITTAMS, HELPLINE CENTER CEO
“While it’s not the same as uncovering the lost city of Atlantis or the Holy Grail, in the foundation world, discovering a way to evaluate impact is a little like finding treasure,” said Patrick Gale, the Community Foundation’s Vice President for Community Investment. “There’s no doubt that having quality data will help us and will help other community leaders make sound investments.”
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ON L I N E F U N D A C C E SS NOW AVA I L A B L E ! Get your statements, check your balance, recommend grants and more!
2018 Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Graduates, from left to right: Mary Kolsrud, MBA, CAP® Community Foundation; Jennifer E. Bunkers, JD, CAP® Boyce Law Firm; Stacy Erdmann, CPA, CAP® Eide Bailly LLP.
Call or email to get setup. 336-7055 x14 mdonohue@sfacf.org
What is Legacy? WHAT KIND OF LEGACY WILL WE LEAVE — TO OUR FAMILIES, OUR SOCIETY, THE WORLD?
WHAT IS A DONOR ADVISED FUND?
A donor advised fund makes giving to charities easy and convenient. You’ll benefit from: - Special giving reports on current community needs - Shared expertise and knowledge of local programs and organizations - The ability to donate to multiple charities in one, simple transaction. Or, set up recurring donations - Access account information with real-time online fund access - Seamlessly donate cash, stock or other non-cash assets Let us be your partner in philanthropy – call us at 336-7055.
To learn more about legacy planning, contact Mary Kolsrud at 605.336.7055 x 26.
These questions recently set the stage for a year-long journey of thoughtful exploration and discovery by a small group intent on expanding their knowledge of charitable planning. After wrapping up the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) course in 2018, Jennifer Bunkers of Boyce Law Firm, Stacy Erdmann of Eide Bailly LLP and Mary Kolsrud, the Community Foundation’s Vice President of Philanthropy, each gained far more than just a new set of acronyms to add behind their names – they now have a fresh perspective and deeper understanding of what it means to plan for legacy through philanthropy. While the course covered the tools and tax advantages of charitable giving, each said they gained more than just technique. “While technical expertise is critical, it’s equally important to understand the aspirations and values behind philanthropy,” Erdmann said. “To realize the greater motivations and passion of my clients has been instrumental in providing them guidance.” Bunkers agreed, adding: “I now center my conversations around values, how much is enough to leave subsequent generations, and bringing to light the most important aspect – that your estate plan is truly the last lesson and message you will leave your children and grandchildren.” An important part of the charitable planning process, the Community Foundation has been helping advisors and donors for more than 30 years. “Philanthropy is a team effort,” Kolsrud said. “It’s working jointly with advisors on the technical aspects and also helping donors discover legacies they will leave their families and community.” Now armed with greater knowledge and a jumble of alphabet soup on their business cards, this group is continuing to inspire philanthropy.
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Collaboration in the Community S I O U X FA L L S RE LE A F P ROJE CT TAK ES C O LLABO RAT IVE APPRO ACH Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with so many people who have a passion for our community. Whether it’s helping plan a philanthropic legacy or establishing a donor advised fund, the Community Foundation is honored to help guide donors on their journey. What some people might not realize, however, is the variety of other ways we help make the Sioux Falls area great. Last fall, with the Emerald Ash Borer threatening trees across the community, the City of Sioux Falls knew it needed to take action to preserve the beauty of our parks and boulevards.
“As we face the loss of nearly 25 percent of our city’s trees over the coming years, it will take a collaborative approach and community effort to replant.”
MAYOR PAUL TENHAKEN
“The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation is committed to creating a better tomorrow for our community and those who call it home,” said Andy Patterson, Foundation President. “To that end, our team is constantly evaluating needs and opportunities in our area and thinking creatively of ways we can help. On the ReLeaf Project, our goal is to walk alongside our visionary donors, city leaders and organizations to help keep Sioux Falls beautiful today, and for generations to come.” While the variety of services we offer can seem complicated, when you boil it down, what we do is actually very simple. We are here for our community, for good, for ever.
To learn more about the project or to donate, visit sfreleaf.org.
So in November, the City launched a five-year, $2.5 million fundraising campaign to help defray the cost of replanting trees. The Community Foundation is collaborating on the effort, accepting and overseeing donations on the City’s behalf. FOR GOOD. FOR EVER. | 5.
F I S C A L Y E A R - T O-DATE I M PA C T U P DATE JU LY 1 , 2018 – J AN. 3 1 , 2 0 1 9
M OR E T HA N
$26 MILLION IN G IFT S
High Five! 1 ,569 GRA NT S
TO CO M M U N IT Y PRO GR AMS & O R G A N IZ ATI O N
S T RIVE F O R F IVE PRO GRAM IS CHANG ING T HE GAME Sometimes, showing up is the hardest part. For kids at Terry Redlin Elementary School, this especially rings true.
In partnership wit h our donors , we d istributed more t han $12 MILLION to local nonprofits, making our area a bet ter place to l ive, work, and play.
ED U C ATION
H E ALTH
Located in the heart of our community, Terry Redlin serves children living at St. Francis House, Bishop Dudley House and Union Gospel Mission. Walking down its hallways, it’s easy to see that students are energetic and eager to learn. Sometimes, however, life’s challenges can make learning complicated. At Terry Redlin, attendance had been a key issue concerning school leaders. In 2015, 32 percent of its students missed 10 or more days of school. “Simply put, if children are not in school, they do not learn,” said Terry Redlin Principal Ryan DeGraff. So in 2016, DeGraff set out to do something. He approached the Community Foundation with a plan to create an incentive program to encourage students and their families to make attendance a priority.
H U MAN SERV ICES
A RT S & HU MA NITIES
COM M UN ITY DEV E L O P M E N T
R E L IG IO N
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His idea was to reward students who attended school all five days by adding their names into a drawing to receive a prize. Recognizing that attendance starts at home, prizes would be geared not only as incentives for students, but also for their families. Calling it a creative idea that served an important need, the Community Foundation was excited to award Terry Redlin a Spot Grant to help launch the Strive for Five program.
In its first two years, the Strive for Five program has achieved some remarkable results. Since the program began, students have attended school 1,230 more days and last year nearly 60 students improved their attendance by one week or more. Eight-year-old Jamison, a third-grader at Terry Redlin, is just one of many students who have been impacted by the Strive for Five program. Jamison said going to school every day is important, “so you can learn.” His can-do attitude is why his teacher, Chelsea Johnson, called him a “wonderful member of the class.”
CO MMUNITY FU ND GRANTS The Community Foundation awarded more than $127,000 in grants to the following organizations from September 2018 - January 2019. BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE SIOUX EMPIRE DAKOTA RESEARCH AND CONSULTING ORGANIZATION EAST TO WEST PAINTING GLORY HOUSE OF SIOUX FALLS NAMI SIOUX FALLS REACH LITERACY SCULPTUREWALK, INC. SIOUX FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION
“He is always looking for ways to include other students in games and activities. He asks to sit by or help students who are struggling or are left out,” Johnson said. “Whenever I need help, I can count on Jamison to volunteer eagerly!” DeGraff called the grant from the Community Foundation a gamechanger for Terry Redlin students. “On behalf of our staff and our students, I want to express our appreciation to the Community Foundation and its generous donors for this support,” said DeGraff. “The more our students are in school, the more they can learn – making them even better prepared to succeed after graduation and beyond.” Great job, Terry Redlin Elementary School. Keep on Striving!
To learn more about Community Fund Grants, contact Patrick Gale at 605.336.7055 x 20.
SOUTH DAKOTA NEWS WATCH THE NAOMI PROJECT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, DAKOTAS
Each year important and meaningful grants like these listed above are awarded thanks to funds raised by the Community Foundation’s signature fundraising event, City Blossom. Be a part of something great and join us on Thursday, May 2, at Avera on Louise for the 12th annual celebration. Reserve your spot today by calling 336-7055.
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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.
S U S TA I N I N G M E M B E R S
P L AT I N U M 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.
S I LV E R 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 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
Our efforts to build the charitable capital of our area are also supported by the Sioux Empire United Way.
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
To view recent gifts to the Community Foundation visit sfacf.org/gifts