How endowment funds are setting the Washington Pavilion up for long-term success.
FROM THE DEPOT SUMMER 2024
Introducing new board members.
PHILANTHROPY THAT INSPIRES
Matt and Karine Paulson are champions of community and generosity.
A TRIBUTE TO HOPE Owen’s Outfitters gives medical supplies to those who need them most.
For 40 years, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation has stood as a champion for philanthropy.
By evaluating community needs and opportunities, building engagement around important issues, and connecting donors with purpose, we’re helping to transform generosity into impact, improving the quality of life for all.
A CHAMPION FOR PHILANTHROPY
Photo by Mike Shafer
Summer is an exciting time of year at the Community Foundation. Transitioning into a new fiscal year means new beginnings for everyone on our team, and one of the most exciting parts of that is welcoming new members to our Board of Directors. We are thrilled to introduce you to two remarkable individuals who will play a role in shaping our community’s future.
Maggie Groteluschen comes to the board with a wealth of experience and expertise in leadership, management and civic engagement.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her law and MBA degrees from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Currently, Maggie works for her family’s business, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, as Vice President & Fiduciary Services Manager.
Passionate about the Sioux Falls community, she volunteers her leadership skills at organizations including Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, The Banquet, and St. Mary School. Outside of work, Maggie is often found running, enjoying family time at a favorite northern Minnesota lake, or cheering on her children at their sports games.
Jason Herrboldt joins the board with extensive executive leadership experience and a rich history of community volunteerism.
A graduate of the University of South Dakota as well as the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, CO, Jason has a decades-long career in financial services. He is currently the Chief Banking Officer at First Bank & Trust.
Active in working to better the community, Jason serves in numerous volunteer leadership positions at organizations including Dow Rummel Village, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Sioux Falls Parks Foundation, and has recently completed his term as Chair of the Washington Pavilion’s board of directors.
“These are two individuals dedicated to ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the Sioux Falls area,” said Foundation President Andy Patterson. “We are honored to have their expertise and perspective on our team as we continue to champion philanthropy in our community.”
As we welcome new faces, we also extend gratitude to outgoing board members Amange Aware, Sarah Madison, and Doug Tribble. They volunteered their time, expertise, and leadership in service of the Foundation and the community. We couldn’t be more thankful to these individuals for advancing our mission.
— The Foundation Team
FROM THE DEPOT
Photo by Emily Spartz-Weerheim
ENDOWING THE FUTURE OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Photo courtesy of the Washington Pavilion.
Twenty-five years ago, a transformative idea became reality when the Washington Pavilion opened its doors for the first time. By combining visual and performing arts, science, education, and more under one roof in a way that had not been done before, Sioux Falls gained an incredible asset that would only get better with time.
“For several years in the beginning, people would say ‘This could become the epicenter of arts and culture for Sioux Falls,’” said Darrin Smith, President & CEO of Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. “Now, we’ve been able to say the Washington Pavilion is the epicenter and the beacon of arts and culture for the entire region.”
That remarkable transformation from an innovative but untested idea into a cultural cornerstone has been a long journey, but one that the community has readily rallied behind. In 1999, no one had tried to combine all the ideas that now sit under the Pavilion’s roof, Smith said: “There was no blueprint.” Now, after 25 years of growth, the Pavilion regularly hosts Broadway productions, prestigious visual arts displays, is equipped with a state-ofthe-art planetarium, and has helped put Sioux Falls on the map as a community that is committed to the arts.
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“We want the Pavilion to be here for the long haul, and the community has shown us that they believe in that, too.”
— DARRIN SMITH, WASHINGTON PAVILION
That commitment to the arts that flows through our community showed itself strongly as the Pavilion announced its Legacy Giving Program last year, which encourages patrons of the arts and sciences to leave a portion of their estates for the Pavilion’s benefit. “Within months of creating the program, we saw massive community support with millions in legacy commitments,” Smith said. This year, the Pavilion announced its “Thirty by 30” initiative to reach $30 million in endowment funds by 2030 — a goal which they are already more than halfway toward meeting.
“The founders of the Pavilion and those who brought this unique idea forward in the 90s did so many brilliant things to set us up for success in the long term,” Smith said. “However, the endowment balance is below the target for this point in the organization’s history, so our strategic plan calls for increasing those assets to continue to meet growing needs.”
“Affordability should never be a barrier to experiencing what the Washington Pavilion has to offer,” Smith said. “Endowment funds allow us to keep tickets and memberships affordable for everyone, and allow us to provide scholarships, field trips, and free tickets to kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to have these experiences.”
Additionally, a strong endowment base allows the Pavilion to take risks when it comes to programming. “Things like large Broadway shows are huge financial risks,” said Kerri DeGraff, Chief Operating Officer. “With consistent income and long-term financial stability, we can take those risks and bring shows here simply because the community wants to see them.”
Children enjoying a show at the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium. Photo courtesy of the Washington Pavilion.
The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation holds endowments for many local nonprofits, including endowment funds for the Washington Pavilion. Several of these endowments were established alongside the founding of the Pavilion, as its founders recognized the importance of long-term stability for the institution’s success. “It’s huge to have a partner like the Foundation,” Smith said. “We’re busy running our increasingly large operations, so the services and resources the Foundation provides are invaluable in letting us focus on our work.”
“Endowments are the backbone of funding for so many nonprofits,” said Andy Patterson, President & CEO for the Community Foundation. “That consistent, reliable stream of income helps meet their basic needs and frees them up to think big. A strong endowment is what allows an organization to thrive in the long term.”
The Community Foundation exists to inspire philanthropy, and the Washington Pavilion is among the best examples of what is possible when the community comes together to breathe life into new and innovative ideas.
Endowments play a crucial role in this success, providing the financial stability needed for long-term growth and sustainability. The steadfastness of the community in continuing to support the Pavilion through endowments is inspiring indeed.
Sioux Falls is an anomaly in many ways when compared to similar communities: we are unusually supportive of the arts, profoundly philanthropic, and we have a reach and influence that extends far beyond the city limits. “Everybody likes to think their hometown is the best, but Sioux Falls is truly special,” Smith said. “We want the Pavilion to be here for the long haul, and the community has shown us that they believe in that, too. We’re grateful to have the support of such a generous city.”
The journey from a vacant high school to a beacon of arts, science, and culture for the region has been long and storied but, in some ways, it’s just getting started. “The Pavilion is still young, but this is our next step,” said DeGraff. “We’re setting up to be able to continue to bring world-class arts and science experiences to Sioux Falls for many more decades to come.”
To learn more about the Washington Pavilion’s Thirty by 30 campaign, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Thirtyby30
Photo by Deenvan Meer for Disney.
PHILANTHROPY THAT INSPIRES
Photo courtesy of the Paulson family. Matt and Karine Paulson: Champions of Community and Generosity
In the heart of every thriving community lies a spirit of giving that binds us together, uplifting the most vulnerable and fostering growth and development for all. At the Community Foundation, we are privileged to witness firsthand the profound impact of generosity. Matt and Karine Paulson are brilliant examples of our community’s philanthropic spirit, whose dedication to philanthropy serves as a beacon of inspiration.
INSPIRED BY FAITH
Matt and Karine’s journey into philanthropy is deeply rooted in their Christian faith. They hold fast to the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” and “God loves a cheerful giver.” This belief in the joy and responsibility of giving shapes their approach to philanthropy.
Their faith, coupled with a profound sense of gratitude for the abundance they have received, drives their commitment to giving back.
“We believe that much is expected from those who receive much,” said Matt. “There are many opportunities to help those in need and make our community a better place. We feel we should be part of making those opportunities into a reality.”
“Matt and Karine’s dedication to giving back is truly inspiring. Their commitment to carrying on the legacy of philanthropy in Sioux Falls ensures that our community continues to thrive. It’s uplifting to see how they, along with other generous donors, are shaping a brighter future for all of us.”
— ANDY PATTERSON SIOUX FALLS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
THE JOY OF GIVING
For Matt and Karine, philanthropy is not just a duty but a source of immense joy. They have found great satisfaction in witnessing the tangible results of their contributions. “We love to see projects come to fruition because of our giving that otherwise wouldn’t have happened,” said Matt. One notable example is Startup Sioux Falls, a project that has a significant positive impact on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
However, the Paulsons also acknowledge the challenges that come with being known as philanthropists. “The number of worthy causes and nonprofits looking for donations is unlimited, and the asks never stop,” Matt said. To manage this, they have established clear guidelines and processes for evaluating requests, ensuring their giving remains a rewarding and joyful experience.
One of the key strategies Matt and Karine employ is establishing a clear focus for their giving. “It’s important to decide ahead of time what your charitable giving priorities are before you start making large charitable gifts,” Matt said. For them, this means supporting nonprofit organizations that operate in eastern South Dakota, focusing specifically on community amenities that everyone can enjoy, Christian organizations that focus on faith formation and spiritual development, and certain social service agencies.
By concentrating their efforts on a few causes, they can make a more meaningful impact. “Nonprofits are much better served when you support a handful of them very well versus making small gifts to many different organizations,” Matt explains. They also value collaborative projects among multiple nonprofits, aiming to reduce duplication of services and maximize the impact of their donations.
To further enhance their giving, they utilize a donor advised fund held at the Community Foundation. “We often gift appreciated stock to our donor advised fund to save on capital gains tax,” Matt said. “Our fund at the Foundation also allows us to give anonymously if we choose and reduce the number of tax receipts that we need to track down during tax season.”
Photo courtesy of the Paulson family.
A BALANCE OF PERSONAL AND CORPORATE GIVING
Balancing personal philanthropy with corporate giving through MarketBeat, Matt ensures that his and Karine’s impact is both broad and deeply felt. MarketBeat has a robust corporate giving program that prioritizes a thoughtful and collaborative approach to their company’s philanthropy. “Community requests are evaluated by a team of MarketBeat employees that serve on our company’s philanthropy committee,” Matt said.
MarketBeat’s corporate giving program is structured to align with the company’s mission and values. By putting employees in charge of most charitable giving decisions, MarketBeat not only amplifies its impact but also instills a sense of community and shared purpose among its staff, fostering a culture of giving within the organization.
MarketBeat’s philanthropic efforts complement Matt and Karine’s personal giving by focusing on initiatives that align with their shared values, allowing MarketBeat’s giving to serve as an extension of their commitment to community development. This dual approach allows them to leverage both personal and business resources to maximize their philanthropic impact.
“The work Matt does through MarketBeat, combined with Matt and Karine’s personal giving, creates a powerful synergy that benefits our entire community,” said Andy Patterson, President of the Community Foundation. “They are true stewards of generosity, and their dedication is making a lasting difference.”
THE SIOUX FALLS SPIRIT
While their faith is a central pillar of their personal giving, Matt and Karine are also passionate about specific community initiatives. Karine, for instance, is deeply committed to helping individuals facing personal hardships. “I want to do whatever I can to make things better when I learn that someone in my life is going through a difficult time,” Karine said.
Matt, on the other hand, has a growing passion for supporting community amenities that are accessible to all. “I am increasingly passionate about supporting community amenities that everyone can enjoy and benefit from for little or no cost,” he explains. This includes supporting organizations like the Washington Pavilion’s Kirby Science Center and Levitt at the Falls.
MarketBeat’s Philanthropy Committee. Photo courtesy of MarketBeat
MarketBeat employees pack meals for Call to Freedom. Photo courtesy of MarketBeat.
Their love for the Sioux Falls community is evident in their giving. “We love that Sioux Falls is a uniquely generous city,” Matt said. “Our United Way campaigns outperform similar campaigns in other cities, and our business community supports economic development in a big way through Forward Sioux Falls.” The city’s philanthropic spirit, demonstrated by other leaders in the community, has inspired them to continue to give back.
“We want to see the nonprofits we support be successful and for Sioux Falls to be successful in its citywide initiatives,” Matt said.
Their vibrant and dynamic approach to philanthropy sets an example for the next generation of philanthropists in Sioux Falls. “Matt and Karine’s dedication to giving back is truly inspiring,” said Patterson. “Their commitment to carrying on the legacy of philanthropy in Sioux Falls ensures that our community continues to thrive. It’s uplifting to see how they, along with other generous donors, are shaping a brighter future for all of us.”
“We want to see the nonprofits we support be successful and for Sioux Falls to be successful in its citywide initiatives.”
— MATT PAULSON
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Matt and Karine’s goal is to remain faithful to their philanthropic calling. “We want to do well in business, raise well-adjusted children, and give back where we can,” Matt said. They also hope to shape corporate philanthropy by establishing best practices for charitable giving through MarketBeat that other companies can model, further amplifying their impact.
“Our plan is to give back throughout our lives so that we can see the impact of our giving firsthand and help ensure that our charitable dollars are spent most effectively,” Matt said.
In terms of specific projects, they dream of further enhancing some of Sioux Falls’ treasured landmarks, such as the Washington Pavilion. They hope to build on the incredible foundations of these institutions, expanding their offerings and creating even more enriching experiences for the community. Additionally, inspired by their daughter Ady, they have a heartfelt commitment to developing more accessible play spaces for children with special needs, ensuring that all children in the community have the opportunity to enjoy inclusive and engaging activities.
Matt and Karine’s story is a testament to the power of intentional, faith-driven giving. Their strategic approach, clear focus, and deep love for Sioux Falls have already made a lasting impact. At the Community Foundation, we are honored to partner with donors like Matt and Karine Paulson whose generosity and vision are helping to build a brighter future for all.
Photo courtesy of the Paulson family.
A TRIBUTE TO HOPE
Owen Turner’s time on this planet was challenging, joyful, heartbreaking, hilarious, and above all, brief. His memory, though, will be anything but.
“Owen was born with a rare chromosome disorder so unique that no other case has ever been identified in any medical literature or database in the world,” said Eleanor Turner, Owen’s mother. During his 12 years, Owen battled a vast array of medical conditions and required a significant amount of specialized equipment to keep him alive. His diagnoses made him eligible for additional state assistance through Medicaid, but that wasn’t always enough.
“Owen hated having medical equipment attached to him,” Turner said. “He would pull things out of his body, often breaking them in the process.” The Medicaid system would provide set amounts of various pieces of consumable equipment each month, but since Owen tended to use more than average, the Turners were often left in a bind. “It’s an inflexible system that doesn’t allow you to get more supplies when your child is an absolute hooligan,” Turner said with a chuckle.
When the Turners lived in Wisconsin, they were able to travel to Milwaukee and access a medical supplies lending library to make ends meet. After moving to Sioux Falls, they were surprised to not find a similar program here. So, after Owen passed away, they decided to start a nonprofit based on the services that had helped them in Wisconsin. “We felt like it was a great way to pay it forward for the assistance we received,” said Turner.
The Legacy Foundation was born in 2022, and Owen’s Outfitters came online in late 2023, finally realizing the Turners’ vision. The nonprofit provides an array of medical equipment to anyone who needs it — from everyday supplies like syringes to durable goods such as wheelchairs — all free of charge and with as little paperwork as possible. “If you’re here, we believe that you need these items, so we don’t want to make things harder for you,” Turner said.
The Turner Family in 2019. Photo courtesy of the Legacy Foundation.
The next step for Owen’s Outfitters is to extend their reach to areas of the community that are often underserved by translating their informational and marketing materials into more languages. They are starting with Spanish, but are looking into expanding these offerings into Ethiopian and Somali as well.
Grant funding from the Community Foundation is also providing an avenue for the organization to extend its reach to a greater geographic area. By upgrading their inventory system, clients can find what they need and reserve it for pickup using an online tool. Since transportation is a challenge for many, this system will ensure that the effort to make the journey is worth it.
The goal, according to Turner, is to make everyone feel welcome at her organization, and for everyone who needs help to be able to access it. “If you need something, I’d like to give it to you,” she said.
Making services like Owen’s Outfitters available for everyone is vital as our community continues to become more diverse, but accurate translation is no simple task. However, the Turners are not ones to shy away from a challenge. With their online store and translated materials completed, they are setting their sites on their next project: an old school bus.
Turner has long had the idea to convert an old bus into a mobile version of Owen’s Outfitters, and earlier this summer, they received a bus from a generous donor. Now, it will be retrofitted to be suitable for this next adventure.
COMMUNITY GRANTS
We are proud to support local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life in our community. Here are a few recent grant recipients.
• Christian Youth Activity League
• Lost&Found
• The Watering Can
• South Dakota Black Chamber of Commerce
• South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Levitt at the Falls
• Secured My School
• McCrossan Boys Ranch
• REACH Literacy
• Rare by Design
• Face it TOGETHER
• Curious Music Collective
For more information, visit sfacf.org.
“Not only do they have a completely free medical lending library, but they are going to extraordinary measures to make sure that its reach is as wide as possible,” said Patrick Gale, Vice President for Community Investment. “Owen’s Outfitters is an inspiring success story.”
Owen, who loved everything pink (the more obnoxiously pink, the better, according to his mother), surely would light up if he had the chance to see what his parents have built in his name. The branding and nearly everything inside their space is bright pink to pay homage to his memory. Surely, too, would Owen be happy to see that his name and influence brings hope to families like his own.
Photo courtesy of the Legacy Foundation.
SUPPORTING SUMMER CAMP
AND THE SIOUX FALLS FAMILY YMCA
The Community Foundation holds several endowments that support camperships for campers at Camp Leif Ericson, and individual donors consistently support the organization through grants from their donor advised funds.
“Philanthropy opens up so much opportunity for kids to participate in our day camps,” said Mike Murphy, Camp Director for Sioux Falls Family YMCA. “Endowment support and individual gifts allow us to continue offering camperships to children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend. That’s huge for these kids because the skills that they learn and the experiences they have here at Camp Leif Ericson stay with them for their entire lives.”
While recent flooding has damaged the land upon which the camp resides and its facilities, thanks to strong community support, summer camp will go on for all the eager campers.
Lifelong memories are made at special places like Camp Leif Ericson, and thanks to philanthropy, generations of kids will have the opportunity to experience that for themselves
Photos courtesy of the Sioux Falls Family YMCA.
A Champion for Philanthropy
By evaluating community needs and opportunities, building engagement around important issues, and connecting donors with purpose, we’re helping to transform generosity into impact, improving the quality of life for all.
200 N. Cherapa Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
EXPANDING OUR CAPACITY TO SERVE
As our organization and Sioux Falls itself continue to grow, we are excited to announce plans to expand our physical space to include a larger conference area, additional workstations, and a renovated lobby space. These exciting changes will allow us to serve as a hub for community knowledge and as a place to spark dialogue and to develop innovative solutions to pressing needs.
To ensure minimal interruption of services, while the Depot is under construction, our offices have temporarily moved to 1000 N. West Ave., Suite 300. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Depot once construction is complete.
