For nearly four decades, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) has worked to connect generosity with need, helping communities across the state build lasting impact. As SDCF reflects on 2025 and looks ahead to the year to come, President & CEO Stephanie Judson shared a clear message: South Dakota’s philanthropic future is strong, responsive and rooted in partnership.

Now in its 39th year, SDCF continues to grow in both reach and impact. In 2025, SDCF awarded more than $40 million in total grants, supporting scholarships, nonprofits, community foundations and local initiatives statewide. These grants reflect SDCF’s enduring commitment to strengthening communities today while building resources that will serve South Dakota for generations.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The impact SDCF had in 2025

• A look ahead at the Foundation’s goals for 2026

• The strength of philanthropy in South Dakota

“Our role is to be responsive and adaptive,” Judson shared, “especially when nonprofits are facing unexpected challenges.” SDCF President & CEO Stephanie Judson

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf
Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

In small towns across South Dakota, the heart of community life often beats strongest through the people who care deeply about their neighbors. In Irene, South Dakota, that spirit shines through the story of Bob Satter, and his relationship with Sherman and Kimiko Petersen, whose generosity will continue to shape the lives of local students and families for generations to come.

Bob Satter, chair of the Irene Area Community Foundation (IACF), recently sat down with Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). In this conversation, Bob shared how a simple phone call nearly two decades ago grew into one of the most impactful gifts in his community’s history.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Bob Satter helped establish the Irene Area Community Foundation

• The impact Sherman and Kimiko Petersen’s gift will have on the Irene community  

• How community savings accounts benefit communities in need

“Philanthropy is about your time, your leadership, and your talents,” he reflected. “My goal was always to make Irene a better place than when I came here. That’s my form of philanthropy.”

 - Bob Satter

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is proud to partner with the Bush Foundation to introduce the 2025 Bush Prize: South Dakota honorees, Abbott House and Youth & Family Services (YFS). Each organization received $250,000 in flexible support. Their work highlights the power of compassionate, creative problem-solving to transform the future of children and families throughout our state.

Bush Prize: South Dakota identifies and honors extraordinary organizations that consistently engage and lead their community toward creative solutions. It provides and supports nonprofits to listen closely to their communities, design thoughtful solutions and inspire others through their commitment to transformational impact.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How YSF and Abbott House are making a difference in SD

• What winning the Bush Prize means to each organization

• What the process for applying for the Bush prize is like

“We have really been able to create a continuum of care for kids,” Eric said, “and get them what we say launched in life.” - Abbott House Executive Director Eric Klooz

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Generosity shows up in many forms throughout South Dakota. It is seen in donor legacies, in local volunteers who rally around their hometowns, and in families who honor their loved ones by investing in meaningful causes. 

Recently, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) President and CEO Stephanie Judson sat down with several members of the SDCF development team to highlight four stories from 2025 that demonstrate how community-centered philanthropy strengthens our state.

Together, they explored how partnerships, planned giving, and local leadership continue to turn generosity into sustainable, long-term change.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The story of a donor who wanted to ensure that his family farm would continue supporting the causes he cares about long after his lifetime.

• The story of Dr. Steve Rich, an Aberdeen native who envisioned a future in which people with disabilities could live more independently, participate in community activities, and enjoy meaningful lives.

• The story of how a simple question sparked a major community effort to save an iconic piece of local history.

• The remarkable unity of the Burke community and their dedication to philanthropy.

  
  

“It is not just about connecting donors to causes. It is helping communities and nonprofits build something sustainable.”

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf
Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Across South Dakota, there are people quietly shaping the future, helping others dream bigger, give more, and leave a mark that lasts for generations. Among them are the members of the South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) Key Club: professional advisors who not only guide their clients through important financial decisions but also open the door to lasting philanthropy. These trusted partners work hand-in-hand with SDCF to transform personal passions into legacies that strengthen communities statewide.

SDCF Director of Development, Jeff Veltkamp, sat down with President & CEO, Stephanie Judson, and attorney and Key Club member, Trudy Morgan. Together, they discussed the importance of planned giving vehicles and how they can be used to create lasting impact.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Stephanie and Trudy have helped shape philanthropy in South Dakota

• How Trudy guides clients to find the right planned giving path for them

• Stories of impact that fuel Stephanie and Trudy’s mission to create a lasting impact

“The conversation often starts with understanding what matters most to them, learning what causes they’ve supported, and experiences that have shaped their lives. From there, we can explore how their estate plan can carry that forward.” - Trudy Morgan

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

History lives in the stories we tell, the artifacts we preserve, and the lessons we pass down to future generations. At the South Dakota Historical Society (SDHS), the mission is simple yet profound: safeguard the heritage of South Dakota so it continues to inspire, educate, and connect.

Chelle Somsen, State Archivist and longtime staff member at the SDHS, joined the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, for a conversation. They discussed how her work with the South Dakota Historical Foundation helps raise funds to support SDHS’s efforts to preserve state history for generations to come.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How the South Dakota Historical Society is preserving state history

• Chelle’s experience applying for a South Dakota Fund grant 

• The digitization project of the history of American Indian life in South Dakota.

“History isn’t just something in the past,” she reflected. “It’s happening every day. And when people take the time to record their experiences, they’re helping to shape the record of who we are as South Dakotans.”  - Chelle Somsen

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Mark and Christine Buche have spent their lives rooted in South Dakota values. The Buches sat down with SDCF Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, Jamie Farmen, to talk about their passion for community service and philanthropy.

In this episode, you will hear:

•  Mark and Christine’s South Dakota roots

• Their drive to give back to communities

• Mark’s involvement with the SDCF and how it has helped the Buches give back in meaningful ways

“Sometimes you think a small act won’t make a difference, but you never know what kind of doors it might open for someone.” - Christine Buche

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf
Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

For John and Joy Mills, giving back is both a calling and a reflection of their values. Deep faith, a love for learning, and a strong belief in supporting others fuel John and his wife Joy’s passion for giving back. By partnering with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), they have found a meaningful way to leave a legacy that aligns with all three.

John sat down with SDCF Director of Development, Jeff Veltkamp, to talk about his decision to establish the Peace Lutheran Education Fund. This charitable fund is designed to support educational efforts at Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings, South Dakota, a church community that has played a major role in John and Joy’s lives.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The Mill’s life and inspiration for giving back

• How this fund will support early education

• Why they recommends working with the SDCF for your charitable goals

“Ultimately, I just want to help others know God more deeply,” John said. “If I can do that through this fund, then I know I’ve done something worthwhile.”

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

In the heart of South Dakota, a bold vision is turning sidewalks into exam rooms and compassion into healing. Founded in June 2023 by Drs. Shannon Emry and Melissa Dittberner, Midwest Street Medicine is redefining what it means to deliver healthcare. Based in Sioux Falls, Midwest Street Medicine is meeting individuals where they are, figuratively and literally.

Midwest Street Medicine was the recipient of a Beyond Idea Grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) in 2024, helping them to expand their reach. Dr. Emry shared this inspiring nonprofit's origin story and mission with SDCF Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Midwest Street Medicine is making a difference in Sioux Falls

• Their hopes to expand thanks to receiving the Beyond Idea Grant

• The importance of relationship building when working with South Dakota’s unsheltered population

“The medicine comes after the trust. For many of our patients, just having someone show up, remember their name, and treat them with dignity is the first step.” - Dr. Shannon Emry

Learn more about Midwest Street Medicine here:

https://www.midweststreetmedicine.org/

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

Nestled in the heart of Sisseton, the Stavig House stands as a testament to the immigrant experience in America. In 2024, the Stavig House Museum completed fundraising of more than $120,000 to establish a permanent endowment fund at SDCF and was awarded $20,000 in matching funds from SDCF’s Nonprofit Savings Account grant program. Endowment funds are invested over time, and earnings create a long-term revenue source to support the organization.

Pat Gallagher, Community Development Coordinator for South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) joined John and Jane Rasmussen, Board President and Board Director of the Stavig House Museum to discuss their work preserving the Stavig House for generations to come.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The history of the Stavig House

• The Rasmussen’s experience establishing an endowment fund

• How they hope their work will inspire future generations

“It is really fortunate that the home stayed in the Stavig family since the time it was built in 1916, and they chose not to modernize it over the years. This preservation reflects a different era and time, which is quite special.” - Jane Rasmussen

Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org