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
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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
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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
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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.”
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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/
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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
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Higher education opens doors to new opportunities yet for many students the financial burden can be a major barrier. The Freedom Scholarship is changing that reality for students in South Dakota. Offering a pathway to success, the Freedom Scholarship benefits students from all economic backgrounds who dream of pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, Jamie Farmen, joined Freedom Scholarship manager, Elli Haerter, to discuss the impact this landmark scholarship program has had on South Dakota over the last four years.
In this episode, you will hear:
Details about the Freedom Scholarship
Stories of impact from students to the workforce
Universities that offer the freedom scholarship
“This scholarship’s impact grows every year, and the exciting part is that we are just getting started, " - Elli Haerter
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As a nonprofit sister organization to the South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA), the South Dakota Dental Foundation, SDDF is dedicated to improving oral health through education, advocacy, and direct support. SDDF focuses on serving those who need it most—elderly and disabled individuals, underserved children in need of orthodontic care, aspiring dental professionals, and communities lacking access to preventive dental services.
SDCF Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, joined the Executive Director of both SDDA and SDDF, Paul Knecht, to discuss how the South Dakota Fund grant is helping SDDF expand its impact in South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear:
What it was like applying for the South Dakota Grant Fund.
The vital role SDDF programs offer, like the Donated Dental Services program.
How Paul hopes the SDDF will grow in the future.
“Applying for the South Dakota Fund Grant was such a positive experience for us. It was very straightforward, and we are so thrilled to turn these grant funds into results for the people we hope to help across South Dakota.” – Paul Knecht
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Harding County Community Foundation (HCCF) has transformed a generous challenge into a legacy. Established in November 2022 with a $100,000 challenge gift from former residents Jim and Janice Clarkson, HCCF quickly became a testament to the strength and generosity of Harding County’s communities.
Residents and supporters rallied to meet the challenge, raising $100,000. This achievement was further amplified by an additional $50,000 from South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) through a Community Savings Account (CSA) Challenge. Now, as one of 89 CSAs managed by SDCF, HCCF stands as a vital resource for future generations, ensuring continued support for many local worthy causes.
Jim Clarkson and HCCF President Billy Clanton joined SDCF Director for Foundation Relations, Beth Massa, to discuss the foundation’s impact on Harding County.
In this episode, you will hear:
What it was like establishing the HCCF
The impact HCCF has made on the community since its establishment
The Challenges of supporting a rural community spread out over a large area
“Philanthropy is a lot more than giving money–philanthropy is caring for your fellow citizens,” – Jim Clarkson
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South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) in partnership with the Bush Foundation, is thrilled to offer the Bush Prize: South Dakota program. This prestigious award recognizes organizations deeply valued in their communities that have a proven track record of effective problem-solving.
SDCF is proud to announce Call to Freedom (CTF) as the 2024 Bush Prize winner. CTF will receive the maximum award of $500,000 to further its mission. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, CTF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing wholeness and healing to individuals affected by sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation.
SDCF’s Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, recently spoke with CTF’s President and CEO, Becky Rasmussen, and Director of Grants Management, Rachel Schartz, to discuss how receiving the Bush Prize will enhance their organization’s impact in South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear:
The mission of CTF
How the Bush Prize monies will help CTF expand its reach
What the process was like to apply for the Bush Prize: South Dakota
“Winning the Bush Prize sends a resounding message to survivors that we believe them–we recognize what they’ve been through and we are not looking away. We are here to solve this problem.” Rachel Schartz
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Since 1998, the Spearfish Community Foundation (SCF) has been enhancing lives across northwestern South Dakota through its community savings account (CSA) endowment, established in partnership with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). In 2021, SCF launched the “Impacting Tomorrow Today” initiative, aimed at driving higher-impact projects that address key community needs.
Sue Konstant, SCF President, and Beth Massa, Director of Foundation Relations at SDCF, sat down for a conversation about how SCF works to support the Spearfish community through engaging partnerships. One project has brought the community together to save lives–the Public Access AED Community Project.
In this episode, you will hear:
How SCF has partnered with the City of Spearfish on large-scale projects
How the Public Access AED Community Project is helping save lives
How you can become involved in supporting projects like this
“We could not have done this without community support,” reflected Sue, “It’s truly humbling, and without the community, we wouldn’t have gained momentum to see this life-saving project come to fruition.”
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Ty Eschenbaum, a Lake Preston, South Dakota native, has felt the powerful impact hope can have on one’s life.
After narrowly surviving a battle with cancer as a teenager, Ty Eschenbaum was motivated to recognize others who lost some of their formative years to cancer. In 2011, at just 23 years old, he established the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, a nonprofit offering scholarships to graduating seniors in South Dakota who beat cancer. Since that time, his Foundation has granted $324,000 toward Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana, missionary work, and scholarships.
Ty joined South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, Jamie Farmen, for a conversation on his life and the impact he hopes to have on others.
In this episode, you will hear:
“You know we could talk about the how, and the why, and the details, but at the end of the day its people–it’s all people just trying to make South Dakota a better place,” – Ty Eschenbaum
To learn more about the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, click here.
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The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) has developed a culture of philanthropy that has only grown stronger since its inception. This culture is greatly influenced by those who dedicate their time and expertise to serving on our Board of Directors.
SDCF President and CEO, Stephanie Judson, recently sat down with former SDCF Board Chair and current Board Member, Doug Sharp, to talk about his time leading the organization’s Board of Directors and how he helped to cultivate a culture of philanthropy at SDCF.
In this episode, you will hear:
“If you are wondering about giving, the Community Foundation can help you give back. From a park bench to help fund a new city pool, the ideas are endless,” shared Doug, “and once people see all of the different ways they can impact their community, the South Dakota Community Foundation helps them give back with confidence, making sure their dollars are going where they want them to go.”
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Gordon Nielsen is a dedicated attorney and partner at Delaney, Nielsen & Sannes, P.C. in Sisseton. With roots deep in Northeast South Dakota, Gordon has been serving his community for decades. Beyond his legal practice, Gordon is a passionate advocate for philanthropy. As a Key Club Member of the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), he helps clients realize their charitable goals through thoughtful estate planning.
Gordon joined Pat Gallager, SDCF Community Development Coordinator, to discuss how he works with clients and organizations to meet charitable goals.
In this episode, you will hear:
How Gordon works with his clients to establish their estate planning
His approach to bringing up the topic of a charitable gift during estate planning
How he has seen nonprofits find success through partnerships with the South Dakota Community Foundation
“You know most people who come to my office have an idea of how they want their estate plan laid out,” said Gordon,” but it takes an experienced Estate Planner to know when it’s the right time to bring up the topic of charitable giving. In my experience, clients are often eager to learn more about how they can give back through their estate.”
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Former Governor Dennis Daugaard, and his wife Linda, have given back to South Dakota in numerous ways–from serving as 32nd governor and first lady of South Dakota from 2011 to 2019, to their dedication to multiple organizations, including the Children’s Home Society, the Fairy Godmother’s Fund, and to the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) where Dennis currently serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors.
Dennis and Linda recently joined Jamie Farmen, Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager for SDCF, to discuss the power of giving back to South Dakota and the ways they are making an impact.
In this episode, you will hear:
Dennis and Linda’s early life
What organizations the Daugaards have given back to in meaningful ways
Why Dennis and Linda have included an estate plan in their philanthropic giving
“You know we both came from nothing,” shared Linda, “and so it’s really special for us to be able to make an impact and give money away.”
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Emily’s Hope is a legacy charity in the name of a prolific painter whose life was cut short. On May 16, 2018, Emily Groth tragically died of fentanyl poisoning. Angela Kennecke, Emily’s mother, a seasoned investigative reporter, was covering a story focusing on the opioid crisis the day her daughter passed away.
In the face of her grief, Angela vowed that she would do anything she could, in Emily’s name, to prevent other families from going through such a loss. This is how the nonprofit Emily’s Hope began.
What began as a fund to help offset the cost of treatment for substance use disorder has evolved into a complete nonprofit dedicated to removing the stigma of substance use disorder through awareness, education resources, and prevention; and eliminating financial barriers for treatment and recovery.
In this episode, you will hear:
Emily’s story
How Emily’s Hope is offering renewed hope amidst the opioid epidemic
The life-saving programs being offered and developed at Emily’s Hope
“I really started thinking about the prevention aspect of the opioid crisis,” shared Angela, “You know, once someone is suffering from substance abuse disorder, it is such a rocky road to recovery, and I thought how can we prevent this on the front end?”
Learn more about Emily’s Hope here:
Website: https://emilyshope.charity/
Podcast: https://emilyshope.charity/podcast/
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Philanthropy has a lasting impact on many lives throughout South Dakota. The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) works to simplify philanthropy and help charitable donations do more good within our state. One way we do this is by partnering with professional advisors who comprise our Key Club.
SDCF President & CEO Stephanie Judson recently joined Key Club member Patrick Goetzinger for a conversation about his work in estate planning as a Key Club member. Pat has partnered with SDCF to make many clients’ philanthropic dreams come true, but some especially memorable clients to work with were Fred and Luella Cozad.
Fred Cozad established the Cozad Law Office, where Luella served as secretary. The Cozad Law Office operated as a steadfast main street practice in the Martin, SD community for sixty-five years, where Fred served in many capacities, including judge, and state’s attorney.
In this episode, you will hear:
The legacy of Fred and Luella Cozad, and the importance of main street lawyers in rural areas
Fred’s impact on Pat’s choice to become a lawyer
The ways in which Key Club Members partner with SDCF to implement philanthropic wishes for their clients
“Other than my parents, Fred and Luella were incredibly influential in the career path that I chose in life,” “shared Patrick, “I wanted to be the kind of person and lawyer that would make Fred, Luella, and my parents proud.”
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Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org
Fostering meaningful development starts with setting a strong foundation, which is what Build Dakota is dedicated to establishing. Build Dakota is a unique scholarship program encouraging and supporting skilled scholars to enter high-demand programs at South Dakota technical colleges.
Deni Martin, Program Manager for Build Dakota, joined Jamie Farmen, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, to discuss how this scholarship program which is housed through SDCF, is developing a stronger future for South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear:
How the scholarship program came to be
The work Build Dakota does to stimulate economic growth
Deni’s passion for community connections
“On the outside, it is a full-ride scholarship,” shared Deni, “but behind the scenes, it is a true workforce development program bringing people together. For someone in a small town, to not only have a scholarship to attend school, but a job waiting for them when they graduate, is the key to making an impact in communities across South Dakota.”
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DeMaris Nesheim counts her blessings, and at the top of her list are the examples her parents set for her while growing up on a ranch near the community of Philip, South Dakota.
DeMaris sat down with Beth Massa, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Director for Foundation Relations, to discuss how her life experiences have shaped how she serves others.
They also discuss DeMaris’ passionate partnership with SDCF to jumpstart Community Savings Accounts that have led to the creation of the Hill City Community Foundation and the Philip Area Community Foundation.
In this episode, you will hear:
The pivotal moments that have shaped DeMaris’ life
Her work with children in need
How DeMaris helped establish two community foundations
“Starting a foundation in Philip was certainly a joyful experience,” shared DeMaris, “And to know that some really good things were about to happen in Philip as a result of this foundation was so gratifying.”
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Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org
Community involvement and philanthropic giving cultivate a legacy that lasts for generations. Jim and Dianne Gropper, South Dakota natives living in Huron, South Dakota, are soaking up the joys of experiencing the impact of their legacy now while they are living.
Jim and Dianne partnered with South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to establish the Gropper Clement Legacy Fund–a scholarship fund supporting Huron, James Valley Christian, Kadoka and Miller High Schools students.
Jim and Dianne sat down with Jamie Farmen, SDCF Community Development Coordinator & Marketing Manager, to discuss how their own paths to higher learning inspired giving back to their hometowns in a meaningful way.
In this episode, you will hear:
The impact higher education has had on Jim and Dianne
Why perpetual giving is important to the Groppers
Groppers’ encouragement to give now so you can enjoy the impact during your lifetime
Their experience working with SDCF to establish the Gropper Clement Legacy Fund
“We are feeling happiness and joy during our lifetime,” shared Jim, “I suggest you enjoy your legacy now as we are.”
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Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org
