Bringing Philanthropy to Life

Growing Generosity with Britton Area Foundation

In communities like Britton, S.D., generosity is not just an idea. It is a way of life. Through Britton Area Foundation (BAF), that spirit of giving has been shaped into something lasting, supporting local needs today while building a stronger future for generations to come. Patty Roehr, a longtime board member of BAF, joined South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator Patrick Gallagher to reflect on the foundation's history and impact as well as the role community savings accounts play in strengthening rural communities. In this episode, you will hear: * The history of BAF * The way Community Savings Accounts support momentum for positive change * Patty Roehr’s longtime commitment to the Britton area. “Philanthropy is just part of life when you live in a small rural community,” - Patty Roehr Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation [http://www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation] Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf [http://www.instagram.com/southdakotacf] Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org [http://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org]

Helping Generosity Go Further with Barb Miller

Helping people plan for the future is more than mere finances for Barb Miller. It is about legacy. Miller, an Associate Financial Advisor based in Hot Springs, works closely with individuals and families to help them align their financial plans with what matters most to them. That often includes thoughtful conversations about charitable giving. Miller recently joined South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Director for Foundation Relations, Beth Massa, to share how she helps clients connect their financial plans with the causes and communities they care about. In this episode, you will hear: * How Barb Miller helps open the door to charitable giving for clients * A simple strategy for giving back in big ways * Miller’s own connection to philanthropy “People who maybe only gave $100 or $200 suddenly start thinking bigger,” she said. “They realize they can do more good.”- Barb Miller Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation [http://www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation] Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf [http://www.instagram.com/southdakotacf] Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org  [http://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org]

Building Our Families: Strengthening South Dakota from Within

For Terri Mielitz, the work of supporting families is deeply personal. “I’ve always worked alongside families involved in child welfare. For most of my life, really. I was in foster care myself as a child,” shared Terri.  That lived experience helped shape Building Our Families, a Milbank-based nonprofit Terri co-founded in 2018 alongside Carol Weber. What began with a simple phone call and $1,500 to support foster children has grown into a community hub focused on prevention, partnership and practical support for families across Grant County and beyond.  In this episode, you will hear: * How Building Our Families has expanded as a connector, strengthening existing services and helping families * The impact grant funding makes for organizations like Building Our Families * How the BOOST program is strengthening families at the front end. “I truly believe that knowledge is a powerful tool,” Terri said. “When we understand how our brains work, and how we react to things emotionally, it helps drive us to be better people.” - Terri Mielitz Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation [http://www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation] Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf [http://www.instagram.com/southdakotacf] Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org  [http://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org]

State of the Foundation: Strengthening South Dakota Communities for the Future

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 [http://www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation] Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf [http://www.instagram.com/southdakotacf] Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org [http://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org]

A Promise to Irene: Honoring Sherman and Kimiko Petersen’s Legacy

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 [http://www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation] Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf [http://www.instagram.com/southdakotacf] Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org [http://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org]