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

Ripples in a Pond: Scott Jones and the Power of Philanthropy

Philanthropy comes to life in a multitude of ways throughout South Dakota, creating a ripple effect of good. That ripple starts with people who are willing to dream of a better future not only for themselves but also for those around them. One such dreamer is Scott Jones, immediate past chair and longtime board member of South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). Last year, Jones took some time to reflect on his tenure as SDCF's board chair—recounting milestones, describing programs and impact, and sharing what he hopes his own philanthropy will mean for South Dakota. In this episode, you will hear: * How SDCF has grown as an organization. * How a $300 pledge put Scott on a path to pursue philanthropy for years to come. * How SDCF makes giving back simple.  "To have those stories connected in a way that had a huge impact, not only on my own personal life as a volunteer and as a donor, but also on my own community. It means the world to me."  — Scott Jones 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: SDCommunityFoundation.org  [http://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org]

A Helping Hand: The Magic of the Fairy Godmother’s Fund

Though its name sounds otherworldly, the Fairy Godmother's Fund is very real. And it's built on a belief that has been acted upon time and again: South Dakotans don't think twice about helping a neighbor in need. That spirit was on full display in a recent conversation with two members of the Fairy Godmother's Fund Advisory Council, Sally Christenson of Pierre and Penny Porter of Sioux Falls. Their stories paint a vivid picture of what it means to step in for someone at exactly the right moment. In this episode, you will hear: * How Christenson and Porter became involved with the fund. * The way the Fairy Godmother’s Fund makes an impact, large or small. * Why meeting critical needs matters. “We have to ask: is this a critical need, or more of a chronic need? A young mom who has escaped a domestic violence situation and needs money now to pay for daycare so she can keep her job. That's critical. And that's where we try to step in." - Penny Porter 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]

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]