Bringing Philanthropy to Life

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]

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]