Bringing Philanthropy to Life South Dakota Community Foundation

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

A thriving community relies on members to work together to create a brighter tomorrow. Luckily for Gregory, SD, giving back to his hometown is woven into Elmer Karl’s DNA. His family name has become a household name in South Dakota through his business, Karl’s TV Audio, Appliance, and Furniture. Elmer has appeared in commercials promoting the business for more than 50 years, so many South Dakotans are familiar with his smiling face and classic slogan: “Your servicing dealer since 1956.” From a single store in Gregory, “Karl’s” has grown into the region’s largest independent electronics and appliance dealer, operating 19 stores in the Midwest.

Elmer recently sat down with Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), to discuss his story and dedication to giving back to Gregory.

In this episode, you will hear:


Elmer Karl’s story


Why investing in your community is vital


How a donor advised fund offers flexibility in giving back



“It can be a battle for small towns to survive, but it looks like Gregory will, and the town has been good to us. We’ve enjoyed living here,” said Elmer Karl.

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

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Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is proud to partner with the Bush Foundation to offer the Bush Prize: South Dakota – an award that celebrates organizations highly valued within their communities that have a track record of successful community problem solving. SDCF was honored to award the 2023 Bush Prize: South Dakota to two amazing South Dakota nonprofits.

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) and the Lost&Found Association. BHSSC will receive the maximum award of $500,000 and Lost&Found will receive $185,000.

SDCF’s Senior Program Officer Ginger Niemann had the opportunity to sit down with BHSSC’s Executive Deputy Director Dr. Pam Lange, as well as Lost&Found’s Executive Director and CEO Erik Muckey.

During their conversation Ginger, Pam, and Erik discussed the work of their nonprofits and what the future looks like as Bush Prize: South Dakota Winners.

In this episode, you will hear:


The vital work of these South Dakota nonprofits


The way each organization will utilize their prize funds


Information about Bush Prize: South Dakota



“I hope folks know there are nonprofits you can believe in and trust, because of all the South Dakota Community Foundation does.” 

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Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

A flourishing community relies on a strong foundation. A strong foundation of growth, commitment, and collaboration. This cannot become a reality without strong leadership. The development of homegrown leaders is at the heart of the mission of Leadership South Dakota.

Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), joined John Meyer, the new Executive Director of Leadership South Dakota, to discuss how they cultivate tomorrow’s leaders across the state.

In this episode, you will hear:


John’s involvement with Leadership SD


His vision for the sustained future of the nonprofit


How Leadership SD partners with SDCF to create sustainable funding

“Having an endowment ensures that anyone who deserves to be in Leadership South Dakota can be without any financial barrier,” said John. “So when we think about the future, we think about opening doors, and South Dakota Community Foundation is showing us how to do that.”

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf

Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org