Bringing philanthropy to life for stronger South Dakota communities.

These words from former Governor George S. Mickelson are just as true today as they were on November 11th, 1987. The SDCF Board of Directors is just as committed as those who embraced the vision 35 years ago. They recognize the importance of continuing to build assets in our communities. In fact, over the years, SDCF's board has committed nearly $1.6 million in challenge grants to communities across the state. As a result, 84 communities have active local foundations working daily to improve the lives of those who call South Dakota home.

During the October 2022 board meeting in Pierre, Vision 35 was launched, a new initiative to celebrate our 35 years. To help enable and encourage others to grow local resources and to celebrate our milestone anniversary, SDCF announced a plan to raise a $3.5 million endowed fund that will offer challenge dollars to communities across the state. This fund will provide $150,000 in challenge dollars annually to South Dakota communities, large and small. At a match rate of $1 for every $4 raised by communities new to the Community Savings Account (CSA) program, this endowment campaign will leverage $600,000 in community support annually.

SDCF invites you to donate to this campaign providing support to communities across our state. The Vision 35 fund will assist in endowing dollars that will impact quality of life in South Dakota for years to come.

Benefits Of A Community Challenge

• Incentive for residents to give

• Raise awareness/trust in SDCF and the local CSA

• Raise awareness for the CSA as a charitable giving choice (estate gifts, land, cattle, grain)

• Create excitement for and understanding of endowed giving

• Create fundraising and planned giving education for residents

Csa Challenge Impact

• Nearly $45 million endowed for South Dakota communities and nonprofit causes important to their quality of life

• Over $1.6 million granted to nonprofit causes in 2022