SECRET

The Aberdeen Area Community Foundation and Perpetual Support for Aberdeen

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

ometimes, it’s been called the best-kept secret in town,” Heath Johnson said about the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation, which he chairs. “We do a lot of good here, but we need to be better about tooting our horn—so we can keep on doing good.” And maybe you’ve heard from them in their current campaign to raise funds in order to do more good.

Established in 1984, the AACF has made more than 100 grants totaling over $260,000 to support a wide range of nonprofits and charitable activities in the area. But some of its origins remain a bit of a mystery. According to the Foundation’s website, it was created “to receive and administer a gift from a local businessman. The particulars of that first gift are lost to history.”

Attorney Dennis Maloney served as the first Foundation president, and Julie Johnson, an attorney in his firm, helped prepare the organizing documents (and later joined the board). Neither could say much about the original funding. It seems more important that Julie Johnson recalled why the AACF was created in the first place. “Community foundations were becoming important,” she said, “and we realized that Aberdeen didn’t have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to raise funds for community improvements.” So, the Chamber of Commerce and the Aberdeen Development Corporation agreed to set up an organization to do that. Thus, the AACF was born.

The people entrusted with shepherding the new organization included community leaders such as Aberdeen Mayor Delphine Janusz, Brown County Commissioners Chair Merrill Rix, and Chamber of Commerce President and Harms

Oil owner Duane Harms. They were original members of the board of directors along with other Aberdeen notables. As later news stories would note, however, the Foundation was dormant for several years. Maloney said there were limits on what they could give money to, plus “some organizations were looking for more money than we had to give away.” It didn’t totally hibernate. There was at least one fundraising gala in the early 1990s, but results weren’t reported in the paper.

Energized

In the late 1990s, the Foundation rebooted, which Maloney credits to the late Carl Anderson, of the Anderson Agency. In 1998, when Barb Harms was the Foundation president, the Foundation aligned with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). It became an early partner in SDCF’s community savings account program for local community foundations and took advantage of SDCF’s professional money management and administrative support. In addition, when the Foundation raised $100,000, the SDCF provided a challenge grant of $50,000.

Getting A Grant

 If your organization is interested in applying for a grant from the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation, the best place to start is the AACF website: www.aberdeencommunityfoundation.com . The site contains information on how to apply, including a downloadable application form and grantmaking guidelines, as well as descriptions of past grants made in the community.

Partners In Philanthropy

 In addition to its own grants, in recent years the AACF was directly involved in recommending or initiating another $440,000 in grants to the area from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Aberdeen Fund and the South Dakota Community Foundation, which also supported a range of purposes.

In 1998, the Knight Foundation and Knight Ridder, which owned the Aberdeen American News, committed to permanently fund the 26 cities in which Knight Ridder owned newspapers. In 2004, they created the Knight Aberdeen Fund in the SDCF to provide permanent support for the Aberdeen area. Over time, the AACF board took on an advisory role for Knight in identifying and recommending projects for funding. Since its establishment, the Knight Fund has made nearly 90 grants totaling more than $1.25 million, including nearly $300,000 since 2020.

Recently, a significant amount of funding has supported projects at Northern State University, which is a strategic priority of the Knight Aberdeen Fund. Grants totaling nearly $200,000 have supported the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the Center for Public History and Civic Engagement, and the Northern Start Up Center. Other recent grants have supported a study of downtown second story housing potential, a center to make technology available to Aberdeen newcomers, murals at Malchow Plaza, and art in downtown store windows.

Separate from the totals above, in 2020, Knight also created the Knight Foundation COVID-19 Aberdeen Fund, committing $225,000 to address pandemic-related needs in Aberdeen. Its first grant was $40,000 to the United Way’s COVID Response Fund. Other grants supported food and youth programs at the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, North Highland Methodist Church, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, as well as technology upgrades to facilitate remote work and learning at the Aberdeen Family YMCA and Boys and Girls Club.

SDCF has made more than $130,000 in grants to the Aberdeen area since 2020, including three $20,000 challenge grants to nonprofit organizations who set up endowment funds in SDCF and raised a challenge amount. This also included $13,000 in grants that matched AACF COVID-related grants to the Salvation Army, NSU, PC, and Boys and Girls Club.

The AACF’s assets are endowed with the SDCF, meaning they are permanently restricted, and AACF spends a percentage of the overall value on grants every year. This principle ensures the fund’s perpetuity as a resource for charitable activity in Aberdeen, as the assets remain intact to grow and to increase the value of each year’s spendable portion.

With that initial fundraising goal achieved and the challenge grant in the bank, the Foundation … took a break. In reality, it seems the board elected to continue raising funds at a less aggressive pace, let the assets grow to increase grant making capability, and award occasional grants.

In about 2010, a fundraising effort led by the late Al and Bette Sandvig and the AACF’s board of directors helped to more than double the Foundation’s assets to its current level of roughly half million dollars. Under the endowment principle, that has allowed the Foundation to make grants of more than $20,000 a year. The SDCF contributed another $50,000 challenge grant to that effort.

The AACF is governed by a local board that over the years has included many active community leaders. In addition to Heath Johnson, the current board includes David Sandvig, Vice Chair, Robert Fouberg, Secretary, Don Kainz, Treasurer, Megan Biegler, Matt Harr, Steven Lust, Bea Smith, and Hannah Walters.

AACF VS. UNITED WAY?

 Some wonder what the difference is between the AACF and the United Way. The United Way’s mission is focused on supporting its 20 or so partner agencies, mostly human service organizations, while the AACF has a much broader mandate to support a wide variety of charitable activities. In addition, most funds the United Way raises each year are spent the same year, while AACF’s funds are endowed to provide perpetual support. The United Way has been described as a community’s checking account, and the AACF the savings account.

Impact

Since its inception, the AACF has made grants of over $260,000 in the Aberdeen area, most of which has been awarded since 2013. Since 2020 alone, the AACF has made more than $100,000 in grants to more than 25 Aberdeen area nonprofits and charitable causes, ranging from education and youth activities to health, human services and COVID needs to economic development.

In recent years, AACF supported construction of the new Aberdeen Area Humane Society shelter, a new stage floor for Aberdeen Community Theatre, a new community center for Fallout Creative Community, Presentation College’s Diversity Club’s celebration of Native American Heritage Month, medical equipment at Horizon Health, and startup costs for the Aberdeen chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

In addition, the AACF recently made a significant grant to the Aberdeen Family YMCA’s project to expand the Glenna and Rod Fouberg Child Development Center (both Foubergs were involved in the Foundation). The Y’s CEO Mike Quast appreciated the support, “Being able to say we have the support of the community foundation allows us to turn to other people and say look at this investment we’ve received from them. They believe in this project. That means a lot.”

Looking Forward

The current board of directors launched a new drive in 2022 to double the current assets up to $1 million, which would allow total annual grants of around $50,000 per year. The SDCF has generously offered another challenge grant of $50,000 if AACF raises $400,000. Board members have been out in the community soliciting support. “The goal is in sight,” Heath Johnson said in late 2022, “but we still need help getting over the top. We think we make a significant difference in the community for a wide range of nonprofits and charitable activities, and we’re designed to be around forever. That’s a great investment in Aberdeen!” //

When you think of South Dakota, a number of things may enter your mind – the Black Hills, pheasant hunting, chislic. We’re well-known for a lot of things here, but book publishing doesn’t usually make the list. Many great writers call South Dakota home, and some of them live right here in Aberdeen.

Publishing in the Mount Rushmore State

While there are book publishers in South Dakota, they are fairly specialized and generally focus on South Dakota topics. In terms of fiction, though, aspiring writers will most likely have to look outside of the state if they wish to go with a traditional book publisher. With the rise of selfpublishing, many authors are able to share their works without having to rely on a traditional publisher at all.

“There’s almost a stigma against authors from smaller towns,” Marilyn Privratsky said. She is the author of the highfantasy Chronicles of Farro series. “People think ‘oh, you don’t live in LA or New York City so you can’t write. But there are lots of indie authors out there now. Some naysayers make others want to quit, but they just made me even more determined to get my story out there.”

“Just because you don’t live in a city doesn’t mean you can’t do it,” Jeanna Knoll Wahl said.

“Publishing here has its challenges. There are good and bad people in any process,” said Christine Mager Wevik. She has written several award-winning books, both fiction and nonfiction.

“It’s a little harder to get the word out in South Dakota,” Megan Reiffenberger said. She’s the author of two books, Sink or Swim and Below the Surface. “You have to be willing to travel for more exposure. It pays to know the right people in this industry.”

Many authors are able to establish a social media presence that can help spread the word about their books. For many, the marketing process is one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome.

“Marketing is the hardest part of the process,” Aaron Michael Grant said. “It’s harder than writing the book. But you need to nurture it.”

Thanks to the internet, though, these hurdles are getting a bit easier to overcome.

“It’s harder in South Dakota, but I love living here,” Elissa Grossell Dickey said. “Internet and social media help a lot. They’ve leveled the playing field a bit. My first launch was virtual, and other virtual events are great opportunities."

“In today’s world, it doesn’t really matter where you live,” Marie Cleveland said. “It’s not so much where you are, but your connections.”

Traditional vs. Self Publishing

Perhaps you’re familiar with one of the ‘Big 5’ Book publishers – Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, and Macmillan Publishers. These publishers and their imprints

Kaleido-Cope, Kaleido-Cope Love, Paper Dolls: Seasons Collection www.alainaperry.com

It’s Only Hair, Someone Knows, Vacant Eyes, Borrowed Memories www.christinemagerwevik.com are some of the most easily recognized names in the industry, but they are also some of the hardest to get a publishing deal with. The process can be lengthy, but there are many benefits that a traditional publisher provides. Publishers handle the marketing, distribution, and warehousing for a book, so all in all, it’s less work for an author after the manuscript is finished. Authors don’t pay the publishers for any part of this process, and many authors are paid advances before their book is released.

“I wanted publisher support, but I had no idea what to do at first,” said Elissa. “I learned about the process on the internet, especially social media, and signed with a literary agent. The process takes longer, but it was the right choice for me. My agent has been a wonderful champion of my work. And working with my editor has been fantastic. It's a partnership, where we talk through edits and agree on changes that truly elevate the book.”

Elissa’s two novels, The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark, were both published through Lake Union Publishing. Both novels are book club fiction set in South Dakota. Iris in the Dark is a suspenseful story that was named to Bustle's list of Most Anticipated Books of June 2022. The Speed of Light, which follows the story of a woman who, like Elissa, lives with multiple sclerosis, was named to Goodreads' list of 75 Debut Novels to Discover in 2021.

“My sister encouraged me to send my work to publishers,” Mary Baird Mayer said. “She also wrote a book, so I sent my book to her publisher. I was lucky to get picked up by the first publisher I sent it to.”

Self-published works are also on the rise. The practice isn’t new, but it gained popularity in the 1980s. With the help of the internet and social media, even more authors are taking this route in their publishing journey. Self-publishing provides authors with many freedoms. There are fewer people involved in the process, so that means that an author usually gets the final say every step of the way.

“I think of it like changing the oil in your car,” Richard Skorupski said. “You can do it yourself or write a check to someone who can.”

Richard’s wife, Cheryl, is the cover artist for all of his books. He’s had the help of a retired librarian, English teacher, and paralegals with proofreading his stories.

“It is a major deal to go with a Big 5 publisher,” Melony Rae said. “When you spend years pouring your heart and soul into a novel, the last thing you want is a company seizing control and changing your hard work.”

Melony’s novels, The Sea Wolf series, combine her love of fantasy, history, and romance. They take place during the golden age of piracy in the 1700s, and Melony has done extensive research of the time period.

“They’re very mixed genres,” she said. “There are just so many things I wanted to cover!”

Unfortunately, there are still some people who look down on self-publishing.

“People think ‘I know an author!’ versus ‘oh, self-published…’” Christine said. “Self-published books can be a huge success, and on the other end, there are traditionally published books that aren’t the best.”

“You should follow your gut,” Marilyn said. “If you want to pursue traditional publishing, then go for it! I felt that self-publishing was the best for me. You can do more of what you want. I’m thankful I don’t have hard deadlines with self-publishing. My life won’t accept those!”

On top of working a full-time job, Marilyn and her brother also care for their mother. Self-publishing has given her freedom to work on her novels on her own time.

Overall, self-publishing has introduced the world to many wonderful books that might not have come to fruition otherwise.

“Self-publishing makes it easier for smaller town people to be heard,” Jeanna said. “I knew about the publishing process from my day job. I didn’t want my book changed as much as a traditional publisher would, so other than small editorial changes, it stayed the same.”

Hybrid publishers fall somewhere between the two. The practices are usually the same as a traditional publisher, but they follow a different revenue model. Typically, the author pays a fee for the hybrid publisher’s services.

“My publisher did a great job,” said Aaron. “The book was way bigger, but they really helped me cut it down.”

Community Response

Despite any challenges these authors have faced, they’ve all expressed the same sentiment – South Dakota’s avid readers have all welcomed their books with open arms.

“I never intended to be rich or famous,” Christine said. “I just wanted to write and publish a book. Many people raved and spoke to friends about my books. It’s very exciting when people give feedback.”

One of her books, Someone Knows, highlights cold cases that have happened here in South Dakota with the goal of bringing much-needed attention to them.

“I’ve accomplished what I wanted to accomplish. The only other big thing would be to have one of these cases solved.”

“When I sell my books at craft fairs, people are surprised,” Alaina Perry said. “They look at me, then back at the book and say ‘you made this?’”

Alaina initially started making her coloring books after her husband went overseas for active duty. He encouraged her to do something for herself when he was away. She brings her books to craft shows where she also shows her other art projects.

“People have told me it’s haunting and soul-baring,” Aaron said. “Some veterans come home and won’t talk about what they’ve experienced with non-vets. Many of them end up staying silent about what they’re dealing with.”

Aaron is a veteran of the Iraq War and his book, Taking Baghdad: Victory in Iraq with the US Marines, is a compilation of history and his experience overseas. Aaron hopes that his book can help spread awareness for veterans with combat related PTSD.

“There’s a wide range of responses,” Marilyn said. “Some people are starstruck, but others turn up their noses. Fantasy isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But the Brown County Fair is definitely where my books sell the best.”

“It helps coming from a small community,” Megan said. “They’re very willing to share your work around.”

“So many people have been supportive,” Elissa said. “Family and friends have shared my books or recommended them to others. One of my son’s teachers even recognized that I was an author! Everyone has been so kind and has cheered me on, and I appreciate it very much.”

“The thrill is the feedback!” Melony said. “People have told me they could read about these characters forever. I’ve also had a lot of people say the love the covers.”

Some of these authors have written about experiences very close to home – literally. Many of their books take place in South Dakota.

“I’ve had a wonderful experience in South Dakota,” Richard said. “I love talking to people about the books. I might only sell a few books at events, but talking about them is just great.”

Richard moved to South Dakota from New Jersey, and he fell in love with this state. His Flyover County novels all take place in South Dakota and are based on the smaller counties in the state. His books have been well-received in South Dakota.

“I write nice books about nice people. I want people to curl up with a book, forget about the world for a while, and close the book with a smile. I’m a sucker for happy endings.” Richard said. “One of the best reviews I’ve ever received was an anonymous review. All it said was ‘it made me forget I was in prison.’”

Jeanna’s book, The Road Home, is based on her memories of growing up in Conde.

“My dad passed away in a farming accident, and I realized that nobody is promised tomorrow,” she said. “Writing the story was therapeutic for me and publishing it both fulfilled a goal and changed my life. The setting is a romanticized version of my hometown, and I realized right along with the characters in my story that pieces of your friends and family stay with you throughout your journey and will always help you find your way home.”

Marie’s Adventures in Storybook Land novels take place here in Aberdeen. Jason’s Giant Dilemma was inspired by bedtime stories that she had made up for her daughters, and Prowlers in Peril was inspired by vandalism that had occurred in Storybook Land.

Mary’s novel Isabelle is a retelling of her great grandmother’s life. It’s a realistic fiction piece, based on a real person, but some events were altered for the story.

“My mother and great aunt wrote a lot about her,” Mary said. “I mostly wrote this for my family, but other people really liked it. Many people are interested in ancestry. I think this book makes them think about their own ancestors.”

Next time you’re stuck on what book to read next, consider picking up a title from one of our local authors – you might end up finding a few new favorites. //