Bringing Philanthropy to Life

Hosted by South Dakota Community Foundation

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Jun 2026

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Since 1987, the South Dakota Community Foundation has been bringing philanthropy to life for a stronger South Dakota by connecting generous people and charitable nonprofits in our state. This podcast features inspiring stories from donor, community, advisor, and nonprofit partners invested in creating an improved South Dakota for generations to come.

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June 8, 202629 min

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 PorterFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

May 11, 202613 min

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 BAFThe way Community Savings Accounts support momentum for positive changePatty Roehr’s longtime commitment to the Britton area.“Philanthropy is just part of life when you live in a small rural community,” - Patty RoehrFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

April 7, 202622 min

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 clientsA simple strategy for giving back in big waysMiller’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 MillerFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

March 10, 202622 min

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 familiesThe impact grant funding makes for organizations like Building Our FamiliesHow 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 MielitzFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

February 9, 202646 min

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 2025A look ahead at the Foundation’s goals for 2026The 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 JudsonFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

January 12, 202625 min

A Promise to Irene: Honoring Sherman and Kimiko Petersen’s Legacy

In small towns across South Dakota, the heart of community life often beats strongest through the people who care deeply about their neighbors. In Irene, South Dakota, that spirit shines through the story of Bob Satter, and his relationship with Sherman and Kimiko Petersen, whose generosity will continue to shape the lives of local students and families for generations to come.Bob Satter, chair of the Irene Area Community Foundation (IACF), recently sat down with Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). In this conversation, Bob shared how a simple phone call nearly two decades ago grew into one of the most impactful gifts in his community’s history.In this episode, you will hear:How Bob Satter helped establish the Irene Area Community FoundationThe impact Sherman and Kimiko Petersen’s gift will have on the Irene community How community savings accounts benefit communities in need“Philanthropy is about your time, your leadership, and your talents,” he reflected. “My goal was always to make Irene a better place than when I came here. That’s my form of philanthropy.” - Bob SatterFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

December 8, 202531 min

South Dakota Honorees — Celebrating Transformational Impact and Creative Community Problem-Solving

South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is proud to partner with the Bush Foundation to introduce the 2025 Bush Prize: South Dakota honorees, Abbott House and Youth & Family Services (YFS). Each organization received $250,000 in flexible support. Their work highlights the power of compassionate, creative problem-solving to transform the future of children and families throughout our state.Bush Prize: South Dakota identifies and honors extraordinary organizations that consistently engage and lead their community toward creative solutions. It provides and supports nonprofits to listen closely to their communities, design thoughtful solutions and inspire others through their commitment to transformational impact.In this episode, you will hear:How YSF and Abbott House are making a difference in SDWhat winning the Bush Prize means to each organizationWhat the process for applying for the Bush prize is like“We have really been able to create a continuum of care for kids,” Eric said, “and get them what we say launched in life.” - Abbott House Executive Director Eric KloozFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

November 17, 202527 min

The Impact of Generosity with Stephanie Judson and SDCF Development Team

Generosity shows up in many forms throughout South Dakota. It is seen in donor legacies, in local volunteers who rally around their hometowns, and in families who honor their loved ones by investing in meaningful causes. Recently, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) President and CEO Stephanie Judson sat down with several members of the SDCF development team to highlight four stories from 2025 that demonstrate how community-centered philanthropy strengthens our state.Together, they explored how partnerships, planned giving, and local leadership continue to turn generosity into sustainable, long-term change.In this episode, you will hear:The story of a donor who wanted to ensure that his family farm would continue supporting the causes he cares about long after his lifetime.The story of Dr. Steve Rich, an Aberdeen native who envisioned a future in which people with disabilities could live more independently, participate in community activities, and enjoy meaningful lives.The story of how a simple question sparked a major community effort to save an iconic piece of local history.The remarkable unity of the Burke community and their dedication to philanthropy.“It is not just about connecting donors to causes. It is helping communities and nonprofits build something sustainable.”Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

October 3, 202521 min

Planning for a Legacy: A Conversation with Stephanie Judson and Trudy Morgan

Across South Dakota, there are people quietly shaping the future, helping others dream bigger, give more, and leave a mark that lasts for generations. Among them are the members of the South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) Key Club: professional advisors who not only guide their clients through important financial decisions but also open the door to lasting philanthropy. These trusted partners work hand-in-hand with SDCF to transform personal passions into legacies that strengthen communities statewide.SDCF Director of Development, Jeff Veltkamp, sat down with President & CEO, Stephanie Judson, and attorney and Key Club member, Trudy Morgan. Together, they discussed the importance of planned giving vehicles and how they can be used to create lasting impact.In this episode, you will hear:How Stephanie and Trudy have helped shape philanthropy in South DakotaHow Trudy guides clients to find the right planned giving path for themStories of impact that fuel Stephanie and Trudy’s mission to create a lasting impact“The conversation often starts with understanding what matters most to them, learning what causes they’ve supported, and experiences that have shaped their lives. From there, we can explore how their estate plan can carry that forward.” - Trudy MorganFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

September 12, 202514 min

Preserving South Dakota’s Story: A Conversation with Chelle Somsen

History lives in the stories we tell, the artifacts we preserve, and the lessons we pass down to future generations. At the South Dakota Historical Society (SDHS), the mission is simple yet profound: safeguard the heritage of South Dakota so it continues to inspire, educate, and connect.Chelle Somsen, State Archivist and longtime staff member at the SDHS, joined the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, for a conversation. They discussed how her work with the South Dakota Historical Foundation helps raise funds to support SDHS’s efforts to preserve state history for generations to come.In this episode, you will hear:How the South Dakota Historical Society is preserving state historyChelle’s experience applying for a South Dakota Fund grant The digitization project of the history of American Indian life in South Dakota.“History isn’t just something in the past,” she reflected. “It’s happening every day. And when people take the time to record their experiences, they’re helping to shape the record of who we are as South Dakotans.” - Chelle SomsenFollow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota!Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundationInstagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacfWebsite: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org