Bringing Philanthropy to Life

Hosted by South Dakota Community Foundation

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Aug 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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52 recent

August 10, 202631 min

Betting on Home with Tripp County Community Foundation

In Tripp County, South Dakota, a grassroots matching challenge planted three decades ago has grown into the vision of what happens when a small community decides to invest in itself, one gift, one memorial, and one scholarship at a time. Dawn Covey, chairperson of Tripp County Community Foundation (TCCF), sat down with Jamie Farmen, senior community development coordinator of South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), to talk about how that grassroots beginning grew into a legacy for the community that built it. In this episode, you will hear: How TCCF was established The ways TCCF is making an impact Inspiring stories of community members giving back through the foundation “It’s pretty amazing that donations from very generous people have been able to do all that,” - Dawn Covey Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org

July 6, 202615 min

Ripples in a Pond: Scott Jones and the Power of Philanthropy

Philanthropy comes to life in a multitude of ways throughout South Dakota, creating a ripple effect of good. That ripple starts with people who are willing to dream of a better future not only for themselves but also for those around them. One such dreamer is Scott Jones, immediate past chair and longtime board member of South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). Last year, Jones took some time to reflect on his tenure as SDCF's board chair—recounting milestones, describing programs and impact, and sharing what he hopes his own philanthropy will mean for South Dakota. In this episode, you will hear: How SDCF has grown as an organization. How a $300 pledge put Scott on a path to pursue philanthropy for years to come. How SDCF makes giving back simple. "To have those stories connected in a way that had a huge impact, not only on my own personal life as a volunteer and as a donor, but also on my own community. It means the world to me." — Scott Jones Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: SDCommunityFoundation.org

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 Porter Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: 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 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 Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: 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 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 Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: 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 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 Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: 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 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 Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: 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 Foundation The 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 Satter Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: 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 SD What winning the Bush Prize means to each organization What 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 Klooz Follow us for more stories of philanthropy in South Dakota! Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: 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/SDCommunityFoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/southdakotacf Website: www.sdcommunityfoundation.org