SDCF Donor Stories

Charles & Lois Ann Rose [Donor Advised Fund / Scholarship Fund / Bequest]

Charles and Lois Ann Rose are native South Dakotans. Charles came from a Meade County farm/ ranch near Sturgis and Lois was...

Larry Owen [Charitable Remainder Trust]

The best way to describe Larry Owen's involvement as a founding member of the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is to understand his long held friendship with and respect for...

Mansour Karim [Endowment]

Mansour Karim immigrated to the United States from Iran in 1950 at age 22 with just $27 in his pocket. In 2018, Karim, who passed away in 2019, celebrated his 90th birthday in...

Phyllis Hanse – Endowment / Bequest

Phyllis Hanse was a beloved member of Webster, South Dakota and taught piano lessons there for many years. She passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy of generosity for the Webster...

Craig Matthesen – Endowment / Bequest

Craig Matthesen was the definition of a small town businessman. He prided himself on providing local service to the Huron community for decades as the owner of Freeze Frame...

A former resident of Webster, South Dakota

My father died when I was only 15 years old and college seemed like an unattainable goal. With no family financial assistance available, I worked throughout high school and was able...

Vern Jones – Charitable Remainder Trust

Vern Jones was a farmer and rancher for 63 years - ever since he was six years old. He had a love of the land but knew when...

Jeff & Linda Erickson – Donor Advised Fund

In both family and career, Jeff and Linda Erickson's life together may best be described in the words of Henry David Thoreau "Success...

Bill Matousek – Endowment/​Community Foundation

To those who knew him, Bill Matousek was the epitome of generosity. Betterment of the Tripp County community was extremely...

Stephanie Miller Davis – Donor Advised Fund

Stephanie Miller Davis was a beloved mother, wife, friend, and community volunteer. In her lifetime, she touched countless...

Dan and Arlene Kirby – Endowment

Native South Dakotans Dan and Arlene Kirby of Sioux Falls are longtime supporters of SDCF's ability to create legacy charitable...

Steele Family [Scholarship Fund]

Though the Steele family lives hundreds of miles away from Faulkton, South Dakota, the connection they feel to students who benefit from the scholarship fund they established in their hometown deepens each year.

Gary & Connie Grittner - Donor Advised Fund

The Gary and Connie Grittner story begins like many others. Neither family had money for college, but both Gary and Connie were strongly encouraged to get an education, and both achieved advanced degrees.

Lori and Wayne Ibarolle [Memorial Gift]

Looking for a way to memorialize their daughter Khrista, who at the age of 31 was killed during a carjacking incident in California, Lori and Wayne Ibarolle contacted the Boys & Girls Club of Yankton.

Dr. Reuben Bareis [Tax Planning]

Passing down the Christian tradition of "in giving, comes receiving" was the way Dr. Reuben Bareis and his late wife Marlowe lived their life and raised their family.

Scott & Julia Jones [Endowment]

More than 200 years ago, theologian John Wesley wrote, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

Harlan and Mae Niedermyer - Faith, Family, and Friends

Harlan and Mae Niedermyer lived frugal and faithful lives. They felt it was more important to be generous with the gifts they'd received in life than live in excess.

Doug and Linda Buri

Doug and Linda Buri of Milbank have been selected for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Hometown Hero Award.

Mary and Michael Fuchs

What better way to honor his wife, thought Michael Fuchs, than setting up a fund at the South Dakota Community Foundation to help some of the young women she cares most deeply about?

Jack and Ruth Cannon

Community involvement discussions in the Rapid City area invariably come around to the late Jack and Ruth Cannon.

Glenna Fouberg: Volunteer/Fundraiser

South Dakota, Aberdeen and the South Dakota Community Foundation lost a strong and compassionate community leader when Glenna Fouberg passed away in early 2021. With her death, the less fortunate among us lost a powerful advocate. As her husband Rod summarized, Glenna "had a place in her heart for people who got left behind."

Chad Locken — Facilitating the Impact Charitable Giving Can Have Locally

Chad Locken, an attorney in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and native of neighboring Groton, has a strong connection to his small-town roots.

Kurt Solay—Helping Clients Make a Difference Through Charitable Giving

A Parkston South Dakota native, Kurt Solay has been practicing law for over 30 years. "Time goes by fast when you're having fun."

Mitzel Family Creates Two Endowments under Herreid Community Foundation to Benefit Local Area Foreve

In 2022, Bruce Brandner, HCF Advisory Council member, and Jamie Farmen, SDCF Community Development Coordinator...

Randy Franssens [Designated Funds]

Randy Franssens was recently presented with the SDCF Hometown Hero award from Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development.

Jeanne Weigum [Designated Funds]

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently presented Jeanne Weigum with the Hometown Hero award, a tier of their legacy society.

Harley & Sharlene Hoffman Family Fund - Donor Advised Fund

Through donor advised funds (DAF), SDCF works with families to allow maximum flexibility with their giving. Each year, donors recommend...

Sam F. Weller Family Foundation [Donor Advised Funds]

The Weller Family Foundation is one of many legacies SDCF is honored to assist in creating. Richard "Dick" Weller, son of Sam F. Weller, first...

Generational Philanthropy with Jim and Vicki Lust

Jim and Vicki Lust of Aberdeen have partnered with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) to facilitate their charitable giving since 2012.

Joseph Neumayr [Estate Gifts]

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is pleased to announce its receipt of a more than $200,000 gift from the late Joseph Neumayr of...

Hansen and Murphy/Hauk Scholarships [Scholarships]

SDCF is honored to work with families as they memorialize their loved ones through scholarship funds. We have the privilege of sharing the stories of...

Jim & Sarah DeWitt [Nonpermanent Funds]

Most funds held with SDCF are permanently endowed. In recent years, SDCF has received requests asking for a nonpermanent option. To meet the needs of donors...

Charles and Kathie Hart [Donor Advised Funds]

Dr. Charles and Kathie Hart have given back to South Dakota in more ways than one, and their devotion to continue giving back isn't stopping any time soon.

William K. Kingdon Leaves Lasting Legacy for Huron Community

Because of the late William "Bill" Keith Kingdon's generosity, local nonprofits will benefit for years to come through the William K. Kingdon...

Gail and Delores Miller Foundation Grants Over $5 Million to South Dakota Nonprofits

Because of the generosity and vision of the late Gail and Delores Miller, many charitable causes in South Dakota will benefit for years to come.

A Caregiving Legacy: Quint Family Scholarship

The Quint Family Scholarship symbolizes a lifelong commitment to caregiving, dedication to giving back and the legacy of four sisters, all of whom dedicated their lives to nursing.

A Life Interwoven with Philanthropy with Elmer Karl

A thriving community relies on members to work together to create a brighter tomorrow. Luckily for Gregory, SD, giving back to his hometown is...

Creating a Charitable Legacy through a Gift Annuity

John and Penny Porter grew up in the Pierre and Fort Pierre area. Their roots run deep near the Missouri River in central South Dakota. "We met...

Empowering Dreams: Franklin Krause New Horizons Scholarship

Franklin Krause attended his first eight grades of school in a one-room schoolhouse near Claire City, South Dakota, and went on to graduate from...

Freedom's Haven with Hani Shafai

Hani Shafai has worked tirelessly to transform industries and provide sustainable employment and housing in the Black Hills for nearly 40 years.

Honoring Community with the Gene Abdallah Scholarship Fund

Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization. They believe it is important to help further our mission.

A Vision of Building and Growing: Harold and Mary Torness Family Fund

You can see Sisseton's Nicollet Tower from far away. From the top of the 80-feet tall structure, you can see even farther. The tower was the dream...

Steve and Karen Marcus

Steve and Karen Marcus of Huron, South Dakota, were awarded the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Hometown Hero award for establishment of...

To Experience One's Legacy Now with Jim and Dianne Gropper

Community involvement and philanthropic giving cultivate a legacy that lasts for generations. Jim and Dianne Gropper, South Dakota natives living...

Gifts made from your estate by will, trust or beneficiary designation

Bequest

Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization. They believe it is important to help further our mission.

Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift

Joanne and her late husband Hal had been longtime supporters of our organization. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged her to update her estate plan.

Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)

Keith has been a faithful supporter of South Dakota Community Foundation and makes regular gifts to support our work. Recently, Keith talked to our staff and expressed his interest in naming South Dakota Community Foundation as a beneficiary of his estate, but he wanted to keep the process as simple and inexpensive as possible.

Transferable on Death (TOD) Gifts

Harold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event South Dakota Community Foundation held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift that would support our mission and ensure that we remain financially strong well into the future.

A Bequest to Further Good Work

Nancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite nonprofit organization. They wanted to create a legacy to provide future resources to continue its mission.

Bequest of Insurance

Marla and Wayne purchased a life insurance policy many years ago to create security for their children's future. As the children grew up, married, found good jobs and accumulated significant assets, the insurance was no longer needed for its original purpose.

A Bequest to Save Taxes

Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.

Using a Blended Gift to Reach Your Charitable Giving Goals

Jay and his wife Amy wanted to support our organization with a significant gift of $100,000. They wanted to spread this gift out over several years but also wanted to make a gift of $25,000 this year.

Tax-Free Sale

Howard and Lynn were both age 55 when they purchased some vacant land a few miles outside of town. They thought real estate would be a good investment that could be sold later for a profit.

Gifts that provide you and your loved ones with income and tax benefits

Fixed Income for Retirement

After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small town, Patricia is ready to retire. Patricia has enough saved for retirement, but she is concerned about the impact a drop in the stock market would have on her retirement savings.

Capital Gains Tax Bypassed

Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio. While their investments increased substantially in value, their potential capital gains tax bill was rising.

Peace of Mind Gift Annuity

Many years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was very pleased with her home, she bought stock in the company that built the home. Over the years, Clara's stock has increased in value.

Sale and Unitrust

Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well. A larger company is now discussing the possibility of buying the smaller company. This sale would require that Gene and Carol sell their stock, subjecting them to capital gains. Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes.

The Retirement Unitrust

Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she and her husband Bill inherited the farm. When Mary was a child, the farm was out in the country. Now that the city has grown, the farm is within the city limits. Several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.

Property Turns Into Income

Miranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.

Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity

Luis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially in value.

Deferred Gift Annuity

Several years ago, Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision, as the stock increased in value to $100,000 within three years. Though they were not in need of additional income at the time, the couple decided to cash in on this growth.

Gift Annuity for Real Estate

Jonathan purchased his home many years ago for $80,000. The home is now worth $420,000. Jonathan wants to sell his home and buy a condo for $130,000. If Jonathan were to sell the home and use his one-time $250,000 home exclusion, he could offset part of the gain but would still have to pay capital gains.

Give It Twice Trust

While visiting her favorite nonprofit's website, June came across the idea of a give it twice trust. She contacted the organization for more information. The nonprofit's gift planner explained that a give it twice trust would allow her to first give income to children through the trust, and then the trust would later transfer the trust balance to charity.

Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!

We have all heard the saying, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This phrase describes a situation where we want two good things at the same time when that isn't possible. Karen and Stephen felt this way when they were establishing their estate plan. They wanted to pass their estate to family, but they also had a place in their hearts for our charitable mission.

Gifts that support our cause and save you taxes

Reduce Your Taxes with an IRA Charitable Rollover Gift

Margaret was a retired librarian. She volunteered at her favorite nonprofit several times a week and also made several donations each year. Margaret saw that her taxes were increasing and wondered how she could continue to do extra things like make charitable gifts with lower income.

Endowment Gift

Pat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite nonprofit for many years. They wanted to make certain the organization's programs continued even after they were gone.

An Easy Way to Help Our Work with Your IRA

Daniel was a retired businessman who volunteered for our organization. When we decided to add a new program, he was excited to help in a significant way.

Part Gift and Part Sale

Susan and Kevin bought a vacant lot along Lake Michigan many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their family could spend their summers along the lake. However, as time went on, Kevin's job kept him in town and the children grew up before Susan and Kevin had the financial resources to build on the land.

Current Gifts

As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving. For years, they have created a gift list that includes family members, friends and loved ones. Last year, Jim and Sharon made an addition to their list and began including their favorite charity.

What Will You Do With Your Unspent Retirement Savings?

Michael and Kelly were retired engineers with two adult children. They owned a home, some stocks and IRAs. They met with their financial advisor to discuss a plan to provide for their family and for some of their favorite nonprofit organizations.

Leading for the Future

Luke and Cynthia spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite nonprofit organization. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission. At the same time, they were looking for a way to care for their family in the future.

Providing for Our Children's Future

Ron and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement. While they felt their savings and investments would cover their needs, they wanted to make sure that their three children were provided for in the future.

IRA Rollover: A Gift with Substantial Benefits

Mark was a retired attorney with a significant IRA and substantial income from investments. He had made IRA rollover gifts to his favorite nonprofit organization several times in recent years.

Avoiding Tax on a Business Sale

Albert was the founder and sole shareholder of a small technology company that he started 30 years ago. At 65 years of age, he began thinking about selling the business.

Maximizing Mineral Income

Walter and May recently retired and moved south to a new retirement community. They still own their 250-acre ranch. Because the ranch has very valuable subsurface mineral rights, Walter and May have been approached several times about entering into a mineral lease that would allow for the production of oil and gas.

Gift for a Loved One with Special Needs

Richard is a successful business owner. His younger brother, Robert, was born with special needs. For the past 10 years, Richard has supported Robert, including paying the costs for Robert's adult care facility.