$10,000 Awarded to Wiz Kidz… | South Dakota Community Foundation

$10,000 Awarded to Wiz Kidz Academy

December 20, 2023 // Grants, South Dakota Fund Grants

South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to Wiz Kidz Academy. Funding will be used to provide up to date technology, arts/crafts supplies, and new learning games for students.

“To say we are thankful is an understatement,” says Michaela Meinders, Special Education Paraprofessional, After School Program Coordinator, Henry School District. “This grant has been more than a blessing for our program. The Wiz Kidz Academy is setting the foundation for what it truly can be. With this grant, the possibility of continuing is now more stable. We are beyond grateful for the South Dakota Community Foundation and the funding to help us continue stronger. Thank you!”

Photo Left to Right: Don Roby, Board of Directors, SDCF; Michaela Meinders, Special Education Paraprofessional, After School Coordinator, Henry School District; Savannah Page, Educator, Henry School District; Doug Sharp, Board Member, SDCF; and Pat Gallagher, Community Development Coordinator, SDCF.

Wiz Kidz Academy is an afterschool and summer program that serves the community of Henry, a small town in Codington County. Their mission is to provide a safe, learning environment for students. During the school year, the program runs 5 days a week, though school is only 4 days a week. Summer programming also includes more academics since the school district doesn’t offer a summer school program.

“These programs provide a supportive and enriching environment outside of school hours,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “The SDCF is proud to partner with Wiz Kidz Academy to support today’s youth.”

SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,200 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $30 million in grants in 2022 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.