The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $20,000 South Dakota Fund grant to Brookings Area United Way (BAUW). Funding will assist with the completion of the first cycle of Communities That Care.
"We are deeply grateful to the South Dakota Community Foundation for awarding us this generous grant. Your support not only provides vital resources but also affirms the importance of our work in strengthening our community,” said Heidi Gullickson, BAUW Executive Director. “This support for the Communities That Care initiative will strengthen the efforts of our multi-sector community board and workgroups to reduce elevated risk factors facing youth in Brookings. With this grant, we can continue building a safer, healthier environment where young people have the support they need to thrive.”
Founded in 1955 as the Brookings United Charities Fund, BAUW still works to meet the original purpose of funding charitable, educational, civic, and philanthropic causes, while working to fulfil its current mission of uniting people, sharing resources, inspire hope, and enriching lives in Brookings County. BAUW is working to complete the first cycle of Communities That Care (CTC) a proven, evidence-based prevention system that helps communities reduce youth substance use, violence and delinquency while promoting positive development by using data to guide coalitions through a structured process for implementing effective strategies. CTC provides a framework on how the community supports the healthy development of its younger citizens.
"By creating the Communities That Care framework, Brookings Area United Way is making a lasting investment for youth in Brookings County," says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “We are proud to partner with them to assist with the completion of Communities That Care.”
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Mitchell, and Aberdeen administers 1,300 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $40 million in grants in 2024 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.