A Shared Vision for Aberdeen
June 28, 2021 // Community Innovation Grants
“By aligning our strategic plans and focus, we hope to see the impact our collective resources, knowledge and expertise can do to truly lift up our region.”
Aaron Schultz, Executive Director, United Way of Northeastern SD
In the past, five organizations in Aberdeen (Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Development Corporation, Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau, Aberdeen Downtown Association and United Way of Northeastern South Dakota) have all worked at addressing specific needs in their community. While each organization will remain autonomous and focused on their core mission, they would also like to work together to address a shared vision.
The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) provided a $20,000 Community Innovation Grant to United Way of Northeastern South Dakota. Community Innovation Grants are offered in partnership with the Bush Foundation and focus specifically on supporting community problem-solving projects. This grant will support identification of a shared vision for these organizations using self-evaluation and strategic planning.
“By aligning our strategic plans and focus, we hope to see the impact our collective resources, knowledge and expertise can do to truly lift up our region”, said Aaron Schultz, Executive Director, United Way of Northeastern SD. “We are thankful for the South Dakota Community Foundation and the Community Innovation Grant Program for their support in this process. It is our belief that the upfront investment will pay dividends for years to come.”
“We are proud to partner with these five Aberdeen organizations. By working together, they will make their community even stronger, said Ginger Niemann, Senior Program Officer, SDCF.
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/
About the SDCF
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers over 1050 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $18 million in grants in 2020 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.
About the Bush Foundation
The Bush Foundation invests in great ideas and the people who power them. Established in 1953 by 3M Executive Archibald Bush and his wife Edyth, the Foundation encourages individuals and organizations to think bigger and think differently about what is possible in communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geographic area.