Jim and Beth Benning: A Legacy of Giving Back

For Jim and Beth Benning of Spearfish, giving back has always been about more than generosity, it’s about building a strong, sustainable future for the community they call home. Their connection to South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) began years ago when Jim served on the High Plains Heritage Board, a museum in Spearfish that received a $75,000 gift, the largest in its history.

“We talked about that gift, and we didn’t want it to be spent on a one-time thing,” Jim said. “We wanted it to keep supporting the museum for years to come.” After some research, the board decided to place the funds with SDCF, ensuring the gift would benefit the community for generations.

That experience sparked a lasting appreciation for the Foundation’s mission and professionalism. “Many times, you go through life and wonder if there’s a way to leave the world a better place,” Jim said. “With SDCF, there is. It’s a safe way to invest your money and make sure that for the future, it’s always there”.

For Jim and Beth, giving through SDCF means supporting the causes that make a community thrive-- arts, history, food security, and culture. “You want the community that gave you some success to also have success,” Beth shared. “We wanted to direct our funds to things that make a viable, sustainable community.”

Serving on SDCF Board gave Beth an even deeper understanding of the Foundation’s impact across the state. “My first board meeting, I was just blown away by the people you meet and the good that comes from SDCF,” she said. “The staff is remarkable, and the generosity of South Dakotans is simply amazing.”

Through their continued support, the Bennings are helping ensure South Dakota communities remain vibrant and resilient for years to come. Their story is a reminder that lasting change begins with a simple commitment to give back to the place that gave so much to you.