Kadoka Area Foundation Surpasses Major Fundraising Milestones, Looks Ahead to $500,000 Goal
November 7, 2025 // Community Savings Account
Kadoka Area Foundation (KAF), a community savings account with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), has successfully met two major fundraising challenges, securing a total of $190,000 in matching gifts to build a permanent source of funding for local charitable causes.
Through the generosity of many donors and community members, KAF raised $100,000 between April and August 2025 to meet a $100,000 challenge from Rusty Olney and an additional $50,000 match from SDCF. KAF also achieved a second challenge by raising $40,000 to receive an additional $40,000 match from Casey and Kathryn Peterson of Rapid City, SD.
Together, these efforts have grown KAF and its sub funds to over $355,000—a lasting investment in the future of Kadoka and the surrounding area.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and commitment of our community. Thank you to each and every one of you,” said Rusty Olney, KAF Chairperson. “Meeting these challenges demonstrates how much people care about ensuring Kadoka continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Building on this momentum, KAF has set a new goal to raise $500,000 through its ongoing campaign—beyond the funds already matched. KAF aims to continue engaging donors, businesses, and alumni to expand its permanent endowment and increase its future grantmaking capacity.
KAF anticipates beginning grantmaking in 2026, focusing on charitable projects and organizations that strengthen local quality of life.
Kadoka Area Foundation and its subfunds include:
- Craven-Peterson Family Foundation Fund
- Crew Foundation–Kadoka
- James Gropper & Dianne Clement Gropper Jackson County Library Fund
- Kadoka Health Foundation
- Rusty Olney Family Foundation
KAF encourages ongoing contributions to help grow this community endowment and expand future grantmaking opportunities.
“Every gift—large or small—adds to a legacy that will support local needs long into the future,” said Olney. “This is about building something that lasts.”
To donate or learn more: www.SDCommunityFoundation.org/Kadoka.
Rusty Olney, President, 605.484.2517
Eileen Stolley, 605.454.1391
Baxter Hogen, 605.415.0678
Brian Hundertmark, 970.215.6516
Tia Stout, 605.441.1304
Patty Groven, 605.390.6392
Donna Enders, 605.441.6786
Hillary Stout, 605.391.4664
Kadoka Area Foundation (KAF) was established in 2025 by a local advisory council in partnership with South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). Their goal was to create a long-term funding source for charitable causes in the local area. With careful investment, funds will continue to grow and enhance quality of life in the area forever. This fund is one of 90 community savings accounts in partnership with SDCF. To donate or learn more about KAF, please visit www.SDCommunityFoundation.org/Kadoka.
About South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF)
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls 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.