Leadership South Dakota Establishes $100,000 Endowment Fund
December 29, 2022 // Nonprofit Savings Accounts
Leadership South Dakota recently completed fundraising $80,000 to establish a permanent endowment fund at the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) and was awarded $20,000 in matching funds from SDCF’s Nonprofit Savings Account grant program. Endowment funds are invested over time and earnings create a long-term revenue source to support the organization.
“Leadership South Dakota is entering its 10th year and is making the transition from a “new” program to one that will be in place for many years to come,” says Rick Melmer, Leadership South Dakota Director. “In order to strengthen our financial foundation, it was important to establish an endowment that will provide ongoing funding for the program. The grant we received from the South Dakota Community Foundation was an important first step in our efforts.”

Leadership South Dakota is an organization dedicated to the development of homegrown leaders in South Dakota. The organization’s mission is to attract engaged citizens from across the state, then provide them with the background, unique experiences, and insights necessary to assume leadership positions at the community, state, and national levels. In developing an endowment fund with SDCF, Leadership South Dakota has created a vehicle for future donors to contribute to the program and support both scholarships for class members in need and programming for their growing alumni base.
“Leadership South Dakota is inspiring and energizing leaders across the entire state,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “SDCF is proud to support Leadership South Dakota as they continue to grow.”
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 1,100 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $18 million in grants in 2021 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.