SDCF Board Member Cynthia Mickelson Committed to South Dakota’s Future
November 25, 2024 // Board of Directors and Staff, Donors
Cynthia Mickelson of Sioux Falls, S.D. joined South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) board in 2023. A native of Miller, S.D., Mickelson brings a passion for community involvement as well as a deep family connection to SDCF.
For Cynthia, joining SDCF’s Board of Directors was both a family tradition and a calling after her parents, Jim and Nini Hart. “My father is one of the original members,” she explained. “Furthermore, my husband, mother, uncle and mother-in-law have also been board members.” This family legacy, combined with her own passion for supporting her community, fuels her drive to help SDCF advance its mission across South Dakota.
Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, “My parents were very involved and generous, so I did not know any other way to be.” This spirit of giving has stayed with her, shaping her journey.
South Dakota holds a special place in Cynthia’s heart. She reflected fondly on her small-town roots, where people genuinely looked out for one another. “I loved growing up in a small town where people cared,” she said. “South Dakota is similar to this, and we try to take care of one another.”
“ My parents were very involved and generous, so I did not know any other way to be.”
Cynthia Mickelson
Cynthia is an advocate for endowment giving. She believes it provides long-term stability for nonprofits and communities while allowing for flexibility in addressing unforeseen needs. “It allows for grants to be distributed for current needs, which often were not forecasted when the endowment was created.”
When speaking of her charitable focus, improving access for children in rural areas and addressing poverty issues came up right away. She appreciates how SDCF collaborates with communities statewide, working directly with local stakeholders to understand and address their unique needs. “SDCF works with many communities throughout our state,” she explained, “which allows us to be at the ground level and receive input from these stakeholders to serve their needs best.”
For potential donors, Cynthia’s advice is simple: “Meet with our team and see what we are accomplishing in South Dakota and how we can help you with your priorities.” She sees SDCF as a trusted partner in fund management, offering cost-effective and knowledgeable resources and connections to other like-minded donors. Through her role on the board, Cynthia Mickelson continues her family’s legacy of service while embodying the spirit of community that defines South Dakota.
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,200 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $31 million in grants in 2023 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.