Wambli Ska Society awarded a $20,000 South Dakota Fund Grant
December 19, 2025 // Grants, South Dakota Fund Grants
South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $20,000 South Dakota Fund grant to Wambli Ska Society (Wambli Ska) due to the loss of critical federal funding support. Funding will assist with stabilizing operations.
“On behalf of Wambli Ska, we extend our heartfelt thanks for the generous grant of $20,000 to address funding gaps,” said Chris White, Wambli Ska Society CEO. “This support allows us to keep our dedicated staff in place and sustain programs that are vital to our Northside community: Sacred Storm Buffalo, workforce development initiative offering job training in buffalo harvesting, processing, packaging, food safety, hide tanning, and Indigenous entrepreneurship—initiatives that are economic, spiritual, and transformative. Sacred Connections, making food, supplies accessible, and care to unsheltered relatives, elders and families in need. Your investment prevents the interruption of these essential services and ensures Wambli Ska continues to meet needs of individuals and families who rely on us most. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this direct community support.”
Rooted in cultural revitalization and economic self-determination, Wambli Ska Society combats poverty and erasure with bold, place-based solutions for Native American communities. Wambli Ska works to empower youth and families to confront challenges head-on, revive traditions, and foster resilience by creating spaces where they can reclaim their voice, their purpose, and their future. This funding will help Wambli Ska stabilize essential functions for the continuation of operations.
“Wambli Ska Society’s work to create thriving communities where Native American families find hope and healing throughout their programming,” said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “We are proud to provide support for them to continue their work during these uncertain times.”
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by SDCF, please visit our website at SDCommunityFoundation.org.
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Mitchell, 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.