2025 Stories of Impact with Stephanie Judson and SDCF Development Team
Generosity shows up in many forms throughout South Dakota. It is seen in donor legacies, in local volunteers who rally around their hometowns, and in families who honor their loved ones by investing in meaningful causes. Recently, South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) President and CEO Stephanie Judson sat down with several members of the SDCF development team to highlight four stories from 2025 that demonstrate how community-centered philanthropy strengthens our state.
Stephanie was joined by Community Development Coordinator and Marketing Manager Jamie Farmen, Community Development Coordinator Ashley Hobbs, Director for Foundation Relations Beth Massa, Community Development Coordinator Pat Gallagher, and Director of Development Jeff Veltkamp. Together, they explored how partnerships, planned giving, and local leadership continue to turn generosity into sustainable, long-term change.
Connecting People with Means to People with Needs
When asked to describe the past year in one word, Jeff chose connection. As he explained, “South Dakota Community Foundation helps bring people, resources and communities together and creates lasting impact all across South Dakota.”
Jeff shared the story of a donor who wanted to ensure that his family farm would continue supporting the causes he cares about long after his lifetime. With the help of his attorney and SDCF, he created a donor-advised fund that allows him to “test drive” his charitable intentions today, while establishing a plan for future gifts for the education of children, local history organizations and nonprofits that support children in crisis.
This intentional planning will one day provide transformational support to the organizations he loves, even though they may not yet know the impact that awaits them. Jeff noted partnerships like this are what make his work meaningful. “These kinds of stories, where the expertise of South Dakota Community Foundation is partnered with the generosity of people with means and wealth. That is what makes my job so fulfilling.”
Honoring a Loved One Through Lasting Support
In western South Dakota, Beth shared the story of Dr. Stephen Eckrich, an Aberdeen native who spent his career in Rapid City as an orthopedic surgeon. When Steve and his siblings sold a parcel of inherited family land, he saw an opportunity to honor his Uncle David, who had lived his life with a developmental disability.
Steve envisioned a future in which people like his uncle could live more independently, participate in community activities and enjoy meaningful lives. His family connected with Black Hills Works, an organization already providing that type of support, and soon partnered with SDCF to create the David M. Eckrich Memorial Fund. This endowed fund will sustain residential care opportunities for individuals with disabilities for generations.
Beth shared how powerful that experience has been for everyone involved. “It is a very cool story. It is a wonderful opportunity for us. It is a great opportunity for Black Hills Works. All parties involved were very happy.”
A Community Rallies for Its Theater
In Aberdeen, Pat highlighted the story of how a simple question sparked a major community effort to save an iconic piece of local history. When Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF) chair Heath Johnson stopped by the Capitol Theater to purchase season tickets, he discovered that the nearly 100-year-old building had significant structural needs.
AACF Board of Directors quickly began exploring ways to help. That led to outreach to the Knight Foundation, which has long supported Aberdeen-specific projects through a dedicated fund held at SDCF. The Knight Foundation offered a $75,000 challenge grant to jumpstart repairs, which was soon matched by donors Mike and Barb Evans, and AACF made a grant as well.
Momentum grew quickly. A campaign that began with a $300,000 goal has now surpassed $600,000, allowing the community theater to stabilize the historic building and focus once again on producing performing arts rather than worrying about structural safety. Pat described SDCF’s role as a “spark plug” that helps important projects come to life.
Burke Shows the Power of Local Giving
In south central South Dakota, Jamie reflected on the remarkable unity of the Burke community. The Burke Community Foundation (BCF) wanted to increase its endowment at SDCF to ensure lasting support for local nonprofits. With encouragement from the Lillibridge Family Community Support Fund, they set a goal to raise $100,000 in three years, which would unlock an additional $12,500 in matching funds.
The effort quickly became a rallying point. BCF advisory council members connected with residents, alumni and former donors through letters, phone calls and conversations that centered on why an endowment is essential for a small town’s long-term future. Their dedication paid off. Burke not only met the challenge but exceeded it, significantly increasing their permanent fund.
Jamie shared the experience as a reminder of what makes community philanthropy so special. “Giving in Burke is not just financial. It is time, energy, and heart. When we at the foundation can support them, it is an honor.”
Stephanie noted that the Lillibridge family has been foundational to the growth of the Community Savings Account program since the early 1990s, and it is inspiring to see that spirit continue today.
Building Generosity That Lasts
As the episode wrapped up, the team reflected on the role SDCF plays in supporting donors, nonprofits and communities. Jeff described SDCF as a catalyst for philanthropy, noting that the foundation “makes giving easier, more efficient and has the expertise to handle charitable giving in all of its many forms.”
Beth emphasized the trust donors place in SDCF. “Everybody is a philanthropist. It just looks different for others,” she said. “We can meet people where they are and help encourage them to make a difference in their own way.”
Pat shared how scholarship funds provide opportunities for donors to invest in future generations, while Jamie highlighted how SDCF helps communities organize their visions into sustainable funding that lasts forever.
As the newest member of the team, Ashley noted her early realization that SDCF’s work is deeply intentional. “It is not just about connecting donors to causes. It is helping communities and nonprofits build something sustainable.”
Stephanie closed the conversation by recognizing the development team’s expertise and care. “Our development officers across the state are not only working intentionally to benefit communities, but they do so with a high level of care and expertise. It is an honor for me to work alongside them every day.”
These stories show generosity is not only alive in South Dakota but also shaping the future. Through lasting partnerships, thoughtful planning and a shared belief in the power of giving, communities across the state continue to grow stronger.
To learn how you can make an impact through your community, visit our giving page or reach out to our Development team. We'd love to visit with you.