Summer 2026 Our Mission: Bringing philanthropy to life for a stronger South Dakota.
BIG Ideas, Even Bigger Impacts What is the Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) Program? Solving problems locally, investing in communities, making South Dakota a better place to live today and tomorrow. That's what BIG recipients do. A partnership between SDCF and the Bush Foundation, BIG awards $1.2 million each year to nonprofits ready to inspire real change. In 2025, 14 organizations answered the call. See full list of BIG recipients on Page 2.
Three BIG Highlights Catholic Social Services - $100,000
Neighbors Helping Neighbors St. Anne’s Aging Services is a program tackling the lack of affordable housing and senior isolation. Through research, CSS found that, not only has median rent in the Black Hills area increased, but also the rate of suicide in people 75 years or older. The solution? Implement a home-sharing system, where homeowning seniors with extra space open their homes to adult renters struggling to find affordable housing. Through the program, staff pair seniors and renters in a safe, compatible way. Both parties benefit: Seniors have a built-in companion who assists them in maintaining their independence. Renters gain access to comfortable, affordable housing. Promising Future Funds fiscally sponsored by Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation - $100,000
South Dakota State University - $32,991
Opening Every Door
Lending More Than Books
No child’s economic background should ever prevent them from having the same education, experiences and opportunities as a child whose family has more resources. That is the mission of the Promising Futures College and Careers Access Program. It focuses on increasing access to college and career paths for lowincome, minority and first-generation students in the Sioux Falls School District. Beginning at Jefferson High School, students have access to four on-site advisors who help students find their path as they engage in activities such as college/technical school and military base visits, attend financial aid workshops and tour area employers. These experiences help students explore potential career paths and build the financial knowledge they’ll need to get there.
Despite technological advancements, many families in rural and tribal communities still lack access to home internet. This digital gap creates more than disconnection; it can lead to educational struggles, employment hardships and loss of access to essential telehealth services. To address the challenge, the Rural Libraries Hot Spot Lending Program allows residents to “check out the internet.” Each year, this program distributes six Wi-Fi hotspot devices to five libraries. The libraries set their own lending policies; however, any amount of access can change lives for these community members. SDSU believes that linking communities through local libraries lays a foundation for stronger educational access, more resilient local economies and healthier communities.