Josh Seiler, Breathwork Facilitator at Spearfish High School, teaches exercises to students in 2025.
Many Black Hills residents streamline their donations through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), a flexible tool that makes it easier to support what matters most. The real value of DAFs isn’t just efficiency—it’s our Giving Teams’ guidance that helps connect donors’ values to real community needs.
Recently a donor used their DAF to support a Spearfish Foundation for Public Education program that allows teachers to go outside the box when supporting their students. One of these grants has allowed Chase Tyson, a health and physical education teacher at Spearfish High School, to bring a breathwork teacher, Josh Seiler, Breathwork Facilitator, to all of his health classes. Seiler teaches students how to navigate challenging situations by regulating their breathwork.
Many students shared that the classes have improved the way they feel and interact with others. After participating, one student said: “It is extremely helpful. It’s one of the few things that can calm me down. I think it’s because it makes me focus on breathing instead of my other problems.”
“It is extremely helpful. It’s one of the few things that can calm me down. I think it’s because it makes me focus on breathing instead of my other problems.”
STUDENT IN BREATHWORK CLASSES AT SPEARFISH HIGH SCHOOL
“I’ve learned that a lot of my stress can be dealt with very quickly by simply taking the time to breathe through it. It’s helped me get through scary presentations and tests throughout the semester.”
STUDENT IN BREATHWORK CLASSES AT SPEARFISH HIGH SCHOOL
Tyson is one of the few educators at the high school who will teach every student before they graduate. That means, as a result of this grant program, every Spearfish High School student will learn how to regulate their nervous system through breathing. Also, now all teachers at the high school also have access to these resources.
The true power of DAFs always reflects the donors’ personal passions and interests. We’re grateful to every donor who uses a DAF to support causes that interest and excite them.
Strengthen and Streamline Your Giving Locally
Generous people work with us to create a lasting impact in the region they love. At first, most people aren’t sure how to give or where to donate. Our Giving Team provides guidance, shares information and asks questions to personalize a plan for each donor. We usually receive feedback that donors feel fulfilled and confident in the meaningful ways they’re able to help others.
Connect with our Giving Team to learn about community needs and tools, like Donor Advised Funds, that make it easy and fulfilling to give.