About Us
We collaborate with our communities to create a thriving Black Hills, now and forever.
About the Community Foundation
The Black Hills Area Community Foundation is your partner in generosity.
Our team inspires donors to give, invests in charitable work and manages select community initiatives. We’re the only Community Foundation solely focused on serving the Black Hills area, spanning Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota and Fall River counties.
As of 2024, the Community Foundation manages $60 million in assets and has granted more than $35 million since its establishment in 2006.
Our values
Be the Community’s Foundation
We embrace the role of being a pillar of our community.
We foster a sense of unity, actively listening to our community and responding to its needs.
We provide tools that help people and organizations in the Black Hills thrive.
Take the Long View
We cultivate a legacy of significance and longevity for donors and our organization.
We are guided by our goal of creating lasting, sustainable impact in our investments and strategic decisions.
Stay Curious
We bring an open mindset and curiosity to every interaction.
We believe continuous learning and education drive organizational and community growth.
GROW TOGETHER
We embrace a spirit of collaboration.
We encourage open dialogue with all our partners to address community needs.
Staff members
Chris Huber, CEO
Chris provides leadership to the Foundation by overseeing strategic initiatives, cultivating partnerships, and ensuring the organization's continued growth and impact in the philanthropic landscape of the Black Hills region.
Chris Huber
CEO
Barb Keene, Director of Operations
Barb orchestrates the seamless functioning of the Community Foundation by managing day-to-day activities and fostering a collaborative working environment to support the Community Foundation's mission.
Barb Keene Director of Operations
Carrie Robley, Director of Community Impact
Carrie spearheads our grants and scholarships programs. Her work contributes to positive change in the Black Hills area by collaborating with nonprofits and community members to implement impactful programs and address our region’s pressing needs.
Carrie Robley Director of Community Impact
Nicole Schlabach, Operations and Communications Specialist
Nicole supports our internal operations and manages our communication channels and strategies. She also leads the Foundation’s Food Security Initiative, aimed at preventing hunger and improving nutrition for Rapid City residents.
Nicole Schlabach Operations and Communications Specialist
Eric Zimmer, Director of Philanthropy
Eric leads the foundation's efforts in building and nurturing relationships with donors, implementing strategic philanthropic initiatives, and ensuring a sustained flow of resources to support the diverse needs of the Black Hills community.
Eric Zimmer Director of Philanthropy
Greg Litton, Director of Strategic Housing
Greg leads the Community Foundation’s initiative that addresses housing challenges in the Black Hills region. Through collaboration with key partners, he works towards advancing the strategic housing trust fund model to improve housing accessibility and affordability.
Greg Litton Director of Strategic Housing
Kathleen Fitzgerald-Ellis, Associate Director of Philanthropy – Northern Hills
Kathleen focuses on advancing philanthropic endeavors in the Northern Hills region by building relationships with donors, facilitating strategic giving, and ensuring that the unique needs of the Northern Hills community are met.
Kathleen Fitzgerald-Ellis
Associate Director of Philanthropy – Northern Hills
Board members
Terry Hermann
Elizabeth Zieglmeier
Kelly Buntrock
Steve Flanery
Steve Helmers
Brad Benham
Joseph Lux
Justin DiBona
Kassie McKie Shiffermiller
Marie High Bear
Mike Tennyson
Priscilla Romkema
RC Scull
Richard Wahlstrom
Roger Knutsen
Urla Marcus, EdD
Willie Hustead
Chair, Sturgis
Vice Chair, Rapid City
Treasurer, Rapid City
Secretary, Rapid City
Past Chair, Rapid City
Rapid City
Hot Springs
Rapid City
Rapid City
Rapid City
Custer
Spearfish
Rapid City
Rapid City
Rapid City
Spearfish
Hot Springs
Read our 2023 Impact Report
Each year, we create an impact report featuring stories that highlight the accomplishments of the previous year. This magazine-style report emphasizes the range of services and programs dedicated to serving donors, nonprofits and the broader community.
Download Impact Reports from previous years
2022 Impact Report
Read about the Community Foundation’s impact in 2022.
2021 Impact Report
Read about the Community Foundation’s impact in 2021.
2020 Impact Report
Read about the Community Foundation’s impact in 2020.
2019-2016 Impact Reports
Read about the Community Foundation’s impact in 2019.
Financial overview
(as of Dec. 31, 2023)
Total Assets:
$57.3 millionTotal Grants in 2023:
$7.2 millionTotal Grants since 2006:
$34.9 millionConnect with us
Start a conversation with our team. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.