Foundation Newsroom
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From Creating a Giving Plan to Buying a Veggie Wagon
Roger and Chris Heacock decided to go above and beyond their annual giving in 2024. Roger had inherited resources from his late father, an incredibly kind man who meant a lot to his family. The couple decided to honor Roger’s father’s memory with a major,...
Western Dakota Tech Endowment to Help Graduates Earn Licenses, Certifications
Western Dakota Technical College pictured
in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Black Hills Businesses Give Back
Giving circle business memberships help young professionals get involved in philanthropy at no personal cost, while giving businesses a meaningful way to support their community with a tax-deductible donation. The idea first arose over coffee. Eric Zimmer, Director of...
Celebrating Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Every year, BHACF awards scholarships to a variety of Black Hills students looking to earn a higher degree of education. Community members partner with BHACF to open the scholarships, and BHACF administers the applications and awards. Starting on Jan. 1, 2025,...
Listening With Open Hearts
Frances and Tim Becker, longtime Rapid City residents, keep their eyes and hearts open for opportunities to help others.
Black Hills Area Community Foundation Awards $125,000 in Outdoor Spaces Grants
Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) awarded $125,000 to Black Hills nonprofits that care for outdoor spaces or promote recreation across the region in October of 2024.
Federal Funding to Advance Affordable Housing Across the Black Hills
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority and Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) announced a $30 million federal funding award on Monday, Aug. 12, aimed at addressing affordable housing challenges across the Black Hills region....
Capacity Building is Vital for Nonprofit Growth
Investing in an organization’s backbone—known as capacity building—keeps the wheels of our nonprofits turning. It's a critical nonprofit need that's often overlooked. One afternoon, an executive director for a youth-serving nonprofit discovered that her staff’s...
Cultivating Community at Wambli Ska Okolakiciye
The creation of traditional regalia, supported by a Black Hills by Choice grant, cultivates community at nonprofit Wambli Ska
Okolakiciye.
More than an affordable place to live
The Radiant housing community offers affordable housing and more to Rapid City families.
Supporting Science for Kids at The Mammoth Site
A $16,000 Community Action Grant will fund a shade structure for a free kids summer camp at The Mammoth Site.
Jim Hess’s Boundless Legacy
Jim Hess’s legacy reflects a lifetime of igniting endless impact.
A Stronger Team at Rapid City Arts Council
The Rapid City Arts Council used a Capacity Building Grant to provide professional development, training resources and more to their staff.
Northern Hills residents gather to give $11,000 to five nonprofits
Northern Hills by Choice Giving Circle members gathered at Homestake Opera House in May of 2023. The group pooled funding to direct five grants by popular vote.
Five nonprofits share in $25,000 infusion from Giving Circle
In June of 2023, the Black Hills by Choice Giving Circle gathered at the Dahl Arts Center to direct grants to five regional nonprofits.
When Disaster Strikes, Gather for Good
Ten years after the devastation of Winter Storm Atlas, BHACF looks forward to the future of disaster resilience and emergency preparedness.
Working Together for Clients Peace of Mind
Financial Adviser Tamara Burke collaborates with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation to ensure her clients’ estate plans honor the people and causes they care about the most.
Supporting connection at Homestake Opera House
The Homestake Opera House received a capacity building grant in 2023. When we support theater programs, we give young people the chance to connect with themselves and the community.
Supporting personal growth at Matthews Opera House
A 2023 capacity building grant supported technology upgrades at Matthews Opera House. Reliable technology allows performers to focus on their craft — and hone their personal and professional growth.
Connecting Services with Survivors at WAVI
A $50,000 Community Action Grant purchased a passenger van to expand Working Against Violence Inc.’s (WAVI) services on Pine Ridge Reservation.
BHACF Awards $66,000 in Community Action Grants
In 2023, BHACF awarded Community Action Grants to Working Against Violence, Inc. ($50,000 grant) and The Mammoth Site ($16,000 grant).
Southern Hills residents direct $32,000 to local nonprofits
Southern Hills by Choice Giving Circle members pooled funding to support nonprofits in the Southern Hills. In August of 2023, BHACF held the annual event at The Mammoth Site.
The Joy of an Unexpected Gift
A mother and daughter felt uplifted and inspired after directing a spontaneous giving circle grant.
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