Vote for a cause. Inspire positive change.
Learn about the Thriving Communities Initiative.
ABOUT THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Thriving Communities empowers Black Hills residents to select an annual cause to benefit from at least $100,000 in charitable grants.
This summer, “Beautiful Black Hills” received our community’s popular vote!
Learn more below, and donate to increase this year’s grantmaking pool for area nonprofits.
Beautiful Black Hills
In 2024, Black Hills residents resoundingly supported “Beautiful Black Hills.” This issue area focuses on expanding access to recreation opportunities and caring for our outdoor spaces.
From pine-crested hills to canyons, prairies and streams, our outdoor spaces are treasured by all. These natural areas are not only beautiful, but also strengthen our wellbeing through opportunities for rest, reflection and recreation.
As the Black Hills grows and changes, we need to work together to balance the impacts of development on the region we love.
Our staff and Board of Directors will determine how to distribute at least $100,000 to nonprofits doing impactful work across our region. Later this year, we’ll announce and celebrate the grant recipients!
From Our Community
The responses below were anonymously submitted through the Thriving Communities 2024 survey. Photos were provided by BHACF staff members.
Local Parent
“Our family is drawn to outdoor recreation, which is why we chose to live in the Black Hills. This is the primary factor for our quality of life in this region."
Black Hills resident
“Western south Dakota is defined by the Black Hills. We know our directions because of it. We often define our hobbies around it. The smell of pine helps us know we are home. I want to see projects that support the preservation of the forests in sustainable and sound ways for us and future generations.”
Local Father
“There is no better way to improve one's physical and mental health than to be outside in the beautiful Black Hills areas. You get to grow and live with your communities there and make ever lasting memories at a cost free location.”
Black Hills Resident
“With our ever expanding population in the Black Hills, it will take increasing funding to maintain, preserve, and protect the outdoor spaces that make our area unique.”
What’s Next?
SPRING-SUMMER: Vote
Vote for a cause by the end of June.
Stay Tuned
Follow our Facebook to stay updated and learn about the community's chosen cause.
FALL-WINTER: Celebrate
Nonprofits impacting the community's selected cause will collectively receive at least $100,000.
Give to Beautiful Black Hills, the 2024 Cause
Help us support nonprofits that protect healthy outdoor spaces or create opportunities for sustainable recreation.
At the end of the year, your gift will increase our grantmaking pool, flowing straight to nonprofits at the heart of this important issue.
Stay updated on Thriving Communities and other initiatives
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter to learn the latest news and updates from the Black Hills Area Community Foundation.
Let’s create a thriving Black Hills together.
Have questions? Connect with Carrie.
Carrie Robley, Director of Community Impact, manages the Thriving Communities Initiative. She’s happy to answer your questions or share ways to partner with us.