PIERRE –The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) presented a $10,000 Community Innovation Grant (CIG) to the Spink Area Support Network (SASN). Offered in partnership with the Bush Foundation, the Community Innovation Grant program supports efforts to find breakthrough solutions to community challenges across the state. The grant will aid the organization to reach stakeholders and communities in the area that will be valued members of the network and who can benefit from the support the larger group can provide.
“The great Coretta Scott King said, ‘The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate action of its members.’ The Spink Area Support Network is a compassionate team of skilled community volunteers that will stand with our neighbors during community trauma, natural disasters and with our agricultural community”, said Chessa Quenzer, Spink County Coalition Coordinator. “We are elated to be selected as a recipient of this wonderful grant that will ensure that the network gets off the ground. Thank you for believing in our mission and vision as we work compassionately to build even stronger rural communities.”
The Spink Area Support Network plans to establish a comprehensive critical response protocol focusing on agricultural mental health and well-being, natural disasters and community trauma. They will also provide training to the community management team.
“The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to partner with the Spink Area Support Network as they work to eliminate any gaps in existing services”, said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “Community engagement will ensure that the Network can provide the support necessary for their communities in times of crisis.”
A total of $400,000 was available to nonprofits in 2019 through the Community Innovation Grant program. The third round has just been completed with successful applicants announced at the end of December. Visit our website at https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/for-nonprofits/community- innovation-grants/ to learn more about eligibility guidelines, deadlines and application instructions.
About our donors
The SDCF distributed more than $18.8 million in grants in 2018 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/for-donors/ to learn more or give us a call at (605) 224-1025.
About the Bush Foundation
The Bush Foundation invests in great ideas and the people who power them. Established in 1953 by 3M Executive Archibald Bush and his wife Edyth, the Foundation encourages individuals and organizations to think bigger and think differently about what is possible in communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geographic area.
