Our Story
Founded over 50 years ago, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation began as a vision to create a broad-based community foundation that would support charitable gifts and bequests. In 1976, a dedicated group of community leaders, including Attorney Marvin K. Bailin and representatives from the United Way, took the first steps to establish the Sioux Falls Area Foundation. Over the years, the foundation has grown significantly, achieving milestones such as reaching $200 million in cumulative grantmaking and managing over $179 million in assets.
From its humble beginnings with just three funds in 1984, the foundation has evolved into a vital resource for the community, providing grants that support education, the arts, environmental preservation, and alleviation of suffering. The foundation's commitment to meeting the needs of the Sioux Falls community has only strengthened over the decades, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.