Aug. 29, 2025

Giving Back recognizes businesses and organizations that are helping our communities. Here’s a look at who gave back for August.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Black Hills Federal Credit Union matches dollar-for-dollar the funds raised by the Community Action Team, an employee-led charitable giving program. In the second quarter, the BHFCU team focused on helping animals through their annual Raising for Rescues Supply Drive. Across the credit union’s footprint, the effort supported 17 animal rescues, collected 1,302 items and donated $17,000 to shelters and rescue organizations. Local beneficiaries were the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, Almost Home Canine Rescue and Big Paws Canine Foundation. Several businesses helped broaden the drive’s reach, including Runnings and Roxi & Co. in Sioux Falls.

Cytion

Cytion donated $1,500 to The Banquet for its Thanksgiving Fun Run and $2,500 to Feeding South Dakota for its BackPack Program, which ensures that kids who rely on school meals don’t go hungry over the weekend.

First Bank & Trust

First Bank & Trust awarded scholarships to 21 students from across the bank’s footprint in South Dakota and Minnesota. The First Bank & Trust Community Scholarship program awards $1,000 scholarship for college tuition expenses. Six of the winners are from the Sioux Falls area.

The Human Bean

The Human Bean gave $524 to the St. Francis House as part of its quarterly Give Back Day. The new coffee shop on East 69th Street donated $1 from every drink sold on Aug. 8.

Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation

The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation awarded $15,000 in grants to 61 first-time teachers from more than 25 schools in the Sioux Falls School District. Each educator received $250 — $150 from the foundation and $100 from the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation — to help stock their classroom with supplies for the new school year.