May 29, 2026

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

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation has awarded more than $72,000 in grants to local nonprofits and causes for the second quarter. Recipients are Augustana University Research Institute, The Center for Disabilities, Downtown Sioux Falls Inc., Foster 605, Levitt at the Falls and Teen Lead Foundation. Community Fund grants are made possible by the Community Fund Endowment, supported by unrestricted gifts. The next cycle for grants closes June 1. For details, visit here.

Sioux Valley Energy

A dozen organizations in Minnehaha County will share more than $15,600 in funding from Sioux Valley Energy’s Operation Round Up program for the most recent quarter. The recipients are Buddies & Co. and Brandon Tennis Association in Brandon; Colton Fire Department and Colton Friends of Baseball in Colton; Crooks Community Childcare Center in Crooks; Garretson Area Historical Society in Garreston; ROCS Transit and West Central Music Association in Hartford; and McCrossan Boys Ranch, Center of Hope, Sioux Falls Roosevelt Band Parents Association and Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, all in Sioux Falls. An additional $20,250 in grants was awarded to 22 organizations in other towns across the energy cooperative’s service area. Funds come from participating co-op members who round up their electric bill and co-op employees who donate from their paycheck each month. The co-op also set aside $5,000 for scholarships.

McCrossan Boys Ranch used its Sioux Valley Energy award to help buy track and field items for its new complex. 

Sioux Valley Energy and its power suppliers have awarded almost $36,000 in scholarships to 37 high school seniors in its service territory. The majority of scholarship funds came from Sioux Valley Energy’s Operation Round Up program, with additional funds from Basin Electric Power Cooperative, L&O Power Cooperative and the Rodney Park Memorial Scholarship. Amounts ranged from $500 to $2,500.

American Bank & Trust

American Bank & Trust has awarded 35 scholarships for $1,000 to graduating high school seniors across the bank’s footprint. The program supports students who plan to attend a college, university, vocational school or community college on a full-time basis in South Dakota, North Dakota or Minnesota.

First International Bank & Trust

First International Bank & Trust is accepting applications for its annual Live First Community Giving Campaign. This year, the bank will donate a total of $75,000 to nonprofit organizations and community projects across its footprint. The nine awards will range from $5,000 to $25,000. Organizations can apply online from June 1 through June 26.

Call to Freedom was the 2024 grand prize winner for First International Bank and Trust’s Live First Community Giving Campaign. 

Holmes Murphy

Holmes Murphy has donated more than $140,000 to 21 nonprofits through the Holmes Murphy Foundation Community Footprints Program, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Sioux Falls. Employees select 501(c)(3) organizations in their specific geographical locations that align with the Holmes Murphy Foundation’s giving pillars of safety, health and well-being; youth opportunities; arts and culture; and its Uniquely United program. Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds and delivers beds to children who do not have one.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee’s Homefront program supported military veterans and active-duty service members in several ways this month. On May 20, they were invited to a free buffet-style breakfast at stores. Each Wednesday morning, they could pick up a free coffee. Customers have been rounding up their purchases all month to support the American Red Cross, Honor Flight Network, Hope for the Warriors, Operation First Response and Puppy Jake Foundation. Hy-Vee also partnered with the United Service Organization, or USO, to distribute 5,000 hygiene kits support deploying and active-duty service members throughout the Midwest.

Illuminate Real Estate/Kelly Team Fairway

Illuminate Real Estate and Kelly Team Fairway are hosting the Bet on Our Heroes casino night tonight to benefit the Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls. Doors at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance open at 6 p.m. for appetizers and social time. Guests will enjoy a full casino-style experience from 7 to 9 p.m., followed by prize drawings. Get tickets or make a donation here.

Ironclad Construction

Beresford-based Ironclad Construction wrapped up its 2026 Building for a Cause campaign with $10,750 raised for Warriors Never Give Up, a South Dakota nonprofit that provides outdoor adventures and connections for veterans. The third annual campaign ran from March 1 through April 30 and offered customers 15 percent off retail roofing, siding and window projects, with Ironclad donating $250 for every qualifying project sold during the campaign window. This year’s donation will help fund the nonprofit’s Fishing Pro-Am on Lake Poinsett, a free event for veterans that pairs participants with area fishing pros for a one-day tournament.

Levo Credit Union

Levo Credit Union, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, has donated $8,750 to the Brandon Valley Athletic Booster Club. The organization plans to use the money to purchase livestreaming equipment that can be used to broadcast sporting events.

LSS

Thanks to nearly 275 generous donors, more than $375,000 – a record amount — was raised during the LSS Week of Giving in April. Donations were designated to support LSS’ vision that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe and accepted. Because a number of generous supporters provided matching funds, every gift to the LSS Week of Giving was doubled, and gifts from new donors were tripled.

Pathward

Pathward held its annual Volunteer Week April 20-24, and more than 80 employee volunteers contributed nearly 200 hours across six organizations in and around Sioux Falls.

South Dakota Farm Bureau

The South Dakota Farm Bureau has selected eight students to receive its agriculture- or community-focused scholarships. Eligible students were graduating high school seniors  or those already in college.

Has your organization given back to the community? Or do you know an individual who proves one person can make a difference? Email us at jodi@siouxfalls.business.