South Dakota to get first state-wide Day of Giving

Over the past two years, South Dakotans from across the state have quietly been working together to explore ways to celebrate the role the nonprofit sector plays in the state and raise funds for those organizations. South Dakota’s first-ever state-wide Day of Giving will be held over 24-hours on Giving Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

South Dakota Gives, comprised of volunteers representing community members from around the state, will support the effort by providing regional trainings and resources to increase giving by South Dakotans, for South Dakotans, on Giving Tuesday—and in the months and years ahead.

The South Dakota Prize Pool will offer prize money to South Dakota-based nonprofits who register to participate in South Dakota Day of Giving. The prize money has been donated by individuals, businesses and foundations who wish to encourage giving—in any amount—in South Dakota.

Prize money won’t just be awarded on Giving Tuesday, but in the months leading up to the November event to instigate nonprofits to amplify their voice early, and carefully plan their fundraising activities to help make their South Dakota Day of Giving efforts most successful.

The goal of South Dakota Day of Giving is not only to raise funds for nonprofits, but to increase the number of donors who give across the state and build the capacity of South Dakota nonprofits to reach more people. Research conducted by Campbell Rinker and “The Chronicle of Philanthropy” indicates that 22 percent of people who give on a day of giving are new donors to the nonprofit.

Kelly Gibson, director of projects for The Numad Group who is also helping to launch South Dakota Day of Giving, said planning for the day has been in the works for a number of years, gathering together community and private foundations, respected philanthropists in the state, and business leaders to explore the benefits of a giving day for South Dakota.

The day has the potential to not only raise a large amount of dollars in a 24-hour period, but also build the capacity of nonprofits to enhance and grow their annual fundraising efforts.

“An important component of South Dakota’s Day of Giving is the regional trainings that will be offered by fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders in South Dakota,” added Gibson. “Trainings will be offered in four different communities around the state to help nonprofits prepare for South Dakota Day of Giving, and best position their efforts for the greatest success.”

The trainings and resources are being offered free of charge. In addition, all donations made on South Dakota Day of Giving go directly to the nonprofits. South Dakota Gives does not receive any portion of the donation.

South Dakota nonprofits can register online to participate at www.southdakotagives.org. Nonprofits who register to participate by Friday, June 29 will be eligible to win the first prize to be awarded from the South Dakota Prize Pool—just for participating.

Initial support for South Dakota Gives comes from The Bush Foundation, South Dakota Community Foundation, and the John T. Vucurevich Foundation. A full list of committee members and advisors can be found at https://www.southdakotagives.org/meet-the-committee/.