In 2017, The Rural Philanthropy Institute established the South Dakota Day of Giving. This initiative was propelled by the vision of communities large and small across the state coming together to raise money, recruit volunteers, and build awareness of the huge impact nonprofits have in South Dakota. In a rural state like South Dakota, the giving day serves as a showcase for the incredible work being done by local nonprofits everyday. It is a day where neighbors and communities come together to celebrate generosity.
The first giving day, GiveMN, now Give to the Max Day, was organized by the Minnesota Community Foundation with support from the Bush Foundation in 2009. Giving Tuesday was originally established in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y as a way to encourage people to give back during the holiday season that is so often dominated by consumerism. Over the past 17 years, Giving Tuesday has blossomed into a global phenomenon with initiatives launched across the world. In the United States, many states have their own giving days either held on the original set Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) or throughout the year.
South Dakota Day of Giving
When we established South Dakota Day of Giving, we knew we needed something that was specific to our state. With the knowledge that rural philanthropy and nonprofit sectors are as unique as each community they serve, we used our experience growing up and living in rural communities, as well as conversations with nonprofits across South Dakota to determine how to structure a day for maximum benefits to the nonprofits who participate. First, we wanted to ensure that the nonprofits and their communities had the freedom to raise money in ways that make the most sense for them. This means that we direct donors and volunteers directly to the nonprofits participating, leaving room for fundraising that exists online, in person, or by mail. Next, we knew that nonprofits in our state often have small staffs or are volunteer run with leaders wearing multiple hats including day to day operations, board management, and fundraising. With this in mind, we wanted participation to be free, easy, and beneficial to a wide range of nonprofit organizations. Whether a nonprofit participates in every aspect of SD Day of Giving or tailors the day to fit their capacity, all registered participants can win prizes and tap into our network of support.
To learn more or register to participate please visit southdakotagives.org
