The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently presented a $10,000 Community Innovation Grant (CIG) to the Spink Area Support Network (SASN).
Offered in partnership with the Bush Foundation, the Community Innovation Grant program supports efforts to find breakthrough solutions to community challenges across the state. The grant will aid the organization to reach stakeholders and communities in the area that will be valued members of the network and who can benefit from the support the larger group can provide.
“The Spink Area Support Network is a compassionate team of skilled community volunteers that will stand with our neighbors during community trauma, natural disasters and with our agricultural community”, said Chessa Quenzer, Spink County Coalition Coordinator. “We are elated to be selected as a recipient of this wonderful grant that will ensure that the network gets off the ground. Thank you for believing in our mission and vision as we work compassionately to build even stronger rural communities.”
The Spink Area Support Network plans to establish a comprehensive critical response protocol focusing on agricultural mental health and well-being, natural disasters and community trauma. They will also provide training to the community management team.
“The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to partner with the Spink Area Support Network as they work to eliminate any gaps in existing services”, said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “Community engagement will ensure that the Network can provide the support necessary for their communities in times of crisis.”
A total of $400,000 was available to nonprofits in 2019 through the Community Innovation Grant program. The third round has just been completed with successful applicants announced at the end of December.
(SD Community Foundation)