Black Hills Area Community Foundation

10/12/2026

Our office is closed today, Oct. 12, for Native Americans' Day. Today is all about celebrating and honoring the important culture and heritage of Native American people in our region!

We will return to the office on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

10/08/2026

Join us this Friday from 4–6 p.m. at the Dahl Arts Center for the opening of "What Grows When We Gather," an installation that connects us to the beautiful place we live, and to each other.

The exhibit was created after an open call for art to the community for BHACF's 20th Anniversary. 🎉

While there, add what gives you hope to the community map, and enjoy local snacks from Breadroot Natural Foods Co-op!

RAPID CITY, SD – Sophia Clarke’s interactive art exhibition - Living Map: What Grows When We Gather – opens at the Dahl Art Center on Friday, Oct. 9. It’s

10/01/2026

Northern Hills nonprofits, make sure that the Jim Hess Community Forward Grant is on your radar!

This $15,000 opportunity supports nonprofits using collaborative, sustainable practices to accomplish their mission.

A grant will be awarded to two nonprofits working in Butte, Lawrence, and Meade Counties.

This annual grant is made possible by the late Dr. Jim Hess, who had a profound love for his Northern Hills community.

🔷Learn more & apply: https://bhacf.org/grants/the-jim-hess-northern-hills-community-forward-grant/

09/21/2026

Did you know that The Salvation Army West River gives up to 300 food boxes each month to Rapid City residents with limited incomes or emergency needs?

Staff shared the story of a young mother who recently lost her husband and came in looking for utility assistance. They quickly learned she also needed food and clothes.

"We were able to keep her power on and provide essential food and clothing for her family. She left feeling an overwhelming sense of relief, knowing that some of the burden had been lifted," said Rhonda Kreber, Business Administrator.

BHACF awarded a grant to the Salvation Army for a new freezer and refrigerator, which will increase the volume and nutrition of foods available through their programs.

👏 We are so grateful that Salvation Army is in our community this .

09/18/2026

What a great day at General Beadle Elementary - 01!

The school now has a new community resource center, providing a food pantry, washer and dryer, and shower to the school community.

The idea started with RCAS staff who work closely with families in surrounding neighborhoods, and came to life through partnerships between Rapid City Area Schools District Board, superintendent and staff, Feeding South Dakota, and BHACF.

The food pantry will be open once each month, starting Sept. 22nd, from 4-6 p.m. for students and families enrolled in the school district.

➡️Read the Rapid City Journal Article: https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/education/article_23b0bc65-fb64-43b5-bb50-9666a9d05579.html

09/17/2026

Do you enjoy nature, art, and snacks from Breadroot Natural Foods Co-op?

Join us on Friday, Oct. 9th from 4-6 p.m. for the opening of "What Grows When We Gather," hosted by Rapid City Arts Council at the Arts Center.

Created by local teacher Sophia Clarke, the exhibit is grounded in the living landscapes of the Black Hills and invites visitors to reflect on prompts like "What have you planted here?"

🌿Imagery inspired by local nature
🍎 "What Grows Here" snacks from Breadroot
🎨Kid-friendly activity

Come as you are!

🔷 Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1093708466462230

09/16/2026

Which teacher, counselor, or sports coach believed in you?

Most of us can think of an educator who shaped us.

That type of encouragement doesn't stay put. It ripples outward, strengthening our entire community.

We are proud to support "Education for Every Child," an informational initiative celebrating our public schools, and the role we all play in helping every student thrive.

Because when we invest upstream, children become a force of nature.

Learn more & join us: https://upstreamprojects.org/

09/09/2026

Some Rapid City community members live far away from a grocery store and don't have a reliable car.

It can be challenging to carry enough groceries for your family on the bus, or coordinate transportation to a nonprofit food service during its open hours.

Journey On's outreach team noticed this need and had an idea: with a grant from BHACF, they've purchased two vans to drive people from underserved neighborhoods to grocery stores, food pantries, and food distribution sites!

The vans will run during expanded hours, including evenings and weekends, so residents working daytime jobs can get groceries too.

Thank you for all of the ways you serve our community, Journey On!

🔷Learn more about Journey On: www.journeyon-rapidcity.org/

09/08/2026

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new Education Program Officer, Lindsay Frankenfeld!

Lindsay brings more than 25 years of experience in education and nonprofit work to our team, including board service and grant writing for a variety of local nonprofits. A former teacher, she taught English in Japan and later worked with K-12 students in South Dakota who were learning English as a new language. Lindsay earned her bachelor's degree at Lewis and Clark College and her master's from the University of Colorado.

In her new role, Lindsay will strengthen education, mentorship, and career-readiness opportunities across the Black Hills. She's excited to build relationships with community members who share her passion for the power of education.

Congratulations, Lindsay! 🎉

Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayfrankenfeld/

09/07/2026

Our office is closed today, Sept. 7th, in observance of Labor Day.

We hope you have an enjoyable holiday and start to your week!

Our team will return to the office on Sept. 8th.