The Black Hills Works Foundation team secures resources that support our participants and help further the mission of Black Hills Works. In 2024, our team of six worked together to secure funds through grants, sponsorships, and events like the annual Putt-N-Pub and Recognition Gala.
In 2024, these resources helped fulfill 1,000 requests for 482 Black Hills Works participants! We’re grateful to staff for bringing many of these needs to our attention. Because they care about the participants they support, the Foundation was able to invest the generosity of our community to meet individual goals and provide items vital to participants’ quality of life, including groceries, hygiene and incontinence products, medical co-pays, rent abatement, transportation, employment supports, wellness activities, community-based recreation inclusion opportunities, and arts expression. 
Affordable housing was provided for more than 60 people through housing owned and operated by the Foundation. The Foundation is investing in new housing to support the evolving needs of current participants and to prepare for future need.
Black Hills Works received numerous grants that supported vital programs and initiatives. The Department of Transportation provided funding for new ADA minivans. Flutter Productions received grants from South Dakota Arts Council, Rapid City Arts Investment Fund, MDU Resources Foundation, and Midco Foundation. Suzie Cappa Art Center received grants from the South Dakota Arts Council and US Bank to support artists in residence. The Miller Foundation provided a generous grant to purchase new vans and create mock work environments for individual supported employment. A grant from Black Hills Energy will allow us to repair the greenhouse roofs, and we received funding from the United Way Emergency Food & Shelter Program. Sam’s Club and Walmart provided funds for needs in the maintenance department. We were also honored to be named a finalist for the Bush Prize South Dakota.
Many hours were spent coordinating details for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant that will help fund a new duplex on Chief Drive and applying for other grants as well.
The Foundation also works to keep the community aware of the achievements of participants, and the impact of their charitable giving. We shared participant stories through social media, presentations, and events, including from the 24 people celebrated at the Foundation’s annual gala.
As the progress of 2024 is reflected upon, deep gratitude is extended to you, our donors and supporters, along with the many granting agencies, for your continued support. Efforts will continue in 2025 to make an even greater impact, advancing the mission by helping create opportunities for participants to reach a life of full potential.
