Historic milestone establishes permanent endowment thanks to community generosity and matching grant
WOLSEY –– In a remarkable show of community spirit, Wolsey Community Foundation has not only met but exceeded its ambitious $100,000 fundraising goal, unlocking a $25,000 matching grant from South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) and establishing a permanent legacy of charitable giving for the area.
This historic achievement marks the foundation’s first major fundraising challenge—one that has created a robust endowment ensuring vital support for local nonprofits and community projects for generations to come.
The campaign drew support from across the community, with significant leadership gifts from Larry Gildemaster and Melva Beals, along with contributions from current and past residents, Wolsey alumni and friends of the community near and far.
A gift rooted in kindness
Gildemaster’s generous contribution carried special meaning, honoring the memory of his late wife, Carol, whose kindness left an indelible mark on the community. As a beloved teacher and resident in Wolsey, Carol Gildemaster touched countless lives. Larry’s gift to establish the Carol (Curtis) Gildemaster Fund—which helped the foundation cross the finish line and secure the matching funds—serves as a living tribute to her legacy of compassion.
“We are deeply grateful to every donor who stepped forward to support this challenge,” said Ted Haeder, Wolsey Community Foundation Council Member. “Because of their generosity, we can ensure worthy causes in the Wolsey area will be supported for generations to come.”
Thank you to our donors
Wolsey Community Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this historic campaign. Your gifts have planted seeds that will grow and flourish, supporting local needs and opportunities far into the future. You have helped establish a permanent legacy of giving that will strengthen this community for years to come.
Immediate impact, lasting legacy
The foundation has already begun making a difference, with the Wolsey EMS Association among its first grantees in 2023—a fitting start that addresses critical community needs.
“We are proud to partner with Wolsey Community Foundation to create a sustainable funding source for local nonprofits,” said Jamie Farmen, SDCF Community Development Coordinator. “This fund gives current, past and future residents a way to give back and invest in the future of their community.”
The fund operates as a permanent endowment with SDCF, overseen by a local advisory council. Donations are professionally invested, and a percentage of the fund’s value is distributed annually to charitable and nonprofit causes in the Wolsey area. As the endowment grows through continued gifts and investment returns, so will its annual impact on the community.
How to support
To learn more or to donate to the Wolsey Community Foundation, visit SDCommunityFoundation.org/local-impact/community-foundations/wolsey or contact SDCF at 800.888.1842.
Wolsey Community Foundation Advisory Council
· Ted Haeder
· Jim Babcock
· Robert McGillvrey
· Donna Haeder
· Melva Beals
About Wolsey Community Foundation
Wolsey Community Foundation was established in 2017 with the goal of creating a permanent funding source for charitable causes in the Wolsey area. With careful investment and community support, the fund will continue to grow and enhance quality of life locally, forever. This fund is one of 90 community endowments in partnership with SDCF.
About the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF)
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF administers over 1,300 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations across the state. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the foundation distributed nearly $40 million in grants in 2024. To learn more, visit sdcommunityfoundation.org or call 1-800-888-1842.
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