SD Philanthropy Summit – An AFP SD State Conference

Thank you to all who attended the 2025 SD Philanthropy Summit in Fort Pierre

Full participation in the 2025 SD Philanthropy Summit, Sept. 17-19, was applicable for 7.75 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. CT

SD Philanthropy Summit Mixer
Helmsley Center at Avera St. Mary's Hospital

Thursday, Sept. 18, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT

• Optional Activity: Walk Through History with Us! — Join Sunny Hannum of the Fort Pierre Development Corporation for a Fort Pierre History Walking Tour on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 7–8 a.m. CT. Route: AmericInn Hotel to Fischer’s Lilly Park, Fort Pierre. Highlights include: Deadwood Trail Head, Fort Tecumseh & Fort Teton sites, Lewis & Clark’s Bad Humored Island and historic downtown landmarks. Enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and fascinating local history.

SD Philanthropy Summit
Casey Tibbs SD Rodeo Center

• 8:30-8:50 a.m. — Welcome
• 9-10:15 a.m. (1.25 CFRE points)
  • South Dakota’s Philanthropic Future: Unlocking Planned Giving Potential - Discover advanced strategies for planned giving and how to collaborate with advisors to enhance nonprofit sustainability. Speaker: Stephanie Judson, South Dakota Community Foundation
  • Beyond The Inner Circle: Rethinking Donor Prospecting - Explore a practical framework to expand your donor base by redefining your community. Learn how to identify mission-aligned prospects and deepen engagement. Speaker: Amy Pokela, AMPO, LLC
• 10:30-11:45 a.m. (1.25 CFRE points)
  • Between a Donor and a Hard Place: Real Fundraising Ethics - Navigate the gray areas of fundraising ethics with a dynamic panel of experts. Real-world case studies and interactive discussion will equip you to handle tough decisions with integrity. Speakers: Kellie Yackley, Avera Foundation; Dave Belde, Avera Health; Bill VanCamp, Olinger Law Firm
  • Taking the Mystery Out of Grants: 12 Steps to Grant Success - Demystify the grant process with a step-by-step guide from research to reporting. Gain tools to strengthen your organization’s grant readiness and success. Speakers: Emma Shears and Tara Wilcox, Innovative NonProfit
• Noon-1 p.m. AFP SD Luncheon
• 1:15-2:30 p.m. (1.25 CFRE points)
  • Database Hygiene: The Unsung Hero of Fundraising Success - Discover how clean data can transform your fundraising outcomes. This session explores common pitfalls and practical strategies to improve donor relationships and campaign effectiveness. Speaker: Julie Moore, Avera Foundation
  • Partnering with Influencers to Make the Ask - Learn how to collaborate with community leaders, board members, and social media personalities to amplify your fundraising efforts and make compelling donor asks. Speaker: Dane Bloch, American Red Cross
• 2:45-4 p.m. (1.25 CFRE points)
  • 2025 South Dakota Day of Giving - Get ready for the 2025 SD Day of Giving! This session covers campaign essentials, prize opportunities, and strategies to engage your community and set impactful goals. Speaker: Nora Leinen, The Rural Philanthropy Institute
  • Build Your Own Fundraising AI Assistant - Create a personalized AI assistant to streamline donor communications, campaign planning, and more—no tech team required. Leave with ready-to-use templates and ethical guidelines. Speaker: Sami Zoss, Zoss Collaborations 
• 4-5 p.m. Table Topics
• 5-6 p.m. Social Hour
• 6-8 p.m. Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Friday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. – noon CT

SD Philanthropy Summit
Casey Tibbs SD Rodeo Center

• 8 a.m. — Welcome/Introduction, Hans Nelson
• 8:10 a.m. — Government Affairs (Virtual Presentation) - Jennifer Owens Buie, Chair of the AFP Government Relations Committee
• 8:30-9:45 a.m. (1.25 CFRE points)
  • Every Move Matters: Smart Strategies for New Major Gift Officers - Master the essentials of moves management and build authentic donor relationships. Ideal for those new to major gifts or looking to refine their approach. Speaker: Stacy Hackett, Sanford Health Foundation
  • Real Life Inspiration: The Makings of a Foundation - Ty Eschenbaum shares his powerful journey of turning adversity into purpose-driven philanthropy, with insights on engaging youth in giving. Speaker: Ty Eschenbaum, Ty Eschenbaum Foundation
• 9:45-10:15 — Brunch
• 10:15- 11:45 a.m. (1.5 CFRE points)
  • Communicating with Confidence Workshop - Boost your leadership impact with communication strategies that capture attention and drive results. Perfect for all experience levels and roles. Speaker: Andy Garman, Wixted & Co. (Brought to you by Monument Health)

FULL SESSION DESCRIPTIONS AND SPEAKER BIOS

South Dakota’s Philanthropic Future: Unlocking Planned Giving Potential

In this session, Stephanie Judson, South Dakota Community Foundation President & CEO, will deliver a focused presentation on planned giving vehicles for advanced fundraisers. As a leader in managing over $950 million in assets and distributing nearly $40 million in grants in 2024, SDCF offers a model for facilitating planned gifts through endowment funds and donor-advised funds. Leveraging her expertise as a Certified Financial Planner® and her leadership at SDCF since 2013, Judson will outline strategies to enhance nonprofit sustainability through planned giving, emphasizing South Dakota’s philanthropic culture.

Judson’s presentation will cover key planned giving vehicles—bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, and endowed funds—highlighting their tax benefits and donor appeal. She will share practical strategies for collaborating with professional advisors and addressing donor concerns. Judson will demonstrate how to tailor solutions to donor needs and will conclude by presenting planned giving resources SDCF has to offer fundraisers across South Dakota.

Stephanie Judson, South Dakota Community Foundation

Stephanie became President of South Dakota Community Foundation in January 2013, after holding various positions with the Foundation since 1997. Currently, Stephanie oversees strategic vision, donor relations and grant program development. She also uses her skills as a Certified Financial Planner® and a Certified Gift Planning Associate to guide donors and nonprofits to the best planned giving option for them. Working directly with the Board of Directors, Stephanie executes the mission and vision of the SDCF. Stephanie enjoys connecting with people who want to leave this state better than they found it and who are committed to giving back to the places they’ve called home. She is thankful for the progress the Foundation has made since its inception in 1987 and is committed to deepening its positive impact on South Dakota. After graduating from Augustana College and starting her career in the sales division of Midco Communications, Stephanie returned to her hometown of Pierre to join the SDCF team.

Beyond the Inner Circle: Rethinking Donor Prospecting through the 3-Community Framework

This session will introduce a practical framework to help fundraisers move beyond fundraising from their current list. This will be done by rethinking how they define their community. Participants will walk away with a new lens to find mission-aligned prospects and concrete strategies to deepen engagement.

Amy Pokela, AMPO

Amy Pokela is the founder of AMPO, which equips nonprofits to lead with clarity, fund their vision, and drive meaningful change in their communities. With decades of experience as a nonprofit executive, adjunct professor, and business leader, Amy brings deep expertise in strategic planning and fundraising. She has made annual giving her central focus—positioning it as the foundation of sustainable revenue and long-term mission success. AMPO works to strengthen nonprofits through practical planning, values-driven fundraising, and leadership development. Its vision is a robust nonprofit sector built by powerful groups of committed individuals leading resilient nonprofits that transform lives. This happens when mission and generosity are aligned through strategy, transparency, and authentic connection. At every level, AMPO operates from a core set of values: Empowered Nonprofits, Stronger Communities, Lasting Impact. Through social media, online programs, and hands-on consulting, Amy helps organizations move from intention to execution—because when organizations are strong, communities thrive, and lasting impact becomes more than a goal—it becomes reality.

Between a Donor and a Hard Place: Real Fundraising Ethics

What happens when your donor offers a major gift--with major strings attached? Or when leadership pushes a practice that feels...off? Ethical dilemmas in fundraising aren't just theoretical—they're real, often gray and always consequential. We invite you to pull up a seat at the intersection of values, pressure and decision making. This interactive session features a dynamic panel of experts, our friend Ethical Ethel, a seasoned fundraiser with a CFRE, a practicing attorney who teaches ethics to grade schoolers and a PhD with expertise in ethics (he even wrote a book!). Together, they'll unpack real world case studies, offer multi-angle insights, and answer your most pressing ethical questions.
 

Kellie Yackley - Avera Foundation

Kellie Yackley's "Ethical Ethel" has been part of SD AFP since 2020 (she showed up about the same time as COVID!) and has made guest appearances online but never in person. She, along with a host of experts in fundraising and ethics, have provided a monthly column for the SD AFP Newsletter. She holds a CFRE and has been in fundraising for more than 15 years. Ethical Ethel is not an ethicist but uses real life scenarios to sort through the ethical challenges fundraisers face. She is thrilled to be with you and be part of this esteemed panel!
 

Dave Belde – Avera Health

Dave serves as the Chief Mission Officer for Avera Health. A native Minnesotan from south St. Paul, MN, he gained his undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona. He went on to earn a master’s in theological ethics from Boston College and a PhD in health care ethics from St. Louis University. Belde has served as an adjunct professor of health care ethics, theology and interdisciplinary studies. In addition, he has served extensively on boards and councils at local, state and national levels, has authored numerous nationally published journal articles and has co-authored an introductory ethics textbook, “Health Care Ethics: Theological Foundations, Contemporary Issues and Controversial Cases.”
 

Bill VanCamp – Olinger Law Firm

William M. Van Camp is a graduate of University of Nebraska/Lincoln and the University of South Dakota Law School. He practices at the Olinger Law Firm in Pierre. Bill’s areas of practice include Business Transactions, Estate Planning and Probate. He also has an extensive regulatory and lobbying practice and represents clients in their dealings with state and local government. He is Chair of the Missouri River Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, past president of the Pierre-Ft. Pierre United Way and the past chair of the Avera St. Mary's Board of Trustees. He also volunteers for Junior Achievement and presents Ethics to students each year.

Taking the Mystery Out of Grants: 12 Steps to Grant Success

Grants can be a game changer for nonprofit organizations – but navigating the process often feels overwhelming. This workshop is designed to help you take the mystery out of grants and build a stronger foundation for success. We’ll walk through 12 practical steps that cover the full lifecycle of a grant – from research and planning to application and reporting. You’ll learn to:

• Identify and research funding opportunities that align with your mission
• Collect and organize essential data throughout the year
• Understand how funders think and what they look for in strong applications
• Manage grant requirements and reporting expectations with confidence

Whether you’re new to grants or looking to improve your current approach, this session will equip you with actionable tools and insights to boost your organization’s funding success.

Emma Shears, INP LLC

Emma is the founder and CEO of INP LLC, a local company providing consulting, software and marketing services to nonprofits and higher education institutions across the country. Emma is a graduate of George Washington University, and a certified project and program manager. She knows the success of the organizations INP supports depends not just on sharing expertise, but on working alongside them as a partner, and this is demonstrated in the values she and her team are proud to represent in everything they do. Emma is a board member for AFP South Dakota.

Tara Wilcox, INP LLC

Tara is the Director of Nonprofit Development for INP LLC. Her experience in human services and nonprofit leadership make her tremendous asset to INP clients. From organizational infrastructure to program development, Tara provides knowledge and focused proficiency. Her areas of expertise include operations, human resources, outreach, and growth management. A graduate of Black Hills State University, and a certified project manager, in previous roles Tara has led teams of up to 75 employees and managed multi-million dollar budgets. She has led the development of community wide initiatives in co-response, crisis intervention, and youth homelessness. 

2025 South Dakota Day of Giving – All You Need to Know Before the Day!

Whether it's your first Day of Giving Campaign or you have participated since the beginning, this session will cover all you need to know about the 2025 South Dakota Day of Giving. We will review what the day is, the prizes available through SD Gives, as well as host conversation and brainstorming on how to make it a great day through goal setting, planning ahead, and engaging with other organizations and your community. We hope to make this an interactive session that leaves you excited and prepared to launch your 2025 SD Day of Giving plan!

Nora Leinen, The Rural Philanthropy Institute

Originally from Rapid City, Nora has worked in nonprofits and higher education for the past 15 years. She has been privileged to work with organizations across the state on small and large campaigns, and community engagement efforts through her work with Western Dakota Tech, and SD Gives. Nora holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and a Master of English Literature from Marquette University. Nora was selected as a 2012 Trinity Fellow at Marquette University, a program focusing on fostering non-profit leadership in the Midwest.

Build Your Own Fundraising AI Assistant (That Works With Whatever Tool You Use)

Do you ever wish that you had a virtual assistant trained to help you write donor thank-you letters, prep for meetings, segment appeals, and organize campaign plans—without needing a tech team or expensive platform? In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to build your own personalized AI assistant tailored specifically to fundraising tasks, regardless of the tool you use (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.). We’ll walk through how fundraisers are already using AI in the field and show you how to create clear, structured instructions that turn these tools into proactive, reliable partners. This workshop is designed for anyone—from annual giving staff to executive directors—who wants to boost productivity and clarity while protecting relationships and values. You’ll leave with your own ready-to-use AI assistant setup, practical prompt templates, and a clear understanding of when not to use AI (especially when ethics or sensitivity are at play).

Sami Zoss, Zoss Collaborations

Sami Zoss is a systems strategist and AI enablement consultant who helps nonprofits work smarter without losing their human touch. She collaborates with The Human Stack as a lead contributor and co-host of AI For Anyone LIVE, an ongoing weekly series that makes AI approachable, ethical, and practical for the nonprofit sector. Through her consulting practice, Zoss Collaborations, Sami equips fundraisers and small teams with the tools, workflows, and prompts they need to integrate AI into donor stewardship, annual campaigns, and daily operations—without burnout or bloat. She believes good tech should feel like a teammate, not a takeover.

Database Hygiene: The Unsung Hero of Fundraising Success

In the fast-paced world of fundraising, the quality of your database can make or break your success. Join us for an insightful session where we explore the crucial role of database hygiene in maximizing fundraising efforts. We will discuss the common pitfalls of poor data management, the impact on donor relationships, and the overall effectiveness of your campaigns.

Julie Moore, Avera Foundation

Julie Moore has 17 years of experience in Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge, developing a strong understanding of effective database management. She has been the Database Administrator for the last 3 years. A resident of Murdo, Julie is not only dedicated to her career but also to her family. She has been happily married for 36 years and is a proud mother of two children and a Mimi to two beautiful granddaughters. Julie and her husband are also entrepreneurs, owning Moore Building Center which serves 6 counties in central South Dakota. Julie is passionate about the role of database hygiene in fundraising and looks forward to sharing insights that can help organizations improve their data management practices.

Partnering with Influencers to Make the Ask In today’s philanthropic landscape

Influencers – whether they are community leaders, board members or social media personalities – play a pivotal role in shaping donor engagement and inspiring generosity. This session explores how development professionals can strategically partner with influencers to amplify fundraising efforts, build trust with prospective donors and make compelling asks. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to identify the right influencers, equip them for success and navigate the nuances of collaborative solicitation. 

Dane Bloch, American Red Cross

Dane is currently a Regional Philanthropy Officer for the American Red Cross in the Minnesota and Dakotas Region. He manages a major gift portfolio consisting of donors from across the region including individuals, corporations, and foundations. Through targeted relationship building and discovery activities Dane engages partners through philanthropy, cause marketing, and employee engagement. He received his undergraduate degree from Augustana University and his Master of Public Administration specializing in non-profit management from Villanova University. He has been a part of non-profit organizations both small and large and is motivated by the unique impact this sector makes in our communities.

Communicating with Confidence

Today, every leader is competing for mindshare and attention – and they must exceed expectations. Communicating with Confidence is ideal for those who lead people or initiatives where teamwork is required to achieve business results. Participants will learn how to develop an audience-centric model of communication that captures and keeps attention – whether communicating change, answering questions or delivering a presentation. This training is designed for all levels of experience and any functional areas within an organization.

Andy Garman, Wixted & Co.

Andy Garman brings more than two decades of broadcasting, management and social media experience to the Wixted & Co. team. He has a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of newsrooms today to share at media trainings and strategy sessions, including tips on improving your presentation skills, using social media to your advantage, and finding ways for your story to cut through the clutter and be noticed.

Andy has been honored as Iowa’s Best Sportscaster by the National Sports Media Association (2014), awarded two Midwest Regional Emmy Awards and earned Iowa AP best sportscast and best sports special awards six times.

Every Move Matters: Smart Strategies for New Major Gift Officers

New to major gifts? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. This session will break down the essentials of moves management, a strategic, relationship-based approach that helps guide donors from first connection to lasting commitment.

Whether you're just starting to build a portfolio or looking to deepen donor engagement, you'll leave with a clear understanding of each stage of the donor cycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. You'll also gain practical ideas for "moves" at every step of the journey and learn how to track progress using tools and metrics that matter. Through real-life examples and interactive discussion, we’ll explore how to make every touchpoint intentional, personal, and meaningful. Join this session to feel more confident, equipped, and energized to build authentic relationships that result in transformational gifts.

Stacy Hackett, Sanford Health Foundation 

With more than 25 years in the insurance industry, Stacy Hackett joined the Sanford Health Foundation in 2021 and now serves as Senior Philanthropy Officer. In her role, she works across the full spectrum of major and planned gifts, helping donors make a lasting impact on healthcare in their communities. While she leads the Foundation's Legacy Society, Stacy also works closely with supporters on current gifts, playing a role in some of the most meaningful contributions in recent years. A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in human relations, she is known for her calm presence, collaborative spirit, and genuine care for the people she serves. Stacy's thoughtful approach has helped build lasting partnerships, inspire generosity, and strengthen the Foundation's mission.

Real Life Inspiration: The Makings of a Foundation

Ty Eschenbaum, Founder of the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, will be sharing a deeply personal journey marked by life’s greatest challenges and triumphs. His mission is to illuminate the lessons he’s learned from his own tragedies, offering audiences a compelling blend of insight, resilience, and hope. Drawing from his experiences in launching his foundation and leading fundraising events, Ty also provides a fresh perspective while engaging young people in philanthropy.

Ty Eschenbaum, Ty Eschenbaum Foundation

For over 20 years, Ty has dedicated time to public speaking, sharing a deeply personal journey marked by life’s greatest challenges and triumphs. His mission is to illuminate the lessons he’s learned from his own tragedies, offering audiences a compelling blend of insight, resilience, and hope.

Ty’s speeches are a rollercoaster of emotions, resonating with listeners through raw honesty and relatability. He engages diverse audiences, whether it's educating students, inspiring faith communities, motivating corporate leaders, or connecting with those in the agricultural sector. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life makes his message universally impactful. Having traveled across numerous states, Ty has honed his craft to inspire, motivate, and uplift. His powerful narrative not only speaks to the heart but also empowers others to find strength and perspective in their own lives.

Conference fees

• $130 for AFP SD Members
• $150 for Non-Members

Vendor booths are available for $300 (does not include meals/admission to sessions)

Conference fee includes

• Wednesday night: Social, drinks and heavy apps
• Thursday: Lunch, social hour and dinner
• Friday: Brunch

Conference hotel

AmericInn by Wyndham Fort Pierre
312 Island Dr., Fort Pierre, SD 57532
(605) 223-2358, Website