Freeman Community Foundation

Mission Statement

The mission of the Freeman Community Foundation is to attract charitable donations and distribute grants for the purpose of benefiting the social and economic well-being of the community.

About Freeman Community Foundation

Freeman Community Foundation (FCF) is a charitable organization specifically designated for supporting non-profit entities within the Freeman community for recreation projects, cultural projects, youth projects, service projects, educational projects, etc. Five percent of the principal on the organization's endowment is available each year to be awarded as grants to these groups. As contributions to the fund continue and the principle on the endowment increases, the interest available to the community for granting continues to grow. This organization provides an opportunity for people to leave a lasting legacy to the community in their name or in the name of a loved one. For information regarding a donation to the FCF or to submit an Application for a grant, you may contact a FCF board member. Applications for grants may be submitted at any time during the year and are due by May 1 and November 1 for consideration during that grant cycle.

History

The Freeman Community Foundation (FCF) was established in 1997 through a challenge grant with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). Founding members Pam Ortman, Glenn Roth, Stephen Roussas, DeWayne Kieper, Sharon Schamber, Larry Horner, and Jackie Goosen played a key role in its creation.

The challenge grant offered a unique opportunity: if the Freeman community raised $100,000 by July 1, 2000, the SDCF would contribute an additional $50,000 to the Freeman account. Merchants State Bank generously pledged to match all contributions up to $25,000. By the deadline, the Freeman Community had raised $108,695, and with the SDCF challenge match, the account grew to $158,695—laying a strong foundation for the community’s philanthropic efforts.

The Foundation received a significant gift in the Spring of 2008 from the John R. Walz Estate, totaling over $333,000. This gift increased the endowment of the FCF to nearly $500,000. Estate gifts can play a huge role in raising the community impact of the FCF; however, each gift, regardless of size, furthers the Foundation's mission.

The Foundation’s endowment totals nearly $550,000 and makes nearly $20,000 available for projects in the Freeman community each year. In addition to funding grants, the Foundation has committed to funding two $1,000 Service Scholarships each one – one at Freeman High School and one at Freeman Academy. Recipients of these scholarships have demonstrated voluntary contributions to the social and/or economic well-being of Freeman.

Highlights

1997 - Freeman Community Foundation is founded
2000 - Challenge grant met, endowment established, and first grant awarded
2002 - FCF reaches 5th year & awards 5th grant for cumulative grant total of $4,500
2007 - FCF reaches 10th year & awards 21st grant for a cumulative grant total of $33,830
2008 - John R. Walz estate gift raises endowment total to nearly $500,000
2010 - FCF Service Scholarship established and first scholarship awarded
2012 - FCF reaches 15th year and awards 50th grant and 5th scholarship for cumulative grant total of $100,682
2014 - FCF endowment reaches $554,000 and cumulative grant award totals $125,000

Grant Making Guidelines

1. GENERAL
Freeman Community Foundation (FCF) will strive to support a broad spectrum of projects intended to improve and enhance the Freeman community. Determination of recommendation for approval will be based upon need, creativity in addressing community concerns, community volunteer support, and accountability. FCF funds will NOT be awarded to subsidize normal operating expenses. FCF will NOT consider any loan requests. 

2. MULTI-CYCLE FUNDING
As a general guideline, no more than three years of sequential grant funding shall be awarded to any one grantee for the same purpose. If projects require substantial funding to accomplish objectives, applicants should indicate intent to request additional funding in subsequent grant cycles. No guarantee of continued funding will be committed until future grant applications are reviewed. Previously funded projects with good track records should be favorably considered in subsequent grant decisions. 

3. CHALLENGE OR MATCHING GRANTS
The Freeman Community Foundation encourages match funding. When the Board perceives the need for more local involvement and support of a given project in order to establish ownership by the community, it may require challenge grants in any proportion. Grant funding may be contingent upon acquisition of the required matching money. 

4. PARTNERSHIPS
Applications received from a partnership of two or more organizations will be considered if their proposal meets the guidelines of the Foundation. However, communications and accountability must be established with one organization. 

5. GRANT REVIEW PROCESS
Grant applications will be considered twice each year. The deadlines are May 1 and November 1. The Grantmaking Committee will review all applications, prioritize the applications, and make its recommendations to the full board. The full board will review the recommendations of the Grantmaking Committee and submit a request to South Dakota Community Foundation for funding. 

6. COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
All applicants will be informed in writing within two weeks of the Board meeting as to the status of their application. The Board will hold decisions in confidence until publicly announced. 

7. FINAL EVALUATION REPORT
A final evaluation report shall be submitted to the Foundation immediately following project completion where Foundation funds were used. Applicants shall inform the Foundation in writing of any significant changes in grant applicant status, organizational status, or project implementation information. 

8. EXCEPTIONS
The Board may make an exception to any printed policy upon motion duly made, seconded and carried by 2/3 of the members present and voting. Motion must state rationale for the exception. Exceptions taken in one instance do not establish precedent for future grant decision.

How to Apply

To apply submit a grant request application to FCF at the address listed under contact information. You may download and print the application through the link, or you may pick up the application and guidelines at the Freeman Development Coordinators office, Merchants State Bank, or the Freeman Courier.

November 2025

• Freeman Prairie Arboretum - $1,000
• Freeman High School Band- $2,000
• Freeman High School Boys Basketball -$2,200
• Freeman Regional Health Services -$4,000
• Heritage Hall Museum & Archives -$14,460

May 2025

• Growing Dreams Learning Center-$10,000
• Freeman Prairie Arboretum- $4,375
• City of Freeman- $1,816

November 2024

• Bethany WRAP Group-$2,500
• First Circuit CASA -$1,200
• Freeman Regional Health Services- $13,000
• Heritage Hall Museum & Archives- $2,000

May 2024

• Freeman Academy -$7,000
• Freeman Community Transit-$10,000
• Freeman Prairie Arboretum-$2,350

November 2023

• Freeman Public Library- $6,652
• Freeman Regional Health Services- $4,800
• Freeman Regional Health Services-$7,050
• Marion-Freeman Youth Wrestling-$1,200

May 2023

• First Circuit CASA -$1,000
• Freeman Public Library- $592
• Freeman Regional Health Services-$6,200
• Growing Dreams Learning Center-$8,000

Scholarship Application Guidelines

Requirements for application:

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior
Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational technical school, or community college on a full-time basis before and after award of scholarship
Applicant should be able to demonstrate voluntary contributions to the social and/or economic well-being of Freeman
Applicant must complete application and all parts thereof in full be application deadline

Application Deadline: April 1 of graduation year

Freeman Community Foundation retains the right to decline all applications, if they are deemed unqualified.

How to Apply

To apply submit a scholarship application to FCF at the address listed on the contact page. You may download and print the application through the link, or you may contact the Guidance Counselor at either Freeman Academy or Freeman High School. 

2025

• Madelyn Anderson – Freeman Academy
• Claire Hofer – Freeman High School
• Ella Waltner – Freeman High School
• Sawyer Wipf – Freeman High School

2024

• Kate Miller – Freeman High School
• Ava Andersen – Freeman High School
• Riley Knittel – Freeman High School

2023

• Conner Epp – Freeman Academy
• Alyssa Dent – Freeman High School
• Erin Uecker – Freeman High School
• Brooklyn Mendel – Freeman High School

The following individuals have given their time to serve on the Freeman Community Foundation's Board of directors since its inception in 1998. Thank you for your dedication and efforts towards the success of FCF. *Founding Board Member

• Wade Lager
• Barry Uecker
• Stewart Hofer
• Dennis Schrock
• Brett Pidde
• LeRoy Epp
• Pam Ortman*
• Kelly Mutchelknaus
• Glenn Roth*
• LeRoy Kaufman
• Stephen Roussos*
• Barry Uecker
• Phillip Svartoien
• Harlan Dubs
• Jill Weber Aanenson
• Dewayne Kieper*
• Emily Hofer
• Sharon Schamber*
• Nathan Walter
• Ted Hofer
• Lori Hofer
• Larry Horner*
• Stewart Hofer
• Moses Glanzer
• Ruth Strasser
• Jackie Goosen*
• Wade Lager
• Brad Gering