Philip Area Community Foundation goal: community savings account

The yearly interest of up to 4.5 percent of the principal from this permanent, growing account will be available as grants to local nonprofits. That is at least $11,250 each year benefiting the Philip area. Through an application process, these grants may go for activities, building, expenses, benefits or other projects.

The foundation’s meeting Nov. 12 began with a donation of $25,000 from Grossenburg Implement, at $5,000 per year. Joe Woitte, Philip site manager for Grossenburgs, said it was their way of supporting the community.

Larry Gabriel is a member of the board of directors for Philip Health Services, Inc. He reminded attending foundation members of the fund drive that created the new hospital. “We are blessed in our greater community that several individuals have given their life savings. We try our best that the hospital operates not only during our lifetimes, but our kids’ and grandkids’,” said Gabriel.

PHSI has also been in the process of creating some type of community benefit fund. It already assists students in nursing schools, with those students contracted to work at PHSI for several years after earning their degrees. That program might expand to other medical fields, as well as other community benefits.

PHSI said that this is not in conflict or competition with Philip Charities or the Philip Area Community Foundation. “Thanks for what you are doing,” said Gabriel.

“It sounds like these will complement each other,” said Gerry Rislov.

Roger Porch, the main contact for the Philip Area Community Foundation, said,  “There are lots of things people can do with estate planning without cutting out the heirs.”

The foundation is trying to raise the matchable funds as soon as possible, hopefully by its Dec. 1 meeting. Members understand that large donations are good, but, as voiced by Marion Matt, “The more people who get involved in the recruiting efforts, the better the results will be.”

Dillon Kjerstad added, “Yes, there are some good businesses in town, but there are also some wonderful farmers and ranchers. Get people to think about the Philip area and doing good things for the community.”

Gabriel suggested, for income and tax reasons, producers could donate livestock and crop sales.

Gerry Rislov praised the givers of previous fundraisers, “Lots of people who weren’t expected to give really came out, though did not want any notoriety.”

Kjerstad thought the best way to remind people of being community-oriented was already heard in Neshiem’s original speech two weeks ago. “It’s her challenge, so we should keep echoing her story,” said Kjerstad. Neshiem grew up in the Philip area, with kindness and assistance from wonderful people, and she wishes to give back. Kjerstad said her story, and her tears, were the most compelling argument to fund community projects.

Beth Massa, S.D. Community Foundation, said the donations will be sustaining the Philip area.

Marion Matt added that the many and various potental interest-supported projects need to be explained exactly, what the funds are going to do, it’s the baseball leagues and others.

If a future grant had to be done before the savings account’s first year’s interest has been accrued, or if the project application was not from a registered non-profit, or for any other reason, then those projects could go through Philip Charities.

Ray Smith praised the large and small givers who will be contacted or will simply come in to donate, “Each donation and its match gets us closer to the first $250,000.”