PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $51,620 Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) to the Eureka Community Development Company Inc. Funding will support a partnership between the Eureka Community Development Company (ECDC) and Campbell County Economic Development Company (CCED) with the idea to develop and organize a regional economic development cooperative for north central South Dakota.

“This grant will be the seed money to begin a multi-community development co-op that will have the motto “Together we are stronger”.  By working together, we can advertise, inform the public, and promote businesses and local events in the surrounding towns, and truly make our little corner of the world a better place.  None of this would have been possible without this perfectly timed “gift” of grant money from the South Dakota Community Foundation,” says Paige Brown, ECDC, Office Director.

The united venture between ECDC and CCED, the North Central South Dakota Coop (NCSDC), will strengthen the appeal to new business prospects and people looking to move to South Dakota. This collaboration will also lead to more efficient use of resources, increased access to funding and expertise, and greater regional coordination in promoting economic development.

“We are proud to collaborate with ECDC and CCED to encourage economic development in rural South Dakota.  The idea of working together rather than singularly gives them opportunity to join forces and thrive together,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF, Senior Program Officer.

To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/grants