Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Supporting SDSU Education and Innovation
The SDSU Foundation began in 1946 with a single gift to support South Dakota State University's growth, driven by the transformative power of loyalty and generosity. As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we connect donors with opportunities to make a lasting impact on SDSU through scholarships, endowments, and facility investments. Our team of 16 Board of Governors and 100+ Council of Trustees members manages over $280 million in assets, ensuring every gift aligns with donor intentions while addressing the university's highest priorities.With decades of experience, we provide transparent stewardship of donations, offering tax-efficient giving strategies and personalized guidance for establishing scholarships, planned gifts, and memorial funds. Our proven track record demonstrates commitment to enhancing educational access, fostering innovation, and preserving Jackrabbit traditions for future generations.
Services
Scholarship Programs
Endowment Management
Planned Giving
Memorial Gifts
Estate Planning
Capital Campaigns
Donor Advised Funds
Annual Giving
Corporate Partnerships
Alumni Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We've managed over $280 million in assets to support SDSU since 1946
- Our team provides personalized guidance for establishing lasting scholarships
- Donors receive transparent reporting on gift utilization
- We offer tax-efficient giving strategies through our nonprofit status
- Our Board of Governors ensures responsible fund stewardship
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Bold & Blue campaign success
Legacy gift planning
Scholarship impact stories
Transparent stewardship
Strong alumni connections
Services
Scholarship Programs
Our scholarship programs directly impact SDSU students by reducing financial barriers to education. Donors can establish named scholarships that support specific academic fields or student demographics. These awards help attract top talent while ensuring educational access for deserving students across South Dakota.
Endowment Management
We professionally manage endowments that provide perpetual support for SDSU initiatives. Our team ensures proper fund allocation while maintaining donor intent. Endowments support faculty positions, research programs, and facility maintenance through sustainable investment strategies.
Planned Giving
Our planned giving services help donors create lasting legacies through estate planning. Options include charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, and bequests that benefit both donors and SDSU. We provide expert guidance to maximize tax advantages while supporting university priorities.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial gift programs allow donors to honor loved ones while supporting SDSU. These tributes create lasting legacies through dedicated scholarships or program funding. We ensure proper recognition while maintaining the donor's intended impact on university initiatives.
Capital Campaigns
Our capital campaign expertise drives major facility projects like the SDSU Metro Center. We coordinate large-scale fundraising efforts that transform campus infrastructure. Recent success includes the $604 million Bold & Blue campaign for university expansion and innovation.
People
Steve Erpenbach
President and CEO
Steve Erpenbach leads the SDSU Foundation with decades of nonprofit management experience. He oversees strategic initiatives that connect donors with university priorities while ensuring responsible stewardship of charitable gifts.
Keith Mahlum
Vice President for Development
Keith Mahlum directs development efforts with a focus on major gifts and alumni engagement. His leadership helps strengthen relationships between donors and university programs to advance SDSU's educational mission.
Ned Gavlick
Associate Vice President for Gift Planning
Ned Gavlick specializes in planned giving strategies that create lasting legacies. He provides expert guidance on estate planning options that benefit both donors and SDSU's long-term sustainability.
Carolyn Poss
Associate Vice President for Philanthropic Fulfillment
Carolyn Poss ensures donor intentions are honored through proper gift administration. She oversees the fulfillment process to maintain transparency and accountability in how donations support university priorities.
Maggie Miller
Director of Prospect Management
Maggie Miller leads prospect research and relationship management efforts. Her team identifies giving opportunities that align donor interests with SDSU's strategic goals for academic and facility development.
Questions
How does my donation impact SDSU students?
Your gift directly supports scholarships, academic programs, and campus facilities that enhance student learning experiences and career preparation.
Can I specify where my donation goes?
Yes, donors can designate gifts for specific programs, scholarships, or facilities. Undesignated gifts support university priorities determined annually.
What tax benefits apply to donations?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations qualify for tax deductions. Consult your advisor for specific benefits related to your gift type.
How are donations managed long-term?
Endowments are professionally invested with spending policies ensuring perpetual support. Annual reports show how gifts are utilized according to donor intentions.
What giving options exist beyond cash donations?
We accept gifts of stock, real estate, planned estates, and in-kind donations. Our team provides guidance on the most effective giving methods.
How can I create a lasting legacy?
Establish named scholarships, endowments, or planned gifts that continue supporting SDSU for generations. Our gift planning specialists help structure your legacy.
