$1.35 Million in Awards and Grants Approved for 2025–26
The Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation exists to help faithful generosity reach where it is needed most. This year, that generosity is making an even greater impact across our diocese.
For the 2025–26 fiscal year, the Foundation has approved the allocation of $1,358,873.70 in awards and grants to parishes, schools, and ministries across the Diocese of Rapid City. This year’s approved allocation represents an additional $218,000 over last year, a 16 percent increase in support for Catholic ministries serving our diocese. This growth reflects both the generosity of our donors, increased participation in our annual fundraising events, and the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to sound investment of the gifts entrusted to us for more than 30 years. With a 10.59 percent return on investment last year, the growth of all funds is noteworthy.
According to Jim Kinyon, WSDCF Executive Director, “Too many think of the Foundation as the end. However, WSDCF is essentially the avenue donors use to provide sustainable funding for Catholic ministries in western South Dakota. One does not give to, but through the Foundation. The end goal is to strengthen Catholic ministries, parishes, schools, and organizations so they can carry out Christ’s mission in our region, communities, and parishes.
“These gifts provide the sustainable income needed to support priests’ retirement, teachers’ salaries, youth ministry, seminarian education, rural parishes, and care for those in need in our midst. With record numbers of people attending OCIA in many parishes, school enrollments increasing, campus ministry programs flourishing, and four ordinations occurring this year, these funds are a precious asset. These resources are needed to open wide the doors of our parishes, diocese, and schools as we experience a renewal of faith that many have only dreamed of in modern times.”
A portion of the awards and grants will support ministries serving the poor and vulnerable. Among these is the St. Francis Fund – DIORC, our bishop’s dedicated fund for the poor. Through this fund, the Church is able to respond directly and compassionately to individuals and families facing hardship, often in moments of urgent need.
Participants in the Quo Vadis vocations retreat reach the summit of Crow Peak, made possible through support for vocations and faith formation in the Diocese of Rapid City.
The Foundation has also approved awards and grants for ministries serving Native American communities, including the Standing Rock Reservation parishes and Sapa Un Jesuit Academy on the Rosebud Reservation. Additional awards and grants will support parishes, schools, and charitable organizations across western South Dakota. From St. Anthony Buffalo and vestments for diocesan liturgies at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, to Catholic Social Services, St. Vincent de Paul conferences, and the Rapid City Catholic School System, each allocation reflects a commitment to serving real needs with faith and compassion.
When you give through the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation, your generosity is carefully stewarded and directed where it can do the most good. Your gift becomes part of a larger mission that supports the poor, strengthens parishes, educates future generations, and serves communities throughout the Diocese of Rapid City.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we invite you to consider supporting or establishing a fund for the ministry that matters most to you. Together, through faithful generosity and thoughtful stewardship, we are building a stronger Church for generations to come.
25–26 Award and Grant Recipients
All Saints Parish – Eagle Butte
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Casa Maria Retirement Home
Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Catholic Social Services
Christ the King Church & Presho Holy Angel Cemetery
Church Response
Cornerstone Rescue Mission
Diocese of Rapid City
Faith Formation – DIORC
Gassen Fund – Gregory, SD
Healing the Culture
Office of Vocations – DIORC
PRAY – Priest Retirement and Aid Assn
Rapid City Catholic School System
Real Presence Radio
Sioux Spiritual Center
Standing Rock Reservation Ministry – DIORC
St. Anthony Parish – Buffalo
St. Carlo Acutis Center/SDSMT
St. Francis Fund – DIORC
St. Francis Mission – Sapa Un Jesuit Academy
St. Joseph’s School – St. Joseph’s Parish, Spearfish SD
St. Therese the Little Flower Parish
St. Vincent de Paul – Spearfish/Belle Fourche
St. Vincent de Paul Society – OLPH
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
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