These inspiring stories demonstrate the power of faith-based philanthropy to bring comfort to those in need — and joy to those who give.
Our Impact In Numbers
Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025
IN ASSETS
GRANTED
SINCE INCEPTION
GRANTED
LAST YEAR
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Annual Giving Report
The Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota (CCFESD) publishes an annual report of financial performance at the end of each fiscal year. These reports are intended to provide financial transparency in the performance and growth of the funds we manage for our donors, as well as demonstrate community support for the work of CCFESD. Our annual report also allows us to express our gratitude to the many generous donors who have established endowments or various other funds for the benefit of our community. We hope with increased awareness of the funds currently in existence, others will be inspired to be charitable.
2025 Annual Impact Report
The Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota knows the importance of working together to create a brighter future for tomorrow, and the joy people experience knowing they are helping further the mission of the Church in their own community.
In this year’s annual report, you’ll see creative ways in which the Catholic Community Foundation is working to support the needs of some of the smaller parishes and communities in our Diocese. With aging populations and parish membership declining, we believe working together to establish sustainable funding now for the future needs of our communities is vital. If these stories inspire you, contact one of our staff or board members today.
Investment Policy
The Catholic Community Foundation maintains a diversified investment portfolio focused on a long-term investment perspective while adhering to Catholic investing guidelines. Our investment advisory committee works with a professional investment consultant to continually evaluate the portfolio and adjust within the investment parameters.
CCFESD Updates
Financial Stewardship & Performance | 2025
In serving directed giving by donors to specific Catholic parishes, schools, cemeteries and other ministries, the CCFESD maintains a strong commitment to Catholic stewardship. This involves both good financial accounting, as well as Catholic Responsible Investing, with an annual independent audit. For the 2025 calendar year, the results are as follows: All of these gifts are directed by donors to specific ministries that they have designated, including local parishes, schools and other charities. While prudent financial management of these funds is critical in preserving capital and maximizing investment returns, the priority of the CCFESD is to incorporate Catholic Responsible Investment screening, utilizing a diversity of funds and managers. The investments within the CCFESD portfolio are screened to invest in accordance with Catholic values. Learn More
CCFESD Welcomes New Gift Planning Officer and Director of Special Events
We're excited to announce two important appointments that will strengthen our ability to serve the Catholic community across Eastern South Dakota: Kendra Hunhoff joins us as Gift Planning Officer for the Yankton Area, and Areli Cortes has been promoted to Director of Special Events. Kendra Hunhoff: Gift Planning Officer, Yankton Kendra brings her experience to our gift planning efforts, working directly with donors to support the causes they care about most. In this role, she helps individuals and families explore charitable giving options and make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that reflect their values and intentions. Kendra will also serve as Director of the Yankton Catholic Community Foundation, where she will focus on building and strengthening relationships across the community in support of the Foundation’s mission. As a Yankton native, she is well positioned to help foster “a future full of hope” for the community. Areli Cortes: Director of Events Areli's promotion to [...]
St. John Paul II School Receives Largest Estate Gift in School History
The following story was originally published by Mitchell Catholic Parishes. MITCHELL, SD, March 4, 2026--St. John Paul II School and the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota recently announced a transformational $1.15 million endowed gift, which will perpetually benefit teachers and school families. The Bruce Pody Charitable Trust gifted $1.15 million to the Foundation, creating the Bruce Pody Educational Fund Endowment, specifically meant to support teacher salaries at St. John Paul II School. This will equate to an annual endowment distribution of $46,000 to St. John Paul II School in the first year alone. This gift also marks the largest estate gift in the history of the Mitchell Catholic Foundation and school. The Bruce Pody Charitable Trust was created following the death of Bruce Pody in May 2025. Pody, a resident of Artesian, SD, farmed in the area for over 70 years. Close family friends, Kenny and Katrina [...]
