SFS Foundation
SFS Foundation is a private foundation based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that files Form 990-PF. It provides funding to other 501(c)(3) organizations to administer programs, with an initial focus that includes local nonprofits, higher-education scholarships, behavioral-health resources for children and adolescents, and medical research organizations.
SFS Foundation at a glance
In short: SFS Foundation gave $8.4M across 22 grants in 2025 (avg $383K), mostly in South Dakota. 33% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $8,418,517
- +62.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 22
- +22.2% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $382,660
- +32.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $212,811
- Total assets
- $22,773
- -98.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (6 of 18, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- South Dakota (93% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to SFS Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that applicants should submit a written request. Listed award restrictions are the Sioux Falls area, medical research, veterans, youth programs, behavioral health, or education.
- Contact
Application contact: Marianne Von Seggern
Mailing address: 1700 West Ralph Rogers Road, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: (605) 310-6994
Email: marianne@seedforsuccess.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who SFS Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium ($2.0M). Together the top 10 received $7.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
76 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 28 grants of 76 (37%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 filing identifies the Sioux Falls area as a restriction on awards. In 2025, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in South Dakota; 4% went to Florida, 2% to Iowa, and 1% to Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 22 itemized grants.
Cities
Is SFS Foundation open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 18 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. With only 18 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $476K; repeat grants $464K. How we count
Medians: $150K first-time, $230K repeat.
- 61% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 353% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $283K (2021) to $8.4M (2025). In 2025 it made 22 grants totaling $8.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium Sioux Falls, SD | We Can't Wait Campaign | $2,000,400 |
| Children's Home Society Sioux Falls, SD | Support for care and services needed for children and their families | $1,120,000 |
| Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Sioux Falls, SD | Donor Fund | $1,016,296 |
| Sanford Health Foundation Sioux Falls, SD | Peds Cancer Treatment Genetic Research, Sponsor Multiple Events | $835,000 |
| Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Sioux Falls, SD | Community Fund | $503,000 |
| Avera Health Foundation Sioux Falls, SD | Avera behavioral health family weekend, medical assistance, visiting expenses | $440,000 |
| Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation Sioux Falls, SD | Scholarships | $378,700 |
| Parkinson's Foundation Southwest Chapter Miami, FL | Medical Research and Support | $330,000 |
| Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Sioux Falls, SD | Mental Health Programs | $315,000 |
| Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD | Scholarships; bmht program startup investment for faculty and planning | $235,000 |
Ready to take the next step with SFS Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $22,773 | $7,003,352 | $8,587,014 | $8,418,517 | 22 | $8,487,727 | $687,654 | $111,827 |
| 2024 | $1,937,408 | $5,037,568 | $5,367,478 | $5,192,883 | 18 | $5,261,975 | $29,082 | $164,849 |
| 2023 | $2,014,741 | $4,070,213 | $3,833,775 | $3,669,500 | 16 | $3,760,454 | — | $114,866 |
| 2022 | $1,613,323 | $2,122,750 | $2,020,246 | $1,857,000 | 13 | $1,962,041 | $64,544 | $82,399 |
| 2021 | $1,842,058 | $2,043,672 | $443,912 | $283,000 | 7 | $394,473 | — | $73,098 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, SFS Foundation reported a distributable amount of $112K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation describes its direct charitable activity as funding other 501(c)(3) organizations to administer programs. Its stated initial focus includes local nonprofit organizations, scholarships for higher education, behavioral-health resources for children and adolescents, and medical research organizations.
The 2025 grants show support for organizations and programs addressing children’s care and services, health and behavioral health, scholarships, research, and community programs. For example, the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium says its mission is to create connections and inspire conservation of wild species and spaces. The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation says it provides philanthropic leadership to support quality of life in its area. The University of South Dakota Foundation says it provides private resources to improve students’ educational experience.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 22 grants totaling $8,418,517. Grants ranged from $1,500 to $2,000,400, with a median of $212,810. Notable awards included $2,000,400 to the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium for its “We Can’t Wait” campaign; $1,120,000 to Children’s Home Society for care and services for children and their families; and $835,000 to Sanford Health Foundation for pediatric cancer treatment, genetic research, and event sponsorship. The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation received multiple awards, including $1,016,296 for a donor fund, $503,000 for a community fund, and $315,000 for mental health programs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Marianne Von Seggern as Chairman-VP-Secretary, Molly Stine as President-Treasurer, and Kristi Metzger as Director.
SFS Foundation is led by Molly Stine, President-Treasurer on every filing since 2021; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Molly Stine
President-Treasurer
On filings since 2021
8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marianne Von Seggern
Chairman-Vp-Secretary
On filings since 2021
30 hrs/week
$120K (2021) → $120K (2025)
Kristi Metzger
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $120K, to Marianne Von Seggern (Chairman-VP-Secretary).
Frequently asked questions about SFS Foundation
How much does SFS Foundation give each year?
SFS Foundation gave $8.4M across 22 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $5.2M across 18 grants.
What is SFS Foundation's typical grant size?
SFS Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $212,811, and its average grant was $382,660, across 22 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from SFS Foundation that year got $476K on average.
Where does SFS Foundation give grants?
SFS Foundation gives mostly in South Dakota: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Sioux Falls, SD (18 grants).
Does SFS Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 22 grants with a stated purpose on SFS Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are SFS Foundation's largest grantees?
SFS Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium ($2,000,400), Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation ($1,935,796 across 5 grants) and Children's Home Society ($1,120,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 60% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is SFS Foundation?
SFS Foundation reported $23K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $8.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $112K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does SFS Foundation fund?
The foundation describes its direct charitable activity as funding other 501(c)(3) organizations to administer programs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from SFS Foundation?
The foundation states that applicants should submit a written request. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is SFS Foundation's EIN?
SFS Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 86-1917173. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 18, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 18, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 12, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Live grants for the work SFS Foundation funds
Human Services Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in SFS Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
South Dakota Community Foundation
Pierre, SD
The South Dakota Community Foundation funds nonprofits and charitable projects in areas including education, health, human services, culture, and economic development, primarily benefiting South Dakota communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $18,562, while 2026 Beyond Idea Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 per year. Eligible nonprofits can apply for South Dakota Fund and Beyond Idea Grants through its online portal.
Assets
$939.2M
Grants
390
Total Given
$39.7M
Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Inc
Sioux Falls, SD
The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation funds local charitable, educational, cultural, religious, community-development, and environmental needs, including new programs and nonprofit capacity building, primarily in the Sioux Falls area and surrounding communities. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though awards varied widely; organizations may submit a Letter of Inquiry for Community Fund Grants.
Assets
$390.9M
Grants
308
Total Given
$38.0M
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation
Billings, MT
The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation funds poverty reduction, youth development, financial education, and community development, as well as civic, arts, education, health, human services, and sustainability efforts in communities served by First Interstate Bank across 10 states. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $2,500, though amounts varied widely; the stated minimum grant is $2,500. Organizations can submit grant requests online, which are traditionally reviewed monthly, but grants must be recommended by a local First Interstate branch.
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Total Given
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Valley Queen Charitable Foundation
Milbank, SD
Valley Queen Charitable Foundation supports community, educational, industry, and humanitarian initiatives, with most funding going to South Dakota and some to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $107,750, with a median of $1,500. It accepts requests year-round; organizations can request an application by calling the foundation.
Assets
$1.8M
Grants
79
Total Given
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Sanford Group Return
Sioux Falls, SD
Sanford Group Return funds health care access and outcomes, community wellbeing, workforce and education, and related community needs, including health professions education and research. In 2024, its median grant was $24,900, with awards ranging from $5,500 to $3.6 million; giving was concentrated in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Its Community Dividend Fund accepts online funding requests in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming; whether unsolicited requests are accepted is not stated.
Assets
$4.3B
Grants
171
Total Given
$45.3M
Midcontinent Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The foundation supports a broad range of schools, libraries, youth and community groups, and organizations addressing social services, disability inclusion, and health needs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $19 to $5,000, with a median of $1,000, primarily in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota, as well as Kansas and Wisconsin. It accepts requests by letter describing the intended use and including the organization’s address and phone number; the board meets twice a year.
Assets
$81K
Grants
262
Total Given
$269K
More similar funders
More Funders in South Dakota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). SFS Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/sfs-foundation-morg_be1630d62211428d8e66b1bc4a75f569
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_861917173_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{SFS Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/sfs-foundation-morg_be1630d62211428d8e66b1bc4a75f569},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from SFS Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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