ABOUT US
Brookings Area United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every resident in Brookings County.
OUR MISSION
Brookings Area United Way:
Uniting people, sharing resources, inspiring hope and enriching lives for a stronger Brookings County.
OUR VISION
Brookings Area United Way:
A community where all children and families live in a safe and nurturing environment with the same opportunities for success.
We believe in being the best we can be
Every dollar is crucial to the work being done and we believe that our donors should know how they are impacting the community. For transparency with our supporters, we maintain a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and the Membership Requirements Certification from United Way Worldwide.
Our most current 990 can be found on GuideStar.
HISTORY
In 1955, a small group of area businessmen started the Brookings United Charities Fund. Familiar Brookings names like, Fishback, Kendall, Sexauer, Dalthorp, Blauert, McCann, and Chapman aspired to receive gifts and administer them for charitable, educational, civic and philanthropic uses. Along the way the name has changed to Brookings United Fund and now serves as the Brookings Area United Way. Although the board members and dollar amounts raised have changed through the years, the purpose stays the same:
BROOKINGS AREA UNITED WAY: UNITING PEOPLE, SHARING RESOURCES, INSPIRING HOPE, AND ENRICHING LIVES FOR A STRONGER BROOKINGS COUNTY.
The Brookings Area United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability for every person in every community. We look for every dollar available to distribute to local nonprofits that are creating innovative solutions to common problems that plague our community. But we are more than fundraisers--we are facilitators and connectors. We connect, assist in funding, and help promote nonprofits and their accomplishments. When another nonprofit is connected to United Way, they receive much more than funding. They are able to access help in strategy, facilitating conversations, marketing, and much more. United Way promotes discussion of issues that have been overlooked for too long.
Donations to the Brookings Area United Way are distributed exclusively to Brookings Area United Way Partner Agencies selected by our board of directors. Our local leaders agree that Brookings Area United Way shall not fund agencies or requests that could be detrimental to the community as a whole due to their controversial nature. It is essential that local groups and individuals recognize that United Way funds are designed to focus on advancing the common good and not to promote political issues including, but not limited to, the pro-life/pro-choice debate.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement of Principle
The Brookings Area United Way organization is committed to meeting the needs of the communities it serves. As an organization, we recognize and value the diversity of all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical challenge, and age. We allow zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment.
Anti-Racism and Ethnic Discrimination Statement
We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Our United Way network strives to engage community members, especially those whose voice have traditionally been marginalized. We unequivocally denounce racism/ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities. We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities and networks they need to thrive.
OUR TEAM
HEIDI GULLICKSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HEIDI'S WHY
Through the food insecurity taskforce and the quarterly meetings and the other communication we can see the bigger picture. We’re not working on short-term help; we’re working on long-term solutions. The community informs and leads the solutions.
BRIANNA DORAN
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & IMPACT
BRIANNA'S WHY
When you invest in United Way you’re investing in your home. You’re making it stronger for your neighbors, friends, family, and even the economy. When everyone does better, we can all be better. We’re strengthening our community for generations to come.
ANNE FUNDERBURG
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
ANNE'S WHY
I have always found myself most passionate about youth mentoring and after school programs to provide children with structure and guidance. I am excited to have the opportunity to connect to several nonprofits throughout my experience here and help strengthen our community.
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SPENCER DEGEN
Daktronics
President
SPENCER DEGEN
I’ve learned so much about the need in the community and the good that BAUW does since joining the board in 2019. I encourage you to become a donor to help maximize the impact we can collectively make in the community.
DAN SVOBODNY
3M
President-Elect
DAN SVOBODNY
You can feel good about the gifts that you contribute and be confident that the United Way is bringing forth those gifts to local agencies that need them, which in turn brings positive outcomes to the Brookings community.
JENNIFER OLSON
BankStar
Past-President
JENNIFER OLSON
I love watching the collaboration that comes with being a part of the Brookings Area United Way. I feel confident that the dollars raised are going to where they are needed and I am proud to serve on the board of such a wide reaching nonprofit.
LAURA GERJETS
Brookings School District
Secretary
LAURA GERJETS
Laura is proud to serve on a board that collaborates with the entire community. The Brookings Area United Way serves several missions in our community and she loves seeing programs thrive through joint force efforts. Laura is excited to see what is in store for the Brookings community through the United Way.
BRITTANY KREUL
First Bank & Trust
Treasurer
BRITTANY KREUL
The reason that I joined the United Way Board was because of the importance United Way plays in our community. They assist multiple agencies, a lot that are smaller and benefit tremendously from the fundraising connections made through United Way. This allows staff to not have to worry so much about how they are going to get money to provide those services. I’m excited because day one I could see how passionate each of the members is to the continued success of this nonprofit.
SUSAN ROTERT
City of Brookings
SUSAN ROTERT
Representing the City of Brookings on the United Way board shows that we are committed to our community and want the City of Brookings to be an inclusive community, providing the best possible services and solutions to all of our citizens with the goal of leaving no one behind.
MIKE LOCKREM
South Dakota State University
MIKE LOCKREM
Brookings has been a wonderful place for my family to live for almost 15 years and being part of United Way is an opportunity to give back to a community that has been so supportive. The impact the United Way has on the community and the families that call Brookings home is transformative and gives people opportunities to grow and advance. It is an honor to serve on the board.
KAREN WEBER
Brooking Health System
KAREN WEBER
I work closely with many of the local agencies that receive funding from the United Way and experience firsthand the benefits of their generosity. It’s important to give back and support such a valuable organization
SEAN BINKER
Northwestern Mutual
SEAN BINKER
United Way touches so many organizations and individuals in our county. A donation to BAUW is a way to condense your giving and still have a wide impact and knowing the dollars are going where they are needed.
LEWAYNE ERICKSON
Community Member
LEWAYNE ERICKSON
In the 50 years I’ve been in the community, I’ve seen the immense need; once you’re on the board you see the even greater need. People need all of the help you can offer. I’m proud to be able to help by being a donor and serving on the board.
KYLE BENDER
Falcon Plastics
KYLE BENDER
Your dollars go farther than you realize. When you give to the United Way, they know how to stretch your donation to make the largest possible impact on multiple organizations.
DR. ERIN KROGMAN
Brookings Dental Clinic
DR. ERIN KROGMAN
Through being on the board I’ve learned a lot about the community and what the needs are and what work is still needed to be done.
DILLON RINGLING
Schade Vineyard & Winery
DILLON RINGLING
TEVIS HOLZER
Banner Associates
TEVIS HOLZER
I’m inspired by the countless volunteers and organizations throughout the Brookings area community and their passion to serve others and bring attention to community needs that others may not know exist.
RYAN JOHNSON
Larson Manufacturing
RYAN JOHNSON
You feel good that your contributions stays local and you can play a part in making sure local organizations are getting the resources to help people in need. I am proud to be a donor and board member to the United Way.
DAVE BITELER
Brookings Sheriff's Department
DAVE BITELER
During my career in Law Enforcement, I have seen the many ways that organizations come together to help those in need. I had no idea the number of organizations that get help from the donations made by the community. It gives me pride to know where these donations go and the help that they gives those in need.
CONTACT US
605 - 692 - 4979
619 5th Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
uw@brookingsunitedway.org
EIN: 23-7151498
ADDRESS
PO Box 750
619 5th Avenue
Brookings, SD 57006PHONE
(605) 692-4979
EMAIL
uw@brookingsunitedway.org