ABOUT US

Brookings Area United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every resident in Brookings County.

Read our 2022 Annual Report!

Hope is a full pantry for a hungry family. Hope is a warm home for a senior. Hope is a safe place for children after school.

2022 brought hope to Brookings County in the form of growth and community-minded solutions. I am inspired by our donors, partners, and staff who have risen to the unprecedented challenges we have faced over the last few years. They have demonstrated resilience and worked to build hope in the homes of our neighbors.

Through community donations, we're working on continuing to build opportunities for education, improve access to critical healthcare, and increase employment readiness and independent living in Brookings County.

We thank those who have supported United Way and look forward to bringing more hope in 2023. 

Download our Annual Report Today!

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.

Website Photos - About Us

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

H. Gullickson 2023 (1) resized

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.

Heidi Gullickson, Executive Director

Stepping into her role on April 1st, 2014, Heidi Gullickson has taken Brookings Area United Way to new heights. As a Brookings native, Heidi fell in love with her community. Staying close to home for higher education, she graduated from South Dakota State University in 1995 with a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology and minors in Consumer Affairs and Economics. After her marriage to her husband, Jeff Gullickson, they moved to Indiana and lived there from 1995 to 2007, but the South Dakota plains soon called them back. Developing a deep understanding of nonprofit management through her leadership as the Executive Director at the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention Bureau, partnered with her ever-evolving knowledge of the county's needs, Heidi saw her next fit with United Way. Crediting her success to those who came before her, she is extremely grateful for the past directors and board members who worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for the organization. Heidi has been instrumental in transforming United Way into an impactful organization that facilitates connections throughout the county to craft innovative solutions to Brooking's County's social and economic issues. Under her leadership, United Way has launched a 5-year action plan-Impact 2023: focusing on the most critical issues of our communities to fight for the health, education, and self-sufficiency of every individual.

Ready to take on any challenge and be involved in all areas of the community, Heidi is also a Brookings Chamber Ambassador, welcoming new businesses to the community; a Board of Regent of Institute of Organization Management since 2015, and a committee member for Communities of Excellence. She has graduated from top community programs such as Leadership Brookings and stays involved in multiple organizations including the Brookings County Crisis Intervention Team.

Heidi is happy to call Brookings home with her husband, Jeff, and their two children, Kayla and Carson. Following in their parents' footsteps, both Kayla and Carson are SDSU Jackrabbits. Through her deep roots in the community, Heidi's resolve to build a better tomorrow for Brookings County only strengthens each day.

Heidi Gullickson Bio
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SAMANTHA TURNQUIST

COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATOR

SAMANTHA'S WHY

Samantha believes in making big differences in small ways. Through conversations, volunteering, or simply listening, she believes one day - one minute - one person, can change a life.

Samantha Turnquist, Community Care Coordinator

Samantha is the Community Care Coordinator at Brookings Area United Way. Created in 2022, the new role seeks to better connect people and organizations to promote a healthier Brookings area community.

To this role, Samantha brings a collection of experience, all with a focus on people. As a graduate of Buena Vista University, Samantha recently received her M.A. in Organizational Leadership, 10 years after graduating with her B.A. in Communication Studies. Samantha always had an interest in non-profit work and started her career as a Shelter/Crisis Line Advocate at the domestic violence shelter she was a volunteer at in college. After working in Higher Education and Human services, Samantha felt a calling to get back into non-profit work where it all began.

Since moving to Brookings in 2020, Samantha has enjoyed becoming more involved in the community through various volunteer efforts and has appreciated the welcome she has received and the new friends she has made. She has benefited from the programs provided by United Way, such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Delta Dental Mobile Van, and feels strongly about the importance and impact of United Way in her life and the community. Samantha believes in making big differences in small ways. Through conversations, volunteering, or simply listening, she believes one day - one minute - one person can change a life.

Samantha Turnquist Bio
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BRIANNA DORAN

DIR. 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.

Brianna Doran, Director of Communications & Impact

As a recent South Dakota State University graduate, Brianna comes to the workforce with a fresh perspective. With a Bachelor's of Science in Apparel Merchandising with minors in Event and Facilities Administration, Marketing, Leadership, and Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Brianna learned to pull skills and ideas from all around her to transfer to any situation. Born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota, Brianna developed a strong desire to constantly explore--starting with the Black Hills and leading her to the nonprofit sector. Throughout her years at college, she realized how amazing of a community Brookings was, and wanted to do more to ensure that future generations could experience the area just as safe and engaging as she had. Taking her strong background in event planning and marketing, Brianna jumped right into her position as Executive Assistant by compiling research from partner agencies for Brookings Area United Way to be the first South Dakota United Way to submit the first Global Resource Framework Report with United Way Worldwide. Working closely with an incredible committee and under the supervision of Heidi, Brianna headed the implementation of the first-ever Week of Impact--kicking off the 2018-19 campaign and involving over 180 volunteers throughout 7 days to directly impact almost 2, 500 individuals in Brookings county.

Never one to slow down (and always striving to be the Leslie Knope of everything she does), Brianna continues to be involved in anything that she can. Bringing her passion for volunteering, you can always find her helping set up for an event or cheering on local community organizations with their endeavors. Brianna is currently a Brookings Chamber Ambassador, Chair of the Brookings City Committee for People who have Disabilities, Brookings Area Crime Stoppers Secretary, Brookings DisruptHR Sponsorship Chair, Moms Demand Action Brookings Legislative Lead, Brookings Youth Mentoring Program Marketing and Fundraiser committee member & mentor, Brookings Mental Health Coalition member, Leadership Brookings graduate and a Brookings Council of Nonprofits member. She also stays involved in national organizations such as the United Nations Association of the United States of America as a Youth Advocate and is a Member-At-Large of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy. From speaking to SDSU students and at state conferences and regional meetings, Brianna is keeping her sense of curiosity and exploration by sharing ideas with anyone she meets.

Brianna is proud to be a (now-permanent!) resident of Brookings where she cares for her special needs (and ever-clingy) cat, Mia. Promoting causes and starting conversations has enhanced Brianna's desire to working in the nonprofit sector and lend a helping hand to whoever reaches out.

Brianna Doran Bio
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AMY DYER

FOOD INSECURITY VISTA

AMY'S WHY

I believe it is important to cultivate a culture of respect for those with lived experience seeking support and invite them into the process of being a part of the solution to end food insecurity.

Amy Dyer, Food Insecurity Vista

Hi! My name is Amy Dyer. I am originally from the Northern Illinois area, growing up just about 22 miles from downtown Chicago but ultimately residing 65 miles West in the city of DeKalb in DeKalb County –a college town. I am here to serve Brookings County through AmeriCorps VISTA (volunteers in service to America) working with United Way partners and other community organizations addressing food insecurity within the county. I am also completing my M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College which is a global and interdisciplinary studies program that addresses disaster response, refugee care, and human trafficking through a lens of humility, faith, and evidence-based practice.

I am incredibly grateful to come on board with United Way August 2022 – August 2023 to build capacity and expand the reach of program benefits to neighbors in need. I look forward to being a support for hunger fighting organizations by working with them to identify service gaps and provide resources through volunteerism and information sharing. I believe it is important to cultivate a culture of respect for those with lived experience seeking support and invite them into the process of being a part of the solution to end food insecurity.

I am a developer at heart. I love to see people and programs thrive. Having the opportunity to work for an amazing organization that strives toward building resilient, equitable communities across the globe is exciting. I am looking forward to getting more nutritious foods to those who find themselves in vulnerable situations without access to nutrition which can be from a combination of reasons (lack of transportation, inflation, recent job loss, chronic illness, working when food pantries are typically open).

Addressing food insecurity will give me an opportunity to learn about social and economic barriers within Brookings County to determine where efficiencies are needed to contribute to building a resilient community. Whether it is providing a resource manual or volunteer hours, I hope to make an impact leading to sustainable practices. Being a part of the solution means that I can start to peel back the challenges that engulf this issue and contribute to being a part of social change –ultimately the greater good of Brookings County and United Way efforts.

Amy Dyer Bio
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ANNE FUNDERBURG

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

ANNE'S WHY

As someone with lived experience, I have found a passion in helping others around me find the resources they need along with surrounding them with respect and dignity.

Anne Funderburg, Administrative Assistant

Anne recently graduated from South Dakota State University with a major in leadership and management of nonprofit organizations (LMNO). She finds herself in “perfect” landing spot here at United Way after having an internship for a year and being hired on full time in May of 2021. Before Anne was aware that nonprofits were an option, she was an accounting and economics major at Creighton University in Omaha with hopes of working for an organization with philanthropic values. After attending a speaker, whom was a nonprofit founder, Anne found her calling and soon transferred to SDSU to study LMNO. Anne’s passion for nonprofit work stems from her believing that every person should have an equitable chance to thrive, find happiness, and achieve their idea of success. Through personal experiences, she understands the importance of having community support and resources to make this a reality.

Since working at United Way, Anne has had the chance to work on projects focused on early childhood education like Born Learning Trails, to helping apply for the Community Development Block Grant by going door-to-door doing survey work that will provide a new community center in Brookings. She is a recent graduate of the South Dakota Change Network and is currently participating in Leadership Brookings.

Although born and raised in Spencer, Iowa – Anne and her husband, Preston, have called Brookings home for the past 4 years. They recently adopted a cat, named Kal-El, with ever-changing nicknames, who is known for his large size (just ask and she will have pictures ready). If she isn’t looking for the next thrill-seeking adventure, like skydiving, you can probably find her at home, with her husband and cat, catching up on all the new movies, especially Marvel.

Anne Funderburg Bio

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dan Svobodny

DAN SVOBODNY

3M
President

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.

Tevis Holzer

TEVIS HOLZER

Banner Associates
President-Elect

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.

Spencer-Degen_WEB

SPENCER DEGEN

Daktronics
Past-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.

Laura Gerjets Photo

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.

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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.

ASHLEY

ASHLEY BIGGAR

Swiftel Center

ASHLEY BIGGAR

The synergy and impact to the community derived by the efforts of the United Way and partners is profoundly extraordinary. As one with a serving others heart, this truly is such an honor to come alongside others for the mission of the United Way for a better tomorrow for everyone.

dave biteler

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.

michael

MICHAEL DRAKE

City of Brookings Police Department

MICHAEL DRAKE

I want to help the community that I am invested in to be better.

Lewayne-Erickson_WEB

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.

stephanie

STEPHANIE HALE

Larson Manufacturing

STEPHANIE HALE

Volunteering and helping others is very important to me. The United Way is an incredible way to do that, and I'm looking forward to helping my community and making Brookings a better place for all.

Erin-Krogman_WEB

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.

Mike Lockrem

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.

Dawn-Munson-Headshot

DAWN MUNSON

Falcon Plastics

DAWN MUNSON

The United Way provides so much to so many in the Brookings area and being able to be the part of that is very important to me. I want to be a part of something that improves the life of others and helps ensure everyone has a good quality of life.

Dillon RIngling

DILLON RINGLING

Schade Vineyard & Winery

DILLON RINGLING

The money that is raised in this community stays in this community. United Way takes away the red tape for these small non-profit organizations. United Way makes it easy for them to obtain these donations to thrive and to carry out their purpose to better serve the community. 
robert

ROBERT ROACH

Valero Renewables

ROBERT ROACH

I have seen the impact that the BAUW and their partner organizations have had on the community. I knew my donations always helped, but I also realize it takes more to help these organizations effectively serve the residents of the Brookings area. 

Karen Weber

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

CONTACT US

605 - 692 - 4979
908 Hope Dr, Brookings, SD 57006

uw@brookingsunitedway.org
EIN: 23-7151498

  • ADDRESS

    PO Box 750
    908 Hope Drive
    Brookings, SD 57006

  • PHONE

    (605) 692-4979

  • EMAIL

    uw@brookingsunitedway.org

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