History and Mission
History
Many years ago, a group of community leaders recognized the need to establish a lasting legacy for Siouxland. By their design, a flexible vehicle, known today as the Siouxland Community Foundation, was created through which Siouxlanders from all walks of life are able to give something back to the community with the assurance that their gifts will make a positive and perpetual difference.
According to our Articles of Incorporation, “The Siouxland Foundation” was incorporated on December 22, 1987 and became an active grant making organization in 1991. The name was changed to The Siouxland Community Foundation on January 12, 2000. After many years officing in the historic, Frances Building in Sioux City, Iowa, the Siouxland Community Foundation moved to it’s current location in April 2024.
Below are pictures of several Sioux City Journal articles from 1988 to 1991.
“Bridging Generations, Building Community”
In 2025, SCF commissioned local artist, Jessica Hammond (“Brutal Doodles”), to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art for our office. The artwork not only fills our space with vibrant color but also tells the story of our history and mission. Jessica joined us at our ribbon cutting on September 4, 2025 to share the inspiration and process behind the piece.
Every detail holds meaning:
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- ◊ Starting with the Missouri River because it runs through the heart of Siouxland and connects the tri-state area together.
- ◊ The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Siouxland. The bridge stretches from Iowa to Nebraska with traffic flowing in both directions and illustrates SCF’s efforts to “connect people who care with causes that matter.”
- ◊ Three pillars stand for SCF’s three pillars: partnering with our donors to support their philanthropic goals, distribution of grants to fuel local nonprofit and community projects, and providing leadership and insight to Siouxland’s evolving needs.
- ◊ In the river there are two fish symbolizing our two ways SCF distributes funds in the community—through grants and scholarships.
- ◊ Three taller trees honor our founders listed on the Articles of Incorporation—Russell Christiansen, William (“Bill”) Dible, and Robert (“Bob”) Peterson—while the line of pine trees represent the many board members who have led the way through our history.
- ◊ Above the trees is a silhouette of an airplane representing United Flight 232, the airline that made an unfortunate crash landing in Sioux City in 1989. Thanks to the efforts of early board members, who had already been organizing locally and setting up systems to give back to the community, SCF was able to accept a gift from United Airlines, a pivotal moment that brought awareness to the Foundation and inspired other lasting gifts to honor and support first responders. This also honors the people who were on the airplane, both those who survived and those who passed away that day as well as the first responders and the people of Siouxland who showed up to support the victims.
- ◊ In the foreground, the State flowers reflect our tri-state region, the wild rose from Iowa, the Golden Rod from Nebraska, and the American Pasque from South Dakota, with pollen emitting from them symbolizing the “cross-pollination” that happens between the foundation, local nonprofits, and people of Siouxland.
This piece is both a celebration of our past and a reminder of the lasting impact we strive to make in Siouxland—For good. For ever.
Our Mission
The Siouxland Community Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life in the greater Siouxland tri-state area by seeking charitable gifts to build permanent endowments as charitable capital for the community, providing a flexible vehicle to receive and distribute gifts of any size, making grants in response to community needs, and providing services that will help shape the well-being of Siouxland.
