Vision: SDSU Extension Community Vitality is a prominent leader in empowering South Dakotans with the motivation, knowledge and skills to create stronger communities.
Mission: We inspire South Dakotans to create vibrant communities.
By offering continuous learning opportunities, innovative processes and coaching directly to people in their communities, we work together toward positive change. Our national network of resources, backed by experience, research and data, give us tools to build capacity in leaders in a way that is uniquely South Dakotan. We offer communities direction and ideas and help them form connections with other resource providers.
Topics
Gain inspiration to further develop your community and support a thriving local economy.
Success often depends upon individual and team leadership abilities. View resources to help community and organization leaders grow and strengthen their leadership.
Both community members and business owners must invest in the desire and work to grow a community’s business sector. Explore resources and programs for small business owners and entrepreneurs to help businesses succeed.
Our national network of resources, backed by experiences, research and data, give us the tools to build capacity in leaders, offer continuous learning opportunities and provide coaching directly to South Dakotans and their communities. Explore impacts and success stories from our programming in South Dakota communities.
Featured Resources
Home Starts Here
SDSU Extension’s Home Starts Here podcast seeks out the individuals, businesses, and ideas that are sparking vibrant communities in South Dakota.
Leadership for Today Manageable Meetings
At one time or another, we have all answered the call to civic duty by serving on a committee or advisory board. For some, the experience has been productive and energizing. For others, the experience has been painful, marked by long meetings that are unorganized and frustrating.
Roles, Influence, and Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Board Member
Fact sheet about the roles, influence, and responsibilities of a nonprofit board member.
Upcoming Events
Writing Your Future Grant Writing Workshop @ Aberdeen
SDSU Extension will host a grant writing workshop on November 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Aberdeen.
Related Content
Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Grant Writing
Creating a virtuous cycle of grant writing can lead to a cycle of reinvestment and expansion within your community, allowing you to create new programs, reach new populations, and increase your capacity and impact, fueling your next cycle of success.
SDSU Extension co-hosting 2025 South Dakota Local Foods Conference
September 09, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to partner with Dakota Rural Action, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, McCrory Gardens at SDSU and members of the South Dakota Local Foods Coalition to present the 2025 Local Foods Conference.
Energize! Through the Years
The Energize! conference is hosted annually and focuses on bringing community leaders and business owners together to share their experiences and knowledge on a variety of topics proved to be powerful as groups learned from each other.