2026 Generosity Project: A Tribute To Local Nonprofits

On June 22, the Brookings Council of Nonprofits proudly unveiled The Generosity Project art installation with a ribbon cutting for the newly transformed utility box in downtown Brookings.

Made possible through grant funding from the Rural Philanthropy Institute, this project was created to recognize and celebrate the impact nonprofits have on our community. Following a community Call for Art, local artist Nancy Rasmussen was selected, and her beautiful designs now serve as a public tribute to the values that nonprofits bring to Brookings: Hope, Compassion, Impact, Service, Resilience, and Connection.

June Donation Drive - Thank You!

The Basic Needs Task Force Summer Donation Drive, held June 8–26, has officially concluded. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped support local agencies serving individuals and families throughout Brookings County.

As the central drop-off site, Brookings Area United Way collected donations at our office (908 Hope Drive) and distributed them to partner agencies based on identified community needs.

The final donation drive report is now available, highlighting the collective impact made possible by our generous community. Thank you for helping ensure our neighbors have access to essential basic needs.

Born Learning Trail Summer Refresh: Volunteers Needed!

Early Learner Brookings partners with Brookings Area United Way to promote an active learning opportunity for young children and their families through the United Way Born Learning Trails program in Brookings County.

This summer, multiple learning trails through Brookings County are in need of a refresh! There are two community opportunities to give back to youth and help paint trails this summer:

• July 16th - McClemans Park Trail

• July 30th - Volga "Secret Sidewalk" Trail

If you are interested in volunteering time to spruce up an environment that encourages outdoor exploration, learning, and imagination, sign up for a date and pick your time of day that works best for you below!

Brookings Communities That Care (CTC)

CTC Youth Advisory Board: Youth Volunteers Needed!

Brookings CTC Youth Involvement workgroup is looking for outstanding youth in grades 6-12 to participate in the Brookings Youth Advisory Board (YAB). This group meets for about 1 hour, six times a year, to discuss issues facing youth in our community, provide feedback on programming, and guide decisions on youth outreach efforts.

To learn more or suggest a participant, please reach out to Kirsten Gjesdal at kirsten@growthalliance.org. 

June Webinar Recap:

BCMHC welcomed the SDSU Counseling Center on June 17th for a thoughtful presentation on Progress Over Perfection. The webinar explored the impact of perfectionism on mental well-being and shared practical strategies for embracing growth, building resilience, and prioritizing progress over unrealistic expectations.

The group's upcoming coalition meeting is July 15th from 12pm - 1pm. To learn more, email uw@brookingsunitedway.org!