About Us

Since August 2022, MCDC has worked to build the financial capacity of non-profit organizations in Mobridge to accomplish community development projects. Through grant writing and crowdfunding campaigns, we have raised over $51,000 for partner projects.

Our Mission

To provide support to organizations and citizens of Mobridge, SD for neighborhood planning, citizen participation, housing revitalization, social welfare, public safety, health, education, recreation and other local asset-building projects central to community development and the improvement of community outcomes and vitality.

“Mobridge Community Development Corporation raised almost $20,000 in matching funds for our baseball field project. That’s $20,000 more that we can invest in programs for Mobridge youth. We are very thankful for our partnership with MCDC.”

— Courtney Davis, Mobridge Youth Organization Board Member

What We’re Working On

  • We’ve been experimenting with the best way to fundraise for local nonprofits annually since Mobridge Community Fund passed us the torch they had been carrying for 22 years in 2022.

  • Bringing more arts and music to Mobridge in the form of events and artist residencies

Haden Merkel, President

Heather Beck, Treasurer

Michelle McCollam, Secretary

Courtney Davis, Member

  • Collaborating with the A. H. Brown Library and Mobridge Tribune to convert historic Mobridge newspapers into text-recognizable PDFs and make them searchable and available to the public online

  • Working with nonprofit partners on grant seeking for the projects they care about

Past Successes

  • Implemented a preschool and K-5 in-school after-school care program for Mobridge-Pollock Public School District (MPPS) that eventually became programs of Lake Oahe Learning Academy

  • Helped fund pedestrian wayfinding signage throughout the City of Mobridge

  • Brought more arts and music to Mobridge in the form of events and artist residencies

  • Fundraised for MS/HS school hydroponic equipment

  • Completing little league field improvements at American Legion Park in partnership with Mobridge Youth organization and the City of Mobridge

  • Fundraised for the installation of new playground equipment at the East Play Park and hosted a grand opening in 2025

Our Board of Directors

Mobridge Community Development Corporation is 100% owned and operated by local volunteers. Thank you to these dedicated community leaders for their membership on our Board of Directors.

Jackie Heil, Member

Kara Schaefbauer, Member

Arden Pahl, Member

Have a community development project you are working on? Need a partner? That’s why we’re here! Please check out our Partners page to learn more.