Mission
We connect capital and capacity to empower rural communities.
Our mission is the one reason Dakota Resources exists. It informs everyone in the organization what to do.
Vision
We believe in a thriving rural.
We recognize rural communities and the people who are a part of them have often had difficulty accessing resources, including capital and leadership development. A thriving rural means everyone in a rural community has an equitable opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the resources, systems, and structures available. Thriving also means everyone’s voice in a rural community matters in shaping their community’s future.
Who we serve
The work of Dakota Resources is shaped by people who are passionate about their rural communities. From economic development organizations to volunteers, and from boards of directors to engaged residents, the work to build a thriving rural requires many voices and many hands. And while a thriving rural may look different across rural places, as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Dakota Resources believes that access to capital and leadership capacity are key to a thriving rural future — and that future is here.
Dakota Resources kicks off 30th anniversary year with public reception in Pierre on January 15
Dakota Resources will kick off its 30th anniversary celebration with a public reception on Thursday, January 15, 2026, inviting community members, partners, and supporters to join in recognizing three decades of investment in rural South Dakota communities. The 30th Anniversary Kickoff Reception will be held 4:30–6:00 p.m. CT at RedRossa Italian Grill – Hills Highland Ballroom in Pierre. A short program will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will include remarks and proclamation of January 15, 2026 as “Dakota Resources’ 30th Anniversary Day” from Governor Larry Rhoden and brief comments from Dakota Resources.
A Note from the President: Closing out 2025
Hey there, Rural Thrivers! This past year reaffirmed something we’ve believed at Dakota Resources from the beginning: rural communities don’t need “saving.” They need support that helps local leaders build skills, connect to resources, and turn good ideas into real projects. When that support shows up consistently, local people can do extraordinary things. And that’s exactly what you did in 2025. We’re connecting an ecosystem where rural leaders level up their skills, confidence, and impact—together—and then bring that momentum back to their hometowns. At the same time, the truth is 2025 also came with real challenges for CDFIs, like Dakota Resources, and for rural economic development in general. That’s why we stepped up our advocacy efforts significantly this year and helped local leaders to do the same.
Connections, Capacity, & Capital: A Trifecta in Tripp’s Growth
A stroll down Main Street in Lennox feels different today than it did just a few years ago. Freshly updated storefronts line the blocks, businesses are reinvesting in their spaces, and there’s a renewed energy downtown. What was once a corridor at risk of being overshadowed by growth along Highway 17 is now a hub of pride and possibility.
