In the heart of every thriving community lies a spirit of giving that binds us together, uplifting the most vulnerable and fostering growth and development for all. At the Community Foundation, we are privileged to witness firsthand the profound impact of generosity. Matt and Karine Paulson are brilliant examples of our community’s philanthropic spirit, whose dedication to philanthropy serves as a beacon of inspiration.
Matt and Karine’s journey into philanthropy is deeply rooted in their Christian faith. They hold fast to the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” and “God loves a cheerful giver.” This belief in the joy and responsibility of giving shapes their approach to philanthropy.
Their faith, coupled with a profound sense of gratitude for the abundance they have received, drives their commitment to giving back.
“We believe that much is expected from those who receive much,” said Matt. “There are many opportunities to help those in need and make our community a better place. We feel we should be part of making those opportunities into a reality.”
For Matt and Karine, philanthropy is not just a duty but a source of immense joy. They have found great satisfaction in witnessing the tangible results of their contributions. “We love to see projects come to fruition because of our giving that otherwise wouldn’t have happened,” said Matt. One notable example is Startup Sioux Falls, a project that has a significant positive impact on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
However, the Paulsons also acknowledge the challenges that come with being known as philanthropists. “The number of worthy causes and nonprofits looking for donations is unlimited, and the asks never stop,” Matt said. To manage this, they have established clear guidelines and processes for evaluating requests, ensuring their giving remains a rewarding and joyful experience.
One of the key strategies Matt and Karine employ is establishing a clear focus for their giving. “It’s important to decide ahead of time what your charitable giving priorities are before you start making large charitable gifts,” Matt said. For them, this means supporting nonprofit organizations that operate in eastern South Dakota, focusing specifically on community amenities that everyone can enjoy, Christian organizations that focus on faith formation and spiritual development, and certain social service agencies.
By concentrating their efforts on a few causes, they can make a more meaningful impact. “Nonprofits are much better served when you support a handful of them very well versus making small gifts to many different organizations,” Matt explains. They also value collaborative projects among multiple nonprofits, aiming to reduce duplication of services and maximize the impact of their donations.
To further enhance their giving, they utilize a donor advised fund held at the Community Foundation. “We often gift appreciated stock to our donor advised fund to save on capital gains tax,” Matt said. “Our fund at the Foundation also allows us to give anonymously if we choose and reduce the number of tax receipts that we need to track down during tax season.”
Balancing personal philanthropy with corporate giving through MarketBeat, Matt ensures that his and Karine’s impact is both broad and deeply felt. MarketBeat has a robust corporate giving program that prioritizes a thoughtful and collaborative approach to their company’s philanthropy. “Community requests are evaluated by a team of MarketBeat employees that serve on our company’s philanthropy committee,” Matt said.
MarketBeat’s corporate giving program is structured to align with the company’s mission and values. By putting employees in charge of most charitable giving decisions, MarketBeat not only amplifies its impact but also instills a sense of community and shared purpose among its staff, fostering a culture of giving within the organization.
MarketBeat’s philanthropic efforts complement Matt and Karine’s personal giving by focusing on initiatives that align with their shared values, allowing MarketBeat’s giving to serve as an extension of their commitment to community development. This dual approach allows them to leverage both personal and business resources to maximize their philanthropic impact.
“The work Matt does through MarketBeat, combined with Matt and Karine’s personal giving, creates a powerful synergy that benefits our entire community,” said Andy Patterson, President of the Community Foundation. “They are true stewards of generosity, and their dedication is making a lasting difference.”
While their faith is a central pillar of their personal giving, Matt and Karine are also passionate about specific community initiatives. Karine, for instance, is deeply committed to helping individuals facing personal hardships. “I want to do whatever I can to make things better when I learn that someone in my life is going through a difficult time,” Karine said.
Matt, on the other hand, has a growing passion for supporting community amenities that are accessible to all. “I am increasingly passionate about supporting community amenities that everyone can enjoy and benefit from for little or no cost,” he explains. This includes supporting organizations like the Washington Pavilion’s Kirby Science Center and Levitt at the Falls.
Their love for the Sioux Falls community is evident in their giving. “We love that Sioux Falls is a uniquely generous city,” Matt said. “Our United Way campaigns outperform similar campaigns in other cities, and our business community supports economic development in a big way through Forward Sioux Falls.” The city’s philanthropic spirit, demonstrated by other leaders in the community, has inspired them to continue to give back.
“We want to see the nonprofits we support be successful and for Sioux Falls to be successful in its citywide initiatives,” Matt said.
Their vibrant and dynamic approach to philanthropy sets an example for the next generation of philanthropists in Sioux Falls. “Matt and Karine’s dedication to giving back is truly inspiring,” said Patterson. “Their commitment to carrying on the legacy of philanthropy in Sioux Falls ensures that our community continues to thrive. It’s uplifting to see how they, along with other generous donors, are shaping a brighter future for all of us.”
Looking ahead, Matt and Karine’s goal is to remain faithful to their philanthropic calling. “We want to do well in business, raise well-adjusted children, and give back where we can,” Matt said. They also hope to shape corporate philanthropy by establishing best practices for charitable giving through MarketBeat that other companies can model, further amplifying their impact.
“Our plan is to give back throughout our lives so that we can see the impact of our giving firsthand and help ensure that our charitable dollars are spent most effectively,” Matt said.
In terms of specific projects, they dream of further enhancing some of Sioux Falls’ treasured landmarks, such as the Washington Pavilion. They hope to build on the incredible foundations of these institutions, expanding their offerings and creating even more enriching experiences for the community. Additionally, inspired by their daughter Ady, they have a heartfelt commitment to developing more accessible play spaces for children with special needs, ensuring that all children in the community have the opportunity to enjoy inclusive and engaging activities.
Matt and Karine’s story is a testament to the power of intentional, faith-driven giving. Their strategic approach, clear focus, and deep love for Sioux Falls have already made a lasting impact. At the Community Foundation, we are honored to partner with donors like Matt and Karine Paulson whose generosity and vision are helping to build a brighter future for all.
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