It is our mission to improve quality of life, and create opportunities for growth and enterprise development, primarily in the state of South Dakota.
about us
The MHCH Foundation was established in 2001. Over the years, we have supported numerous activities ranging from educational scholarships to the sponsorship of town hall meetings, roundtable discussions, workshops, and initiatives that focus on improving quality of life and rural vitality.
guiding principals
We understand that to execute our mission, it requires great stewardship of the financial resources we have available and the time we have to give.
We accept the importance of staying focused and being in it for the long haul, however we will continuously measure progress towards impact and evaluate results and will change course if results are not being achieved.
We are committed to the spirit of collaboration and diversity because we believe it’s the only way to be successful, therefore we choose initiatives where collaboration and diversity are required.
We believe in helping others help themselves, therefore we select initiatives where the need to change is acknowledged and embraced.
Our efforts must have a positive impact on our defined region.
We look for opportunities that provide the foundation with a unique opportunity for adding value.
Participation must arouse a level of passion and excitement within the MHCH organization.
We believe that science and technology have great potential to improve lives.
We believe our most valuable role is that of facilitator and convener and we avoid situations that jeopardize the effectiveness of this role.
We value learning and research; we are driven by results!
We believe that success requires a systems approach to addressing problems and solutions therefore we select programs and partner with those that display a willingness to understand the big picture and plan for the long term.
Family History
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Matson Family, circa 1800
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Helen Halverson
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Dewey Christiansen
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Eddie & Christine Hamilton
The Matson Halverson Christiansen Hamilton Foundation (MHCH) is the result of a successful multi-generational farming and ranching agri-business that spans over 130 years of South Dakota history.
From the Matson family’s migration to the Northern Plains region circa 1890, to the Christiansen and Hamilton family ranch in Oacoma today, members of the MHCH families have been empowering sustainable futures for rural communities of South Dakota for generations
approach to support
We believe that success requires broad based participation, leadership, and strategic alliances. Therefore, one of the valuable roles that MHCH plays is to serve as convener and facilitator of broad-based groups of people who can make a positive difference.
Our process for giving is primarily annual in nature and begins with identifying our strategic priorities. The next step is to review potential programs and funding opportunities based upon how well they support our strategic priorities, guiding principles, and criteria for selecting partners.
We continuously measure progress towards impact and evaluate results and will change course if results are not being achieved.