The Independent Insurance Agents of Sioux Falls has demonstrated support for improving learning opportunities for local students by contributing $10,000 to the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation.

“We were excited to do it. It was a true fit for our group,” said Steve Tripp, president of the Independent Insurance Agents. The insurance group had researched the Education Foundation, met with its leaders and was impressed by its findings, he said.

“We want to give back to the community, and we want to be able to help organizations that promote the safety and growth of children,” Tripp said. “The current membership feels this is a great fit and will be a great partnership for many years to come.”

The Education Foundation is thrilled with the generous donation and will put the money to good use, said Stephanie Gongopoulos, chair of the Board. ”The donation will be directed to our Innovation in Education Grant Program. Last year, we were only able to fund 36 percent of the grant requests we received. This donation will enable us to grow the program,” she said.

The Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides academic grants for innovative teaching programs that would otherwise go unfunded. For more information about the Education Foundation, see www.sfeducationfoundation.org.

The Independent Insurance Agents of Sioux Falls, or IIASF, is an association comprised of local insurance agencies that share a common belief in the importance of active community involvement. Members are: Boen & Associates, Fischer Rounds & Associates, Holmes Murphy & Associates, Howalt McDowell Insurance, Kouri Insurance, McKinneyOlson Insurance, Nielsen Insurance Services, North Central Insurance, Pillar Insurance, The Insurance Connection and Williams Insurance.