South Dakota Community Foundation’s Beyond Idea Grant Program

The Beyond Idea Grant (BIG) Program is administered by the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) with the goal of promoting community-based problem solving across the state of South Dakota. In partnership with the Bush Foundation, the program is designed to support initiatives that aim to inspire and equip leaders, encourage inclusive development, and foster equitable change within South Dakota communities. The program emphasizes the importance of engaging the local community in the design and execution of projects that address pressing issues in meaningful and innovative ways. SDCF, a longstanding philanthropic organization headquartered in Pierre, South Dakota, has been instrumental in supporting various charitable activities throughout the state since its inception. Through the BIG Program, it will distribute $1.2 million annually over a six-year period to eligible nonprofit organizations. The funding supports projects that not only propose unique ideas but also demonstrate strong local involvement and an infrastructure capable of successful implementation. The grant program values applications that reflect thoughtful planning, inclusiveness, and a clear intention to benefit the broader South Dakota community. Funding amounts for awarded projects range between $5,000 and $100,000 annually. Eligible applicants must be public nonprofit organizations as outlined by IRS Publication 78 or may work with a verified fiscal sponsor. All projects must directly benefit communities in South Dakota. SDCF strictly prohibits the use of these funds for political campaigns, discriminatory activities, or personal financial gain. In addition, recipients are required to submit a final program evaluation upon the completion of their funded term. Applications must be submitted through the SDCF’s new online portal, GOapply. First-time users are required to register for a new account and obtain approval before gaining access to the application system. The organization has made a sample application and budget template available in PDF and Excel formats, respectively, to assist prospective applicants in their preparation. Past applicants of SDCF programs are encouraged to use their existing login credentials. For the 2025 cycle, there is only one round of applications being accepted. The submission deadline is July 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. A webinar to explain the grant program details was held on February 26, 2025. Although there are no explicit pre-application deadlines, SDCF encourages applicants to thoroughly review the sample documents and evaluation template before beginning their submission. Grant funds are distributed competitively based on the project’s alignment with community needs, demonstrated support, and organizational capacity. Key contacts for the BIG Program include Ginger Niemann, Senior Program Officer at SDCF, and Stephanie Harmon, Program Assistant. Ginger has been with the foundation since 1998 and has nearly a decade of experience managing grant programs. For further information or assistance, applicants may reach out to SDCF via phone at 800.888.1842 or email at info@SDCommunityFoundation.org. The foundation’s mailing address is 2310 Patron Parkway, PO Box 296, Pierre, SD 57501.

Applicants are advised to review the sample application and budget before submission, and register early on the GOapply portal due to required account approval.