South Dakota for Nonprofits Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible nonprofits, schools, government entities, and religious organizations in the Black Hills region of South Dakota for programs that promote creativity, sustainability, and community collaboration.

This grant provides $250,000 to two exceptional organizations in South Dakota that demonstrate innovative community leadership and impactful solutions to local challenges.

This grant provides funding to animal welfare organizations in the Black Hills region of South Dakota to support programs and projects that improve the care of domestic and wild animals.

This grant provides funding to various stakeholders in South Dakota's specialty crop industry to enhance production, consumption, and sustainability of specialty crops for the benefit of the broader community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to commercial property owners and tenants in downtown Yankton for improving the visible exterior of their buildings, with a focus on historic preservation and enhancing the area's architectural appeal.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries in the Black Hills region to address critical community issues such as education, mental health, substance abuse, and food security.

This program provides funding to neighborhood associations in Sioux Falls for community projects that improve livability and encourage resident engagement.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in South Dakota that focus on improving basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and education.

The Black Hills Area Community Foundation is excited to announce its Summer Capacity Building Grant. Donor Name: Black Hills Area Community Foundation State: South Dakota County: Butte County (SD), Custer County (SD), Fall River County (SD), Lawrence County (SD), Meade County (SD), Oglala Lakota County (SD), Pennington County (SD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The grants address capacity building needs to strengthen an organization’s effectiveness, sustainability or efficiency. Funding Area Capacity Building Funding Information The maximum grant amount is $5,000. Grant Period  1-year. Eligible projects Measurements and Evaluation Partnership Development Strategic Planning Board Engagement/Development Marketing and Donor Engagement Technology Needs and Technical Support Staff Development/Retention Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, school, government entity or religious organization. Requested support must be for organizations or activities that take place within the following counties: Oglala Lakota, Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Meade, Lawrence, and Butte counties. Ineligible projects: Grants will not be awarded to support religious activity, political activity, fundraisers or benefits, debt retirement or organizations working to primarily influence legislation. Supported organizations and activities may not discriminate against any individual or group based on race, gender, gender expression, age, disability, religion, ethnic or national origin, or otherwise legally protected groups. Organizations that are fiscally sponsored by BHACF can’t apply for grants through BHACF. Funding for multi-year projects. Funding can’t be used for reimbursement of any expenses incurred prior to the grant notification date. Capital campaigns. For more information, visit BHACF.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and government entities for various community projects in Watertown, including arts, education, health, and environmental initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations that provide essential services to children, vulnerable adults, and individuals in crisis within Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, or Turner Counties in the Sioux Empire region.

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

Nonprofit Savings Account Challenge Grants (South Dakota) - The South Dakota Community Foundation is offering challenge grants to strengthen nonprofits in the state. They aim to support committed staff and volunteers by providing consistent funding through building endowment funds that will sustain nonprofits for the long term. Developing Partnership. Building Assets. The South Dakota Community Foundation is committed to strengthening nonprofits in our state. We recognize the value of committed staff and volunteers and understand the importance of consistent funding to support critical work. We want to partner with donors in building endowment funds that will support nonprofits for years to come. Grants South Dakota Fund Grants Beyond Idea Grants Bush Prize: South Dakota Nonprofit Savings Account Challenge Grants Local Grants How it works: Successful recipients will use this challenge grant opportunity to solicit gifts for their new or existing permanent endowment fund at the SDCF. If the organization currently has an Agency Endowment fund with us, we will use the new dollars to start a designated companion fund to benefit the organization. Successful applicants will receive $1 from the SDCF for every $4 raised (1:4 match) - up to $20,000. To obligate the entire $20,000 challenge match, the organization must raise $80,000 in two years. Upon the completion of the grant period, the SDCF will add the matching dollars to the new fund. The fund balance is invested in perpetuity, and 4.5% of the average fair market value is available annually to support the organization's mission. Timeframe - 2 years Money must be in account by deadline (no pledges accepted) Funds will be designated to benefit an IRS verified nonprofit in South Dakota Eligibility and How to Apply This challenge grant opportunity is available only for existing or new SDCF fund partners who demonstrate the capacity to be successful in this endeavor. The application process is online through our eGrant system. Applications for these grants will be accepted throughout the year. Applicants will describe: The work of the nonprofit, including service area and population. The steps to make sure the challenge is met in the time provided. Explain organization’s commitment to building endowed assets. The organization's plan to build upon the endowment at the conclusion of the grant period

Grant opportunity for non-profit and charitable organizations in South Dakota through the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). The foundation does not fund grants that discriminate based on race, color, creed, or national origin. They award grants through the South Dakota Fund to charitable organizations across the state and have provided grants to nonprofit organizations in all 66 counties. Funding good across the state. The South Dakota Fund The South Dakota Fund is an unrestricted fund that makes grants to non-profit and charitable organizations across the state in support of culture, economic development, education, financial literacy, health and human services. South Dakota Fund grants are awarded by the SDCF Board of Directors throughout the year. Take a look at our past award recipients below and see if your organization qualifies. Grants South Dakota Fund Grants Beyond Idea Grants Bush Prize: South Dakota Nonprofit Savings Account Challenge Grants Local Grants Basic Eligibility Applicants should be a public, nonprofit organization as defined by IRS Publication 78. You can also work with a verified fiscal sponsor who can receive funds on your behalf. The SDCF does not make grants in support of political campaigns, discriminatory practices, or for personal gain. Before you start the application, view our sample application (PDF). This will help you ensure that you have all you'll need for a formal application. Then visit our online application to begin your grant application. If you've previously submitted a grant application to the SDCF, visit eGrant to submit an application. 1. Discrimination The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF or Foundation) closely scrutinizes all grant proposals for discriminatory practices and will not fund grants that discriminate based on race, color, creed or national origin. 2. Application Procedures 2.1. Innovation SDCF funds both ongoing, well established projects as well as innovative projects designed to address South Dakota community needs. Staff is available, on a limited basis, to offer support. 2.2. Volunteerism Projects which have paid staff but involve significant and continuous community volunteer support to enhance their existing programs will be favorably considered. 2.3. Statewide Distribution SDCF funds will be distributed statewide to best meet the needs of the statewide constituency, except for the endowed funds designated for specific charitable purposes by the donor. Grantmaking decisions will be made by the Foundation Board of Directors based upon their evaluation and the recommendations of the Grantmaking Committee and staff. 2.4. Public Nonprofit Organizations The SDCF will concentrate on funding public nonprofit corporations but will consider other organizations which meet grant guidelines. 2.5. Capital Improvements Costs of building, remodeling, and capital bricks and mortar projects are funded on a limited basis and receive low priority. The SDCF generally will not provide transportation vehicles or equipment purchases over $10,000. 2.6. Minimum & Maximum Awards Grant applications requesting less than $2,000 and over $20,000 will usually not be considered, although there can be exceptions. 2.7 Total Project Cost Applications that are requesting more than half of the total project cost will receive low priority. 2.8. Challenge or Matching Grants The SDCF encourages matching funds from all grant applicants. When the Grantmaking Committee sees the need for more local involvement and support of a given project to establish ownership in the community, it may require challenge grants in any proportion. Funding may be contingent upon acquisition of the required matching money. If the Foundation perceives a need is not being met, it may issue a challenge grant or request for proposal to participate in a challenge grant to address that need. 2.9. Seed Grants Applications requesting startup money must provide feasibility data indicating a need for the project, support for the project and the ongoing probability of success. 2.10. Collaborative Projects Applications received from collaborative applications of two or more organizations will be considered if their proposal meets the guidelines of the Foundation. All communications and accountability must be established with only one of the organizations. 2.11. Financial Literacy Projects Applications may be submitted for credit or debit education or other charitable or consumer education purposes. Requesting funding for financial literacy opportunities, does not preclude applying for other projects within the South Dakota Fund in a 12-month period. Applicants may apply for more than $20,000. 2.12. Fiscal Sponsorship The SDCF accepts grant applications from organizations serving as a fiscal sponsor for charitable projects. Fiscal sponsors may apply multiple times in one year on behalf of different applicants but only once per year for any single applicant. Fiscal sponsors will be required to submit application attachments if applicable to entity. Checks will be issued to the fiscal sponsor for use by the applicant. 2.13. Operating Expense for Governmental Entities No SDCF funds will be awarded to pay for operating expenses for governmental entities. 2.14. Loans The SDCF does not make loans. 3. Exceptions to Application Procedures The SDCF may make an exception to any grantmaking guideline upon motion duly made, seconded and carried by a majority of the members present and voting. Motion must state rationale for the exception. Exceptions taken in one instance do not constitute precedent exceptions for future grant decisions. 4. Letter of Inquiry, Review Process and Communications 4.1. Grant Review Process Letters of Inquiry (LOI) will be accepted throughout the year. The Foundation will respond to all applicants in a timely manner. Staff will eliminate LOI’s that do not fit the mission of the Foundation or clearly do not qualify. Following review of the LOI, applicants may be invited to complete a full grant application. All grant applications will be forwarded by staff to the Grantmaking Committee. The Grantmaking Committee will review the applications and make their recommendations to the board of directors who will review the recommendations of the Committee and may approve the awards. 4.2. Communications with Applicants All applicants will be informed by e-mail in a timely manner of any action taken on their grant application. The Grantmaking Committee will hold decisions in confidence until publicly announced by the SDCF. 5. Re-applications Multiple or repeat applications from one organization in less than a twelve-month period are not allowed, except as may be allowed under Section 2.10. 6. Project Updates 6.1. Due Diligence A due diligence form shall be completed and returned to the Foundation before a grant of funds is disbursed. Applicants shall inform the Foundation office by e-mail of any significant changes in grant applicant status, organizational status, or project status. Funding may be changed based upon the significance of changes in project status. 6.2. Final Evaluation Report A final evaluation report shall be submitted to the Foundation office immediately following project completion. A grant file is considered complete only after the final evaluation report is received in the Foundation office, and until received, no additional grant requests will be considered. 7. Verification Organizations applying for funds from the SDCF must be verified by the Internal Revenue Service under Publication 78. Ready to apply? Follow these steps to complete your application. If you have not already done so, read the grantmaking guidelines above to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. Download our sample grant application (PDF) to see what information you will need. Submit a Letter of Inquiry through our online eGrant system. We'll respond within approximately 15 business days with a decision. If you have not accessed eGrant before, you will need to register. If the Letter of Inquiry is accepted, you will be invited to complete a full application in eGrant. An email confirmation will be sent to you when your application has been received by the South Dakota Community Foundation. The SDCF staff and board of directors will review your application. We will notify you of our decision within approximately 90 days after you submit your application with a decision. Access the eGrant portal to complete your application online. Ginger Niemann Senior Program Officer Since 1998, Ginger has been a member of the South Dakota Community Foundation team. Nearly a decade of her time at the foundation has been spent overseeing the administration of grant programs. Currently, Ginger works closely with the Grant Making Committee to make distributions from the South Dakota Fund and Community Innovation Grants program, which is a partnership with the Bush Foundation. In addition to managing the grant application process from application to selection, she also oversees the Fairy Godmother Fund, which meets urgent needs of women in the state. Crystal Ortbahn Grant Program Coordinator Crystal joined the South Dakota Community Foundation in September 2021. She brings experience in public service in South Dakota and overseas, having completed assignments with the United States Peace Corps in Uganda and Burkina Faso. Crystal grew up in Pierre and is a graduate of Augustana University. She is eager to support good work being done across the state as a member of the grant team. [email protected] [undefined:[email protected]]

United Way of the Black Hills is offering the Early Learner Community Toolkit Grant in South Dakota to help communities create early learning stakeholder groups, saturate the community with early learning messaging, and provide funding and organizational support. The grant includes Planning Grants, Advocacy Toolkit Grants, and Implementation Grants. Planning Grants offer $500-$1,000 in grant funds for a 6-month planning period and require following the structure of the Early Learning Toolkit or National League of Cities Guide. Advocacy Toolkit Grants also offer $500-$1,000 in grant funds for a 6-month planning period and require following the same guidance. Implementation Grants consist of two rounds: Round 1 offers up to $5,000 with access to marketing materials on the Early Learner website and a 6-month check-in, while Round 2 offers an additional up to $10,000 for large-scale roll-out. Applicants must show progress of stakeholder buy-in and initial planning to qualify for these grants. For more information, visit United Way of the Black Hills.