South Dakota Education Grants

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in Brandon, South Dakota, that are working on projects to improve community well-being in areas such as arts, health, education, and public safety.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County and South Dakota that support women in crisis, promote education and job training, and enhance music and performing arts programs, particularly for youth.

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 is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

This funding opportunity supports programs and projects that improve the lives of children in the Siouxland area, focusing on education, health, and safety initiatives.

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

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]]

This fellowship provides up to $150,000 over two years to individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota who are committed to personal growth as leaders and driving equitable, large-scale change in their communities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The United Airlines Trust Fund was established in recognition of Siouxland's response to the United Flight 232 incident in 1989. This grant supports organizations and government units within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City, Iowa. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified government units. The fund allocates two-thirds of its annual net income to scholarships and one-third to community grants. These grants support projects promoting public safety, health care, crisis management, and community preparedness, with a focus on social services, education, and training of public personnel. Grants typically do not exceed $2,500, and the selection is based on proposal merit, relative need, and potential community impact. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: February 15th to May 15th

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.

The 2024 Good Relatives Collaborative Grant Program is designed to support Native-led and Native-serving groups, collaboratives, and organizations. The program aims to foster the growth and development of these entities across various stages, from those exploring non-profit status to established 501(c)(3) organizations. This initiative aligns with the Good Relatives Collaborative's mission to empower Native communities by providing essential funding and guidance, strengthening their capacity to address community needs and achieve their goals. The grant amounts are tiered to reflect the different stages of organizational development, ranging from up to $20,000 for "Exploring" groups to up to $60,000 for "Maturing" organizations, with a total grant size between $10,000 and $100,000. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Native-led, Native-serving organizations with operating budgets under $500,000, and community collaborators or nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) public charity status or fiscal sponsor. These organizations must be serving Native communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, or one of the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. The program specifically targets groups that are 60% Native-led at the board level and have Native senior leadership/ED, ensuring that the initiatives are driven by and truly reflective of the communities they serve. The impact goals are to strengthen new and emerging organizations, help growing organizations manage larger grants, and support mature organizations in providing guidance to younger groups, thereby creating a robust and self-sustaining ecosystem within Native communities. The program prioritizes organizations at different stages of development through its "Exploring," "Emerging," "Growing," and "Maturing" grant stages. "Exploring" grants focus on new organizations considering non-profit status or those with limited grant experience and annual budgets from $0-$25,000. "Emerging" grants support new or currently-applying 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets between $25,000-$75,000, helping them gain more grant management experience. "Growing" grants are for established 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets from $75,000-$200,000, aiming to enhance their capacity to manage larger grants. Finally, "Maturing" grants are for experienced 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets from $200,000-$500,000, encouraging them to provide mentorship to younger organizations. These focused priorities ensure tailored support that meets organizations where they are in their development journey. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of formally established Native-led non-profits, enhanced grant writing and management capabilities across all stages of organizations, and the development of a supportive network where experienced organizations can mentor newer ones. Measurable results will include the number of organizations transitioning to 501(c)(3) status, the successful management of grants, and the growth in operating budgets for participating organizations. The Good Relatives Collaborative’s strategic priorities are deeply rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in and strengthening Native-led and Native-serving organizations, there will be a direct and positive impact on the well-being and self-determination of Native communities in the designated three-state region and within the 23 Native nations. This comprehensive approach aims to build lasting capacity and foster community-driven solutions.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, which is specifically designed to advance bird species and habitat conservation. This program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to address the alarming loss of 3 billion birds since 1970. The foundation's strategic priority is to support projects that conserve, restore, or enhance critical habitats and to gather essential bird population data, ultimately aiming to reverse population declines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are bird populations, both migratory and non-migratory, particularly those inhabiting grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats. The program's impact goals include improving habitat quality and quantity, enhancing breeding and wintering grounds, and supporting stopover periods for birds along major migratory routes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in bird populations, improved habitat conditions, and the collection of vital data to inform future conservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on implementing science-driven and strategic conservation. This involves addressing habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Geographic focal areas are critical, spanning major migratory routes from the northern slope of Alaska to the north-south axis of the central United States, including the Gulf Coast regions of Texas and Louisiana. The program emphasizes innovative methods for gathering lacking bird population data and conserving specific habitat types. Grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $275,000, with projects expected to be completed within two years. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-profit organizations, government agencies (U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, tribal), and educational institutions. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects NFWF's theory of change, which recognizes that collaborative efforts across various sectors are essential for achieving large-scale, sustainable conservation impacts for bird populations and their habitats.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

This grant provides funding to classroom educators in Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner counties to support innovative educational projects that enhance student learning.

The Fund for Siouxland is an unrestricted endowment fund managed by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aiming to enhance the quality of life in the Siouxland communities. It utilizes the contributions from individuals, families, corporations, and other foundations to support a broad range of initiatives within an approximately 80-mile radius of Sioux City, Iowa. The fund prioritizes projects that collaborate with other agencies, address new and emerging needs with creative solutions, and demonstrate sound financial plans for future sustainability. Projects benefiting larger numbers of people, especially those at risk, are given preference. The grants generally do not exceed $5,000 and are not allocated to religious purposes, annual fund drives, political activities, capital campaigns, endowments, general operating expenses, individuals, budget deficits, or school playground equipment/uniforms. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: February 15th to May 15th

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

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.