South Dakota Private Grants

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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 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.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and local governments working to address environmental justice issues and improve public health in underserved communities across the U.S.

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

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

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 Blush Foundation's Giving Days program is designed to raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations working to improve communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to strengthen the nonprofit sector by leveraging online fundraising to create engaging, accessible giving opportunities. The program's expansion in 2024 to include organizations benefiting Native communities further emphasizes a commitment to equitable support across the region, reflecting a strategic priority to reach diverse populations. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities located within Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or the 23 Native nations sharing this geography. The program targets organizations that are currently hosting or intend to host a Giving Day, with an impact goal of enhancing their fundraising capabilities and overall community engagement. By supporting these events, the Blush Foundation aims to empower local nonprofits to generate significant financial resources and build stronger connections with their donor bases. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a strong ability to organize, host, and promote a Giving Days program within their region. A key focus is on building nonprofit fundraising skills, with selected organizations expected to commit to this development through provided tools and/or support. Furthermore, the foundation seeks organizations with the skills, staffing, and community networks necessary to reach and equitably serve a broad range of communities, underscoring a commitment to inclusive and far-reaching impact. Expected outcomes include an increase in funds raised by participating nonprofits, a strengthened capacity for online fundraising, and a broader reach within communities, particularly Native communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed beyond the annual funding amounts ($200,000 annually to selected organizations, plus an additional $10,000 this year), the emphasis on fundraising skill-building suggests a theory of change that by investing in the operational and promotional abilities of nonprofits, the foundation can catalyze sustainable growth and greater community benefit.

The First Nations’ Young Natural Resource Professionals Cohort is a 12-month enrichment opportunity designed to enhance the knowledge and networks of young natural resource professionals in the Northern Great Plains. This program directly aligns with the First Nations Development Institute's mission to support Native American communities, particularly in areas of natural resource management and tribal sovereignty. The grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aims to foster professional development and community-led conservation efforts within tribal lands. The primary beneficiaries of this program are 15 early-career natural resource professionals, aged 18-30, who are tribally-affiliated and employed by tribal natural resource and/or environmental departments in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The program's impact goals are to develop professional, leadership, and technical skills among these individuals, enabling them to effectively employ tribal and community conservation priorities. The cohort prioritizes a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, specialized project management training, and the ability to communicate the importance of upholding tribal sovereignty, cultural grounding, and connection to ancestral lands in resource management. Participants will gain access to a $5,000 stipend for their hosting Tribe, travel support for professional development, a $50,000 tribal grant to lead a conservation-focused project, and a supportive network with mentorship opportunities. Expected outcomes include participants gaining a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, receiving specialized training in project management, and becoming adept at communicating the importance of tribal sovereignty and cultural connection in resource management. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of conservation-focused projects and the sustained professional growth of the cohort members within their tribal communities. The project period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

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

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]]

The South Dakota Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) is a grant program designed to foster economic development in South Dakota by increasing the availability of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for families and individuals. This aligns with a foundational mission to support community well-being and economic stability through essential housing solutions. The HOF is administered by South Dakota Housing and the SD Housing Board of Commissioners, ensuring a strategic approach to addressing housing needs across the state. The target beneficiaries of the HOF include low to moderate-income households, with a maximum income at or below 115% of the county or state area median income (AMI), whichever is higher, as determined by HUD criteria. The impact goals are broad, aiming to expand housing options, prevent homelessness, and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This comprehensive approach seeks to create a more equitable and supportive housing landscape for vulnerable populations. The HOF prioritizes various activities to achieve its goals. These include new construction or the purchase and rehabilitation of rental or homeownership housing, housing preservation (such as home repair grants and grants for accessibility modifications), homelessness prevention activities, and support for community land trusts. For development projects, there are application limits of $350,000 for rural development and $150,000 for urban development, ensuring a focused allocation of funds. Eligible projects encompass new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of rental housing, as well as the purchase and rehabilitation of homeownership housing, substantial or moderate rehabilitation, housing preservation, and rehabilitating homes for individuals with disabilities. The expected outcomes include an increased supply of affordable housing units, improved housing conditions, and reduced instances of homelessness. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of housing units created or preserved, the number of households served, and the number of homes made accessible. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in diverse housing solutions and supporting eligible entities, the HOF can directly address the housing crisis, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for South Dakota residents.

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

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.

This program provides flexible funding to individuals and organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native nations to develop and implement innovative ideas that drive positive change in their communities.

The Maryland Department of Aging's Aging-In-Place Program offers competitive grant funding to support older adults in living safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes and communities. This program aligns with the Department's commitment to ensuring that Marylanders, regardless of age, income, or ability, can maintain their identity and independence in familiar environments. The core mission is to promote the well-being of older adults by preserving familiarity, providing mental stimulation, reducing emotional stress associated with transitions, and offering the opportunity to live in a supported community, such as a Senior Village. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are older adults in Maryland, with a particular focus on those in historically underserved communities. These include Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, other persons of color, members of religious minorities, LGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities, those in rural areas, and those affected by persistent poverty or inequality. The impact goals are to delay cognitive decline, improve quality of life, maintain emotional well-being, and enhance access to resources and supportive services for these populations. The program prioritizes projects that incorporate volunteers in the planning and delivery of services, serve historically underserved communities, propose multi-sector or multigenerational collaboration, establish new Senior Villages or expand existing ones into marginalized communities, and foster partnerships between Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Senior Villages. These strategic priorities aim to enhance capacity, extend reach, improve effectiveness, and achieve better outcomes for older adults across the state. The theory of change suggests that by supporting these initiatives, the Department can create more robust community-based support systems, directly leading to improved independence, health, and social engagement for older Marylanders. Expected outcomes include increased access to in-home personal care, education on maintaining community living, psychological, economic, or functional assistance, greater awareness of and equitable access to resources, improved supportive services and care coordination, reduced social isolation, affordable transportation options, and assistance with home modifications. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, the establishment and expansion of Senior Villages, and indicators of improved quality of life and independence among participants. The total funding available for this grant cycle is $100,000, with grants running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

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.