South Dakota Private Grants

GRC Bush Prize: Native Nations is an annual grant award that celebrates Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota who have a track record of successful community problem-solving. Donor Name: Giving Relatives Collaborative State: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes | Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: GRC Bush Prize: Native Nations grant recipients support a culture of innovation, are highly-valued in community, and have a history of building creative, community-powered solutions for challenges in Native communities. GRC Bush Prize: Native Nations grant recipients will receive a grant of up to 25% of their organization’s last fiscal year expenses (grant award up to $500,000). Bush Prize grants are flexible, general operating funds that can be used to support the organization’s ongoing good work in whatever way best suits their needs. Eligible Activities and Entities Be a Native-led organization with 60% of its board members and senior leadership/ED identifying as Native. Be a Native-led organization and a legally incorporated entity with 501(c)(3), or, 501(c)(4) status, or have a fiscal sponsor. Be based in and carry out their work in either Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota or in one of the 23 Native Nations that share the same geography. Submit a grant for a charitable purpose. Ineligible Activities and Entities Native-led organizations who have received a Bush Prize in the last 10 years. Projects sponsored by a government agency. Endowment funds. Individuals; these grants are for Native-led organizations. Partisan efforts. Late or incomplete application. For more information, visit GRC.

Giving Days are a fun and engaging way to raise awareness and funds to support nonprofit organizations that are making the region better for everyone. Donor Name: Blush Foundation State: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These annual events make the most of online fundraising to generate excitement and make giving simple for the many people who participate. They support Giving Days in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. In 2024, they are expanding this opportunity to include organizations currently hosting or intending to host a Giving Day for organizations specifically benefiting Native communities and organizations. Funding Information Selected organizations receive $200,000 annually. This year, will provide an additional $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities or government entities. Organizations must be located and work within Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota or the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. Selection Criteria They are looking for organizations that demonstrate: The ability to organize, host and promote a Giving Days program in region Commitment to building nonprofit fundraising skills through tools and/or support as part of a Giving Day The skills, staffing and community network to reach and equitably serve a broad range of communities and organizations For more information, visit Blush Foundation.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Good Relatives Collaborative Grant Program. Donor Name: Good Relatives Collaborative State: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant Amounts/Stages Exploring. This grant is for Native-led and Native-serving groups, collaboratives, or organizations who are not necessarily organized as a non-profit yet but are considering it and/or are doing the work in the community already. This is for new organizations that do not have much experience writing or managing grants yet and have an annual operating budget from $0-$25,000. The exploring grant is for those who may not already have a fiscal agent and may not have started the formal process to become a 501(c)3. The amount you can request is up to $20,000. Emerging. This grant is for new or currently-applying Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations. This is for small organizations with annual operating budgets between $25,000-$75,000 and who may already work with a fiscal agent. This grant is for those who may already have and manage a small number of grants but need more experience with the grant process. The amount you can request is up to $40,000. Growing. This grant is for emerging Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations with a track record of receiving grants and an annual budget of $75,000-$200,000. This is for organizations that have experience writing and managing smaller grants but have limited experience with larger grants. This is for organizations that may need guidance and assistance in managing and reporting and/or other phases but can also provide guidance for younger organizations in writing or accessing grants. The amount you can request is up to $50,000. Maturing. This grant is for mature Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations with annual operating budgets from $200,000-$500,000. This is for experienced 501(c)3 organizations with track records of managing foundation, state, and federal grants. This is for those who have experience accessing, writing, and managing smaller grants and can provide guidance for younger organizations in all phases and aspects of grant writing, reporting, and management. The amount you can request is up to $60,000. Grant Eligibility The following are eligible for grant funding: Native-led, Native-serving organizations with operating budgets under $500,000. Organizations, community collaborators, and nonprofits with a 501(C)(3) public charity or a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must be serving Native communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota or one of the 23 Native nations that share the same geography GRC’s definition of a Native-led organization is that at least 60% of its board members are Native, and its senior leadership/ED is Native. If you are not a nonprofit organization yet, you will need to both identify a fiscal sponsor and procure a fiscal sponsor agreement. Please reach out to the Good Relatives Collaborative for fiscal sponsorship assistance as needed. The following are ineligible for grant funding: Organizations with operating budgets over $500,000 Individuals Pow-wows Tribal enterprises Requests for projects that support beneficiaries outside of our three-State region Religious programs for the purpose of religious education or proselytizing Sporting teams and events Servicing or paying off previously incurred debt or expenses Bringing programs and/or buildings in government compliance. For more information, visit Good Relatives Collaborative.

The Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG) is a federal block grant authorized by subtitle B of the McKinney Vento Homelessness Assistance Act and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered by SD Housing for the State of South Dakota. Donor Name: South Dakota Housing State: South Dakota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: ESG funds provide for emergency shelter and homelessness prevention activities including short-term and medium-term rental assistance and services to stabilize and rapidly re-house individuals and households who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Eligible Activities Grant amounts may be used for one or more of the following activities Street Outreach Emergency Shelter Homelessness Prevention Rapid Re-Housing Assistance Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Administrative Costs. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be non-profits or units of local government.  Governmental organizations such as public housing agencies and local housing finance agencies are not eligible applicants under the ESG program. Applicants must be in compliance with ESG guidelines 24 CFR Part 576 and applicable state and federal policies and procedures, including compliance with federal and state non-discrimination laws. For more information, visit South Dakota Housing.

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

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 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

The Junior League of Sioux City, through its Mildred Anderson Community Grants program, supports short-term community need projects with a focus on volunteer participation. Established in 1990 with a generous donation, these grants promote charitable activities within the Siouxland tri-state area. Grant recipients are selected through a competitive process and must meet certain eligibility criteria including not having received a grant in the prior year, not being involved in a current Junior League project, and utilizing community volunteers in their projects. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: October 1st to January 15th

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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]]

Our grantees work to build on the entrepreneurial spirit, strong community ties, and untapped potential within Native nations, communities of color, rural communities, and other resilient communities who have fewer opportunities to thrive on their own terms. We envision strong, vibrant communities where people are connected to good jobs and have the financial capability to build their assets and provide a secure future for their families and communities. A Need to Close the Opportunity Gaps Our economic system doesn’t work for everyone. It widens income and opportunity gaps, restrains economic mobility, and traps people and communities in a cycle of poverty and injustice. A disproportionate number of Native Americans, people of color, refugees, immigrants, and rural Americans are living in crisis—or just a paycheck away from it. Nationally, six in 10 families of color don’t have the cash on hand to cover basic expenses—like rent, medical emergencies, or the need to fix a car—for three months.