Best South Dakota Grants for Nonprofits

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Sam F. Weller Family Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Mitchell, South Dakota, aimed at enhancing economic development and addressing community issues. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for funding for innovative programs that require startup funds, community studies, and educational initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster social change and improve the effectiveness of local organizations. However, it does not fund ongoing operational support or sectarian purposes.

The Dale Lokke Law Enforcement Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to graduating seniors from Minnehaha County high schools. This scholarship aims to support students planning to attend accredited four-year colleges in South Dakota while promoting involvement in community activities and addressing financial needs. With over $500,000 awarded annually, it helps students pursue their educational goals and career aspirations.

The Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers significant financial support for students pursuing higher education in South Dakota. With over $500,000 awarded annually, this scholarship targets high-achieving seniors from specific counties, encouraging participation in community activities and academic excellence. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to attend an accredited institution, ensuring that deserving students receive the assistance they need to succeed.

The Osmann Family Native American Scholarship supports South Dakota high school seniors who are enrolled members of a Native American tribe. Managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, this scholarship is aimed at students planning to attend a four-year college or technical school in the state. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate commitment to academic success and community involvement. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, providing crucial financial support for education.

About Us

What We Believe

We come to work every day because we believe in the power of possibility.

We believe the Sioux Falls area is a great place to live, work, and play. We also believe we have a responsibility to help preserve and sustain what’s good here, and to champion ideas and movements that have the potential to make our community even better.

We believe that meaningful and important social impact comes from thinking outside the box and having the courage to dream big dreams.

We believe strongly in the power and purpose of philanthropy. To us, philanthropy is more than just gifts and grants — philanthropy is thinking about how we can leverage financial, intellectual and human capital to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.

Finally, we believe philanthropy challenges us all to consider two important questions about our future – questions that drive and inspire our work every day: If we don't join together to build a better tomorrow, who will? And if not now, when?

Our Mission

In partnership with donors, we provide trusted leadership that inspires philanthropy, and enriches the quality of life in our area — for good, for ever.

Making a Focused Difference

In partnership with donors, we help administer grants that support important causes and strengthen local communities. These grants are designed to make a meaningful impact where it matters most.

Hour of Hope Grants

Hour of Hope provides grants to religious organizations located in South Dakota that provide media contact with those who are either unable or choose not to participate in regular congregation worship activities.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Humane Organization Grant Program 

Mission

To enhance the quality of life of shelter/ rescue animals and to increase their chances for adoption. 

The St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) Humane Organization grant program funded by the Compassionate Animal Fund, is accepting applications (invitation only) from Managed Open Admission humane organizations located in the upper Midwest. The grants, ranging up to $3,000, can cover items on your “wish list” including food, supplies, infrastructure needs, and veterinary cost. 

Funding Criteria

Grants are intended to provide funds for items such as food, supplies, medicine, spay/neuter programs (for in-house animals to aid in adoption) newsletters, or other needs and/or programs that most benefit the humane organization.

​We understand that shelters may differ in the services or alternatives they offer during the waiting period prior to intake. If your facility is at capacity, you must provide a clear statement outlining how emergency surrenders and stray animals are handled, including the procedures your organization follows to operate as an Open Admission shelter.  

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation strengthens LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest through strategic grantmaking, scholarships, leadership development, and inspiring giving.

Community Grants

PFund Community Grants are for LGBTQ+ serving nonprofits in the Upper Midwest. These grants range from $1,000-$20,000+ and include organizational membership to the PFund Leadership Institute, a monthly cohort based learning and networking opportunity.

South Dakota Department of Health

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) strives to promote, protect, and improve the health of all South Dakotans with information, licensing, and more.

‘South Dakota Walkable Communities’ Active Transportation Assessment Collaboration

The South Dakota Department of Health will provide one South Dakota community (or two communities as an inter-community project) with technical assistance (provided by South Dakota State University Landscape Architect Students) in conducting active transportation assessments and providing recommendations for improving the built environment to increase walkability and bike-ability within that community or joint communities.

Applicants are highly encouraged to consider the specific walkability needs and challenges of priority populations when completing the applications.

Healthcare facilities and similar organizations in South Dakota can receive up to US $30,000 to develop or expand cardiovascular care coordination programs focused on prevention, treatment, and hypertension management. The South Dakota Department of Health provides funding and technical assistance to build sustainable, patient-centered models addressing chronic conditions and related social and environmental factors.

South Dakota Department of Health

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) strives to promote, protect, and improve the health of all South Dakotans with information, licensing, and more.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment Funding

The South Dakota Department of Health is pleased to announce a funding opportunity, the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment funding. This funding opportunity is intended to support strategies that have a focus on prevention, treatment and/or management of cardiovascular disease. The facilities awarded funding through this opportunity will receive funds and technical assistance to create and expand sustainable programs to help link resources that support self-management and lifestyle changes to address those at increased risk for CVD with a focus on hypertension management.

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program (HDSPP) is offering funding to meet one or both of the following priorities: Priority 1: Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Program; and Priority 2: Care Coordination Program.

Priority 1: Self-Measured Blood pressure (SMBP) Program

Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Program supports the implementation and expansion of Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring programs through partnerships with local healthcare facilities and clinics. These programs are designed to help individuals with hypertension manage their condition effectively by monitoring their blood pressure at home in conjunction with clinical support.

South Dakota Department of Public Safety

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety includes 14 agencies with the mission to keep South Dakota a safe place in which to live, work, visit and raise a family.

Victims' Assistance Program Grants

The Victims' Assistance Program provides grant funding for agencies that provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other violent crimes. The Victims' Assistance Program funding includes: VOCA, FVPSA, STOP, SASP and DASA Grants.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant

Funds are awarded by the US Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. The funds come entirely from fines and penalties assessed against convicted federal criminals. Funds are awarded to provide direct assistance to innocent victims of violent crime.

Agencies who are currently not funded with Victims’ Assistance grants, but who are considering applying for a grant(s) are strongly encouraged to contact the Victims’ Services Program director prior to grant announcements being released for the upcoming funding cycle.

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Program (DASA)

Funds are appropriated through the State of South Dakota general funds annually. Funds are awarded to provide domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and education programs, to provide training programs for the staff and volunteers of the shelter service programs and to provide assistance to shelter programs that serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The Partnership Fund Grant by the Bush Foundation is designed for unique funding needs that do not align with existing programs. It aims to address pressing community challenges in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native nations. This fund facilitates collaboration with other funders, attracts additional resources, and provides seed funding for initiatives that resonate with the foundation's strategic values, ensuring impactful community development.

The South Dakota Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides federal funding to assist states in developing and maintaining recreational trails for diverse uses, including biking, hiking, and off-road vehicle activities. By offering up to 80% reimbursement for trail projects, the program aims to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement in trail management.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research. 

Distinguished Contribution Award

The purpose of the Distinguished Contribution Award is to recognize the scientific contribution of a member who has conducted or promoted research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research. 

Harriet H. Werley New Investigator Award

The purpose of the Harriet H. Werley New Investigator Award is to recognize the scientific contribution of a new investigator who has conducted nursing research that has the potential to enhance the science and practice of nursing.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an MNRS member who has demonstrated sustained influential leadership and service to the organization, such as chairing committees, organizing annual conference activities, or serving on the Board of Directors. 

The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) offers Project Grants to support nonprofit organizations in presenting arts activities that serve the public. These grants aim to enhance community well-being through the arts, promote cultural engagement, and foster innovation. Eligible applicants include South Dakota nonprofit organizations designated as federally tax-exempt. The SDAC prioritizes projects that employ local artists, reach diverse audiences, and contribute to the state's cultural landscape. Funding is not available for capital improvements or projects already completed.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Touring Arts Sponsor Grant Program, managed by the South Dakota Arts Council, aims to enhance the accessibility of quality arts programming across schools and communities in South Dakota. This initiative provides matching funds up to 50% of the program costs to eligible nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. It fosters cultural enrichment by facilitating diverse artistic engagements, ensuring that the arts are available in every region of the state.

The SDAC Arts Opportunity Grant supports organizations in presenting unique arts activities that arise unexpectedly within the grant year. This interim grant assists those unable to meet regular deadlines, funding one-time events outside of the organization's usual activities. Applicants must demonstrate a dollar-for-dollar match and provide a detailed project description, emphasizing community impact and support needs. This grant is primarily for non-current SDAC grant recipients, ensuring diverse opportunities for artistic engagement.

The Rural Healthcare Facility Recruitment Assistance Program, managed by the South Dakota Department of Health, offers $10,000 incentives to health professionals who commit to three years of service in small communities (populations under 10,000). Applications are accepted from May 1 to December 31, and facilities are encouraged to apply early due to limited slots. Eligible professionals include various licensed healthcare workers and must be employed full-time by participating facilities.

The SDAC Excursion Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota organizations for transportation costs related to taking K-12 students and individuals with disabilities to arts programs in other towns. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and educational institutions. Grants cover up to 50% of transportation costs, whether using private vehicles or alternative transport. Each excursion must involve at least eight participants and may qualify for funding even if the event is local in special circumstances.

The SDAC Technical Assistance Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota nonprofit arts organizations for specialized consultation on technical, programmatic, and administrative issues. This funding supports 50% of the consultant's fees and related expenses, ensuring organizations have access to expertise not available in-house. Eligible applicants must provide a clear description of their needs, the qualifications of their chosen consultant, and a budget demonstrating a realistic cash match. Notably, colleges and universities are ineligible for this grant.