Best Hand County Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship offers $5,000 merit-based scholarships to New Jersey residents pursuing degrees in nursing or health sciences. Applicants must be juniors or seniors enrolled at accredited UNCF Member Institutions or other four-year institutions, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative supports the mission of UNCF, which has raised over $6 billion to help minority students thrive in higher education, advocating for the importance of education and community engagement.

About Us

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?

Supporting Area Students

We’re proud to award more than 70 competitive scholarships to deserving students each year. 

Whether you’re preparing to graduate from high school, wrapping up a general equivalency diploma, or working toward your undergraduate or graduate degree, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation is proud to partner with passionate donors to administer a wide variety of competitive scholarships to help you achieve your educational goals.

Siouxland Chapter CFMA Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors of high schools in South Dakota.

The Jim and Fran Foss Scholarship, administered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sioux Falls public high schools. This scholarship encourages students who plan to attend accredited four-year colleges or universities, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. With over 70 scholarships awarded annually, it aims to empower local students to achieve their educational aspirations and contribute positively to the community.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. American Legion, Blake Blackston Post #77 ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds. The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Canton Professional Educators' Scholarships FundThe Canton Professional Educators’ Scholarships Fund was established to assist high school graduates enrolled in an academic plan (college/university, 2-year vocational, technical or advanced study). Applicants must be the natural or adopted child of a CPEA member, must have achieved a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above, and college students must be “a student in good standing.”Renewable scholarship: No

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles Jimmy Kiefer Scholarship Fund

The Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles Jimmy Kiefer Scholarship Fund is awarded to Stark County high school graduating seniors who will be attending an accredited two-or four-year college or university full-time and have a relative who is a member of FOE Eagles #190 in good standing.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Minnie Hopkins Scholarship Fund

The Minnie Hopkins Scholarship Fund was established to assist applicants who have graduated from Canton City School District. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship FundThe Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship Fund assists seniors from Stark County high schools who will graduate in May/June. Applicants must be accepted as full-time students at a four-year college or university, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have demonstrated outstanding involvement in academics and extracurriculars.Renewable Scholarship: No

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Thelma N. Cotey ScholarshipApplicants must be planning to pursue further education in the areas of medicine, business, or forestry. 

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Simonen ScholarshipThe Paul & Alice Simonen Scholarship is offered to any Alger County resident planning to pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, vocational, or technical institute.

Preference will be given to an individual with future potential as evidenced by an exceptional record of achievement in school, community, and/or employment. Examples of achievement may include, but are not limited to, areas such as academics, fine arts, athletics, technology, volunteerism, service clubs, work/military experience.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Native American Education AwardGiven to a Native American graduate, applicants must have participated in Native Cultural/Academic activities, projects, or programs while attending MHS, be a participant in community service activities, and must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.

Munising Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Unendowed FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who has completed one full year (2 semesters) in the medical field. Students may receive scholarships twice, providing college transcripts.

The James & Ursula Williams Teacher Grants Program : Field Trip Grants

As a born native of Vallejo, James was generationally admired for his enduring work ethic and was lovingly embraced for his dedication and support to family, friends, and community. Ursula’s self-motivation, persistence, and quest for excellence brought her professional recognition. As a community activist, she shared her leadership organizational skills as a member of community and political organizations who made positive contributions to the community.

In life, they created and took advantage of all opportunities presented to them. Both recognized the important role that education made in creating healthy, happy, and productive lives for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. The Williams Family hopes to continue their legacy through The James & Ursula Williams Family Fund.

Field Trip Grants:

Grants of up to $1,000 are available to fund 1-day excursions; field trips should have an academic component that supplements your classroom curriculum. Funds can cover the cost of transportation, and admission fees. Examples: Vallejo Flood and Water District, the Exploratorium, etc. The purpose of this program is to bring learning outside of the classroom and provide hands-on experiences to students.

"Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles

The “Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles recognizes the hard-working graduates of Herkimer and Oneida counties pursuing their secondary education in a music-related field.

Candidates are identified by Utica Dollars for Scholars.

Judy Lutz Davidson Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to Marshall-area graduating seniors or previous graduates pursuing a degree in the legal support services, such as but not limited to legal secretary, paralegal, legal clerk, legal assistant, compliance specialist or title examiner. GPA is not a determining factor, however, transcripts are requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Fred W. Homann Jr. Research and Education Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to Marshall area residents or former graduates pursuing higher education in the health sciences with preference given to applicants with a particular interest in research/preventative medicine. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA average in their previous year of education, whether it be high school or college, or postgraduate. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Ayla Lankerd Scholarship for Dreams

Applicants must exemplify Ayla’s attributes of independence, wittiness, intelligence, tenacity, nonconformity, courage, competitiveness, desire for perfection and quirky sense of humor. Ayla Lankerd was born on August 31, 2010 and attended Marshall Public Schools until a sudden illness took her from earth on June 8, 2021. Although she was only alive for 10 short years, she lived each moment to the fullest. She was a competitive gymnast and loved to play soccer and basketball. She liked owls, sloths, rainbows and peace signs. She was unapologetically herself. At one time, she wanted to cure cancer and then wanted to be a rock scientist (her words). She created beautiful artwork from the pictures in her mind. She was a leader, never really caring what others thought of her, only concerned with her self-realization. She had anxiety but always worked herself through it and overcame it. She always pushed through. This scholarship fund was created in her memory as a way to remember her beautiful soul that left this earth too soon. This scholarship also gives the family an opportunity to provide support to other students that embody Ayla’s personality traits so they can go forth and carry out their dreams whether it’s to cure cancer, become a rock scientist or make a living in artistry. 

The Fiscal Year 2027 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) by the Department of Defense aims to enhance research capabilities at U.S. higher education institutions. It provides funding for the acquisition of essential research equipment to support education in fields critical to national defense. This initiative specifically excludes for-profit organizations, ensuring that the resources are directed towards accredited educational institutions committed to advancing scientific knowledge and engineering expertise.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) aims to enhance the capabilities of U.S. higher education institutions by providing funding for essential research equipment. This initiative supports the education of scientists and engineers in fields critical to national defense. However, for-profit organizations are not eligible for participation, ensuring that funds are directed towards accredited educational institutions.

The FY 2027 DURIP program invites universities to submit proposals for purchasing essential research equipment and instrumentation that aligns with the Department of War's research priorities. This initiative aims to enhance educational experiences through research in fields crucial to national defense, supported by agencies such as the Army Research Office, Office of Naval Research, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Proposals should demonstrate the potential impact on student education and research capabilities.

This project aims to enhance health outcomes for women living with HIV in the South by integrating HIV care with comprehensive women's health services through coordinated Clinic and Community Collaboratives. By funding organizations to implement targeted strategies such as culturally responsive services and learning collaboratives, the initiative seeks to improve access to essential health services, increase the number of women initiating rapid ART, and foster sustainable healthcare models that address the unique needs of this population.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Michael G. Lindquist, PhD ScholarshipA scholarship will be given to a graduate of any Alger County high school planning to pursue a degree in engineering, chemistry, math, or physics. Academic excellence coupled with financial need are prime considerations.

The US Acute Care Solutions Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports the dependent children of non-physician employees of US Acute Care Solutions and its affiliates. Eligible applicants must be accepted into or attending a college, university, nursing school, or vocational program, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to empowering future generations through education and community service involvement.

The Tim Triner Letter Carriers Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors, particularly children and grandchildren of National Association of Letter Carriers members. This scholarship emphasizes scholastic achievement and is aimed at students accepted into full-time post-secondary education. Since 1963, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in addressing community challenges through philanthropy.

The Thurman Munson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Stark or Summit County who have participated in varsity baseball or softball. This scholarship seeks to assist students demonstrating both academic potential and financial need, with verification of their sports involvement required. The fund alternates scholarship awards between male and female recipients each year, continuing the legacy of philanthropy since 1963.