Best Rapid City Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

Catholic dioceses in Rapid City, South Dakota can receive funding to recruit, educate, and provide ongoing formation for seminarians, deacons, and lay or religious leaders. Catholic Extension provides mission dioceses with support for seminary subsidies, leadership degree and certificate programs, recruitment initiatives, and professional development or skills training for current and future church ministers.

Catholic dioceses and ministries needing salary support or basic operations funding in Rapid City, South Dakota can apply for Building Foundation Grants to sustain core pastoral and administrative services. With a mission to strengthen Catholicism, Catholic Extension provides approved Extension Dioceses with subsidies for pastoral leaders, administrators, and essential operating costs in under-resourced communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, and religious organizations with an agency endowment at Black Hills Area Community Foundation can receive US $20,000 for ongoing or new programs and projects in the Black Hills area. This annual Community Action Grant supports creative, collaborative, and sustainable initiatives benefiting communities including Rapid City in Pennington County, South Dakota.

Catholic dioceses and parishes in Rapid City, South Dakota with Extension Diocese status can seek funding to construct, expand, or renovate Catholic churches and related facilities. Catholic Extension provides up to US $100,000 for major matching-challenge projects and up to US $5,000 for minor repairs, equipment, and furnishings for under-resourced faith communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, and religious organizations with an agency endowment fund can seek up to US $50,000 for new or ongoing programs and projects in Rapid City, South Dakota and surrounding counties. Grants from Black Hills Area Community Foundation support creative, partnership-driven, and sustainable initiatives across all fields of work.

Animal welfare nonprofits, schools, governments, and religious organizations in Rapid City, South Dakota and surrounding Black Hills counties can apply for Black Hills Area Community Foundation’s Margaret Warren & Grace Lemley Animal Welfare Grant; awards up to US $5,000 for programs, operations, capacity building, and small capital improvements, with eligibility limited to no-kill shelters and related animal welfare efforts.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

Nonprofit and tribal organizations conserving and restoring grassland habitat in Rapid City, South Dakota and the broader Northern Great Plains can apply for US $200,000 - US $1,500,000 to support habitat and wildlife conservation projects. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funding may benefit efforts in habitat restoration, land conservation, and wildlife management with strong community partnerships.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

Rapid City, South Dakota nonprofits focused on education, health and human services, arts and culture, or community betterment can access funding through Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Charitable Giving Program. Organizations in Pennington County may benefit from financial support, member matching donations, or surplus office equipment such as computers, desks, and chairs to strengthen local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools supporting community needs, conservation, or youth programs in Rapid City, South Dakota can seek sponsorships or charitable contributions for events and initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, Black Hills Corporation Foundation provides funding for critical needs, environmental stewardship, and future leaders within its Black Hills Energy service territory.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

Rapid City Catholic school educators and diocesan groups can access funding through Catholic Extension to develop emerging leaders in K–12 Catholic education. This one-year online certificate in Catholic school administration covers most tuition plus travel to Loyola Marymount University, builds leadership capacity, and requires a two-year service commitment to a local Catholic school.

Mission Catholic dioceses in Rapid City, South Dakota can apply for Catholic Extension’s Francis Grants to fund monumental diocesan events and bishops’ continuing education. These Catholicism-focused grants support occasions like episcopal ordinations, major anniversaries, or papal visits for pre-approved poor dioceses within Pennington County and other designated mission territories.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and religious organizations supporting youth in Rapid City, South Dakota can apply for US $2,500 to run new or ongoing programs, projects, or capacity-building efforts, with priority for mental health and wellness. Black Hills Area Community Foundation partners with the Rapid City Youth City Council to award these Youth Philanthropy Grants.

Rapid City, South Dakota nonprofits and public entities with an existing agency endowment at the Black Hills Area Community Foundation can access $20,000 Community Action Grants for new or ongoing programs. Eligible projects span areas like arts and culture, education, housing, food security, youth and family services, and community and economic development within designated Black Hills counties.

Rapid City, South Dakota 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs like food, health, safety, social belonging, culture, or transportation can access funding through the John T. Vucurevich Foundation. Eligible programs must primarily benefit low-income individuals or families in the Rapid City area and demonstrate community collaboration and additional secured funding.

Nonprofits, schools, governments, and religious organizations with an agency endowment at Black Hills Area Community Foundation can apply for Community Action Grants up to US $50,000 to advance creative, sustainable, partnership-driven projects. Eligible work must occur in Pennington County, including Rapid City, or nearby Black Hills counties across community development, education, environment, youth, and human services.

Black Hills Area Community Foundation provides Rapid City, South Dakota nonprofits and public entities with grants up to US $2,000 for services supporting low-income residents, especially Native American Indian groups. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, and religious organizations, with funded activities required to take place in the Rapid City area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access, homelessness, or military and veterans services in Rapid City, South Dakota may be eligible for funding that supports local “Hunger, Heroes and Hope” initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, SpartanNash Foundation provides nearby nonprofits with grants if they are within 30 miles of its stores, offices, or distribution centers.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and religious organizations in Rapid City, South Dakota can seek capacity-building support for strategic planning, evaluation, technology, staff development, and more. Black Hills Area Community Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for projects that strengthen long-term organizational sustainability within eligible western South Dakota counties.

Rapid City, South Dakota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting kids, hunger relief, or education can request monetary or in-kind dining certificate donations to aid their programs. Brinker International provides these charitable gifts on an ongoing basis, with applications due at least six weeks before events and limited to one donation per organization each calendar year.

Nonprofits, schools, churches, religious organizations, and government entities in Rapid City, South Dakota can receive up to US $25,000 to expand regular food services for local residents, especially in under-resourced areas. Focused on food access and hunger, Black Hills Area Community Foundation funds equipment, infrastructure, and staffing or volunteer support to extend evening and weekend service hours.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Build Dakota Scholarship Fund

The Build Dakota Scholarship was created to help South Dakota train more skilled workers and fill the labor gap. It all began in 2015, when state leaders built a program that uses the state’s technical colleges to address South Dakota’s workforce gap.

Build Dakota is a scholarship program created for skilled scholars entering high-demand programs at South Dakota technical colleges. And it allows you to earn your degree for free.

Scholarship Details & Student Commitment

If you receive a Build Dakota Scholarship, you’re one step closer to a successful future. And you’ll be able to get there faster and debt-free, as the scholarships will support tuition, fees, books and other required program expenses in the eligible technical college programs. Accepting the scholarship means you agree to:

• Enroll full-time in a high-need industry program at a South Dakota technical college (Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Southeast Technical College, or Western Dakota Technical College).
• Following graduation, work full-time in your field of study for a minimum of three years in South Dakota.
• Students who graduate from South Dakota technical colleges have a 98-100% placement rate.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Witzleben Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school graduate(s) residing on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota and North Dakota

The Witzleben twins are proud to be descendants of people who lived on the land now known as the Standing Rock Reservation. Their father, Camillus Witzleben, was born in South Dakota to parents who both worked in education. He became a medical doctor and later taught at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Camillus inherited land on the Standing Rock Reservation from his father, and he passed it on to his daughters, including the twins. Through the establishment of this scholarship, the sisters aim to support a resident of the Standing Rock Reservation in pursuing their education. This scholarship is a way to honor their ancestors and celebrate their own native heritage.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Wilfred Jaspers Scholarship

To provide financial support as recommended by the scholarship selection committee in accordance with the selection criteria.

This scholarship, established in 2000 for Roslyn High School alumni, has now been made available to college students from the Britton, Langford, and Webster School Districts following the dissolution of the Roslyn School District.

The Denver Foundation

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.  

Cameron Holland Scholarship Fund

The Cameron Holland Memorial Scholarship is established to remember Cameron and recognize a Ralston Valley senior student who has established academic, athletic and character traits that are complementary to Cameron’s memory. Cameron was dedicated to academic achievement, participated in football and track and had a kind and generous personality. 

This scholarship is a one-time award. Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, required books and supplies, room and board, and other qualified educational expenses. Award must be used for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships will be awarded once each year through a competitive process based on:

• Academics
• Athletic engagement
• Kind, sensitive, and respectful character