Best Grants for After School Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota 501(c)(3) organizations running after-school or summer educational programs for economically or educationally disadvantaged youth can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Support may come as program-related investments or grants for education, youth services, housing, health, and broader community and economic development efforts that can become self-sustaining.

State education affiliates in South Dakota and across the U.S. can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s ARP Implementation Network Grant, awarding up to US $100,000 to fund a coordinator position. Funding supports implementation of the American Rescue Plan for public education, which may benefit after school and extended learning programs.

Public school classroom teachers in South Dakota serving grades 3–8 can receive donated Walking Classroom sets to combine physical activity with academic instruction. This national program from Alliance for a Healthier Generation supports classrooms and out-of-school or summer educational programs, prioritizing schools with higher socioeconomic and academic need that have not previously received sets.

Out-of-school time and afterschool programs serving middle school youth in low-income or disadvantaged communities, including South Dakota, can receive general operating support to strengthen academic and social-emotional outcomes. The New York Life Foundation provides US $20,000 one-year grants for programs helping students transition successfully from 8th to 9th grade and prepare for high school and beyond.

After-school and youth-serving organizations in South Dakota that work directly with low-income, at-risk children can receive free ticketed enrichment experiences through the Tickets for Kids Grant Program. Grants from Tickets For Kids Foundation help eligible nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and qualifying church-based programs supplement programming with arts, culture, theater, camps, and other educational outings at no cost.

High school students from economically disadvantaged families in South Dakota interested in chemistry or STEM can receive paid summer research internships and related support through the Project SEED Fellowship. With a mission to provide STEM research, learning, and growth opportunities, American Chemical Society offers hands-on lab experiences, mentoring, and potential scholarships for students pursuing chemistry-related college majors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering after-school or other educational support for economically disadvantaged students in South Dakota and other eligible areas can seek funding for tutoring, test prep, college access, and internship programs. With a mission to improve communities, Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation favors programs that continue supporting students into college.

Out-of-school time and summer programs serving middle school youth in low-income or disadvantaged communities can apply for New York Life Foundation’s Aim High two-year grants; awards US $100,000 to reduce absences and support transition to high school. South Dakota afterschool programs focused on middle school success may be strong candidates.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits running secular, youth-focused education, mentorship, or after-school programs can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants, typically around US $5,000. Organizations in South Dakota serving children through original, mission-driven programming may be eligible for support to expand or strengthen their services.

Educators employed by schools or nonprofits working with low-income PreK–12 students can seek funding to enhance curriculum, inquiry projects, and after-school or extra-curricular programs in South Dakota and nationwide. McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation’s Academic Enrichment Grants offer up to US $20,000 to develop programs that deepen understanding and nurture students’ intellectual, artistic, and creative abilities.

Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in the U.S. seeking summer experience in pediatric oncology can receive stipends to work in a clinical or research setting. With a mission to advance childhood cancer research, St Baldricks Foundation provides South Dakota after-school and summer educational programs with a potential pathway to support student fellows through institutional partnerships. Awards are US $5,000, paid to the mentor’s institution.

Current SHAPE America members in the U.S. can receive US $1,000 to support projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sport as participants and leaders. Eligible proposals include research, professional development, graduate projects, after school programs, or speaker support, which may benefit South Dakota after school and sports-focused initiatives.

South Dakota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools providing food assistance can receive ongoing donations of unsold bread and baked goods to serve people in need. Panera Bread Foundation’s Day-End Dough-Nation program supports after school programs, backpack programs, food pantries, shelters, and similar services that commit to weekly pick-ups and distribution.

South Dakota after-school and youth-serving nonprofits can seek support for programs that feed the hungry, enrich neighborhoods, support education, and assist youth and families. South Dakota after school and summer educational programs can access funding through Wegmans Family Foundation to improve health, expand educational access, and provide safe, skill-building activities for children and teens.

High school graduates pursuing career and technical education can receive scholarship support for community college or vocational programs through the Arizona Community Foundation. This fund helps students in CTE majors like agriculture, automotive, culinary, nursing, paramedics, IT, and computer programming. South Dakota after-school or summer programs guiding youth into similar pathways may encourage eligible graduates to apply.

Exceptionally high-achieving 7th grade students in South Dakota with financial need can receive long-term educational enrichment support, including after-school and summer learning opportunities. With a mission to advance promising students’ education, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation provides a selective five-year Young Scholars Program with advising, funding for academic and extracurricular programs, and college preparation support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering after-school or summer educational programs in South Dakota and other U.S. regions can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focus is on education, including tutoring, mentoring, literacy, journalism, and youth enrichment initiatives, especially for disadvantaged youth.

After-school and summer music program directors in South Dakota can request donated instruments for K–12 youth, supporting music education and enrichment activities. Grants from Hungry for Music help programs across the U.S. access brass, woodwinds, strings, keyboards, percussion, amps, and accessories, with site visits required before being added to the distribution list.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Coppola Family Travel Scholarship

The Coppola Family Travel Scholarship benefits Napa County High School students in grades 10-12 who have a desire to explore the world. This one-time award (“educational enrichment grant”) can be used to pay for tuition and associated costs for participation in a summer enrichment program in the United States or in Europe. Applicants must show a commitment to hard work and diligence in the pursuit of their goals. 

501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations running after-school or summer educational programs, tutoring, or enrichment in the greater Chicago area can apply for McGraw Foundation support. McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, which may benefit South Dakota-style after school initiatives serving youth and families.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Ted Kohler Music Scholarship

The Ted Kohler Music Scholarship benefits Calistoga students who are committed to music and wish to advance their musical development. The scholarship can be used to pay for activities such as music lessons or summer camp, or for college tuition (where the student demonstrates their desire to continue their musical education). The Ted Kohler Scholarship was established in 1997 to promote musical participation and aspirations in honor of Ted, who upon retirement from San Francisco State University, became a full-time musician and leader of the Napa Valley Jazz Band. He encouraged people of all ages to express themselves musically.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Imagine Learning Foundation's Signature Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of learners by supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. By bridging classroom and community efforts, it fosters healthier environments for youth, families, and educators. The program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing critical issues like chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity. In 2024, the foundation will allocate over $400,000 to impactful projects, furthering its mission to cultivate supportive learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.