Best Grants for Churches in South Dakota

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and children can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants of up to US $15,000 to support health, education, development, and welfare programs, including basic needs and homelessness services. South Dakota churches with qualifying nonprofit status and youth-focused programs may be eligible for initiatives like early childhood development, child advocacy, and refugee enrichment.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first for-profit organizations addressing urgent social or environmental problems in South Dakota and beyond can access funding for scalable, systems-focused solutions. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help organizations serving underserved communities with up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support and access to a global peer community.

South Dakota churches and faith-based nonprofits working on safety, education, or community development can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, government programs, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies across the U.S. Projects may address disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, or K-12 and higher education initiatives.

South Dakota faith-based and other 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for arts and science programs. Support may include program, capital, limited general, or endowment funding for institutions like museums, performing arts centers, symphonies, theaters, and arts schools that serve broad U.S. audiences.

South Dakota churches and faith-based 501(c)(3) organizations with inclusive, U.S.-based social service programs can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for proven, scalable efforts addressing chronic poverty and strengthening families. Grants of more than US $100,000 may support program, capital, or general operations in areas like housing, food access, job training, legal aid, reentry, and youth development.

Organizations such as churches and faith-based nonprofits in South Dakota working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants must have a U.S. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

South Dakota 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community, basic needs, workforce, arts, environmental, or inclusion programs can seek sponsorship support to strengthen local economic and social life. Bank of America Foundation sponsorships may benefit church-affiliated or faith-based organizations with eligible programs that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, or provide cultural and community development activities.

South Dakota churches, nonprofits, schools, and local governments serving the Tyndall community can seek funding for projects that meet a demonstrated community need. Tyndall organizations can access funding through South Dakota Community Foundation’s Tyndall Community Foundation Grant to support the general welfare of the community, with funds to be used within 12 months of award.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence survivors in South Dakota and within 15 miles of a TJX location can seek program funding that helps vulnerable families and children. TJX Foundation supports work such as food, shelter, enrichment, and workforce readiness, which may benefit church-based community programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in South Dakota seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to back environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides program or operating support that may benefit faith-based groups with eligible community-focused activities.

Christian churches and related nonprofits in the Sisseton area of South Dakota can seek funding for religious activities, charitable services, education, and civic improvements. With a mission to strengthen philanthropy, South Dakota Community Foundation provides support through the William Holland and Alyce Holland Foundation Grant for Christian programs, aid to vulnerable residents, student assistance, and community enhancement projects.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites South Dakota 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for funding that strengthens food access, shelter, self-sufficiency, and cultural enrichment. Churches and faith-based nonprofits may be eligible if programs fit Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, or Volunteer-Driven Causes and meet U.S.-based service and documentation requirements.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

South Dakota churches, Christian ministries, nonprofits, and local governments planning community-benefit projects can access funding through the South Dakota Community Foundation’s CorTrust Bank ALM Community Foundation Grant. Eligible projects should meet a clear community need and engage strong volunteer support in the Artesian, Letcher, and Mt. Vernon areas, excluding routine building improvements and operating expenses.

South Dakota churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government entities, and other charitable organizations can seek funding for local community development and services projects through the Selby Community Foundation Grant. Focused on strengthening quality of life in Walworth County, this program from South Dakota Community Foundation supports charitable causes that invest in the local area.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Faulk County planning new or ongoing community projects can seek more than US $100 for volunteer-driven, innovative initiatives. South Dakota Community Foundation’s Faulkton Area Foundation Grant supports public-benefit projects in South Dakota, with biannual awards and openness to multi-year community service and development efforts.

Churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities in South Dakota planning new or ongoing community projects can apply for the Sully County Community Foundation Grant, with awards of more than US $500. Funding from South Dakota Community Foundation supports volunteer-driven, innovative efforts benefiting Sully County residents, and is offered on a bi-annual cycle.

Churches and faith-based 501(c)(3) organizations in South Dakota working in preservation, education, or wellness may be eligible for storytelling support to share their community impact. Focused on these three pillars, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000 to help nonprofits produce compelling stories that highlight their work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community-focused services such as economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief in South Dakota communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help South Dakota organizations serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families build stronger, more resilient communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.

Churches, 501(c)(3) charities, schools, religious organizations, and government entities in South Dakota offering regular food services for Rapid City residents can seek funding to expand food access. Black Hills Area Community Foundation supports equipment, infrastructure, and evening or weekend staffing or volunteer capacity, with awards up to US $25,000 for programs serving under-resourced neighborhoods.

Nonprofit organizations in South Dakota with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation's national Community Partnership Award to recognize exemplary collaborative leadership. Faith-based and church organizations operating as nonprofits may be eligible if their partnerships measurably improve lives, address significant social issues, and serve as models for other communities.