Best Grants for Museums in South Dakota

The MCDARF Mini-Grants provide funding of less than $1,000 for small projects that promote historical interest, education, and genealogy. Ideal applicants should focus on enhancing local museums, supporting historical events, and fostering patriotism through various programs. The grants encourage community involvement and require matching contributions from other sources. However, applications for student scholarships and funding for capital campaigns are not accepted. These grants aim to make a meaningful impact on American heritage.

The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation offers Regular Grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 to support projects aligned with their mission of promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism within South Dakota. Eligible projects include the preservation of historical memorabilia, support for local museums, and educational opportunities. Notably, the foundation does not fund student scholarships or capital campaigns, ensuring a focus on community engagement and historical significance.

The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.

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.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) museums and cultural organizations in South Dakota with at least three years of status and $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce readiness, youth development, arts access, or environmental sustainability programs. RBC Foundation USA supports projects that build in-demand skills, expand inclusive prosperity, or advance net-zero and climate-focused community initiatives in communities where it has a business presence.

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.

The South Dakota Dental Association Grants aim to enhance oral health in South Dakota through financial support for various initiatives. These include scholarships for dental students, educational programs for professionals and the public, and projects targeting underserved communities. The grants are awarded annually and prioritize activities that align with the Foundation's mission to improve dental health. However, funding is not available for political activities, past purchases, or organizational budget shortfalls.

Museums, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in South Dakota can seek funding to support urban and community forestry projects, including tree planting, maintenance, education, and demonstration sites. South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources provides up to US $5,000 in matching grants, which may benefit museums managing grounds, outdoor exhibits, or educational green spaces.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

Museums, nonprofits, governments, producers, and other eligible entities in South Dakota can seek funding to enhance the competitiveness of locally produced specialty crops. Grants from South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources support projects that boost specialty crop consumption, improve food safety and pest management, expand production and markets, and advance research and sustainability efforts that museum programming may incorporate.

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 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 Working Here Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, providing funding options tailored to rural community needs. With a focus on agricultural education, hunger relief, and disaster assistance, the program has awarded over $13.5 million since 2013. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with eligibility for organizations demonstrating alignment with FCSAmerica's mission. Priority is given to IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fostering sustainable solutions for local challenges.

The CSA Midwest Region: Otto Thieme Memorial Internship provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in a hands-on curatorial experience with costume collections at Midwestern museums, historical societies, or universities. Awarded a $2000 stipend for an eight-week internship, students will gain valuable mentorship and training in the field of costume. This program honors Otto Charles Thieme, an influential figure in costume scholarship, enhancing students' academic pursuits while fostering appreciation for historic costumes.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Colleges, universities, and research institutions building biomedical research capacity can seek funding to develop statewide research networks in South Dakota and other IDeA states. The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence program from National Institutes of Health supports faculty research, student research experiences, mentoring, and infrastructure that prepare undergraduates for biomedical research careers.

At the heart of our mission is a simple yet profound goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. We are entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for individuals and families across our great state.

NHSC Facility Application

Apply now to become a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) approved site and use your status to recruit, hire, and retain clinicians.

As an NHSC-approved site, eligible clinicians can apply for NHSC Loan Repayment Programs, and you can hire NHSC Scholars or Students to Service participants. Sites can also post job opportunities on the Health Workforce Connector and participate in HRSA Virtual Job Fairs.

To apply, your site must:

• Be an eligible health care facility
• Provide comprehensive primary health care services (medical, oral, or behavioral health)
• Be located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)
• Meet all requirements in the NHSC Site Reference Guide and NHSC Site Agreement

The NHSC New Site Application is only for sites that:

• Have never been NHSC-approved
• Are under new ownership
• Were previously approved, but are now inactive or expired

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.  

The Deadwood Fund Grant, funded by gambling revenue in Deadwood, South Dakota, offers financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for projects aimed at restoring or rehabilitating historic buildings and sites. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations that demonstrate adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Projects must provide public historic preservation benefits and often require a dollar-for-dollar match from non-federal sources, ensuring sustainable use after completion.

PFund Foundation supports LGBTQ+ communities in the Upper Midwest by providing event sponsorship funding for various gatherings, including fundraisers and pride festivals. Organizations eligible for funding must align with the foundation's mission, serve LGBTQ+ individuals, and be registered as 501c3 nonprofit entities. Events must be located within the foundation's service area and be scheduled at least 60 days in advance. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and support.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

Ralph and Doris Wallin Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Minnehaha or Lincoln counties in South Dakota.Multiple scholarships are awarded; This award is renewable for one additional year if requirements are met and if funds are available

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

Kimberly Rose Means — Native American Council of Tribes Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior who is an enrolled member of a South Dakota Native American tribe or a South Dakota tribal member who is returning to school.