Best Community Development Grants in South Dakota

The Aberdeen Area Community Foundation offers grants to support non-profit and charitable organizations in Aberdeen and surrounding areas. These grants focus on economic development, human services, health, education, and cultural programs. Applications are accepted year-round but are reviewed quarterly at monthly meetings in March, June, September, and December. The foundation emphasizes philanthropy and invests in initiatives that enhance the well-being of South Dakota's communities.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in South Dakota provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas. Eligible projects include health care, public safety, educational services, and utility improvements. Rural communities with populations under 20,000 are eligible, with funding assistance scaled based on median household income. This program aims to enhance the quality of life in rural regions by supporting vital services and infrastructure, ensuring they meet community needs effectively.

The Community Innovation Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to support transformative ideas that enhance the lives of people in Minnesota and surrounding areas. These grants foster collaboration among organizations and leaders to develop and spread effective solutions to community challenges. By removing funding caps and focusing on the needs of communities, the program empowers individuals and organizations to create lasting change, ensuring that innovative ideas reach their full potential.

NorthWestern Energy Community Works Grants aim to enhance community well-being in Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The program supports qualified nonprofit organizations with monetary donations focused on education, health services, civic improvement, culture, and resource conservation. Since 2019, over $2.1 million has been contributed towards community projects. Eligible applicants must demonstrate tax-exempt status and proposals should favor funding for programs and physical improvements. National organizations and political activities are generally excluded.

The NorthWestern Energy Impact Analysis Grant Program offers funding for cities, counties, economic development organizations, and non-profits in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Grant applications are simple, requiring a one-page form, with decisions made within 48 hours. The program aims to assess the economic impacts of local businesses and development projects. Circle Analytics will provide detailed reports on the economic footprint, including job creation and community benefits, to support informed decision-making.

South Dakota Statewide Opioid Settlement Funds

The South Dakota Department of Social Services, in coordination with the State Opioid Advisory Committee, has recently expanded the framework for organizations and communities to apply for funding through the Opioid Settlement Abatement funds. The new framework broadens the focus to include the full continuum of opioid remediation, expanding prevention efforts, strengthening treatment options, developing better recovery support, and investing in strategies that reduce relapse. The update also extends beyond individuals with opioid use disorder as a primary diagnosis to include strategies for those who have had limited opioid use, are at risk for opioid use, or have other conditions along with opioid use concerns.

Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program

The South Dakota Opioid Advisory Committee seeks to empower local organizations working to prevent, treat, or reduce the impact of opioid use in South Dakota through investment of available statewide share opioid settlement funds.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis with awards made on a semi-annual basis or on an on-going basis depending on the funding request level.

Awards will be made in any one of three categories depending on the scope and size of the project:

• Resource Grants (up to $5,000)
• Organizational Grants (up to $50,000)
• Transformative Grants (more than $50,000) 

South Dakota Arts Council 

Established in 1966 and funded by the State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) is a state agency serving South Dakotans and their communities through the arts. Recognizing the importance of creativity in the lives of all South Dakotans, the Council makes quality arts accessible throughout the state by providing grants, services and information to artists, arts organizations, schools and the public. The Council is the advisory board to the SDAC staff within the Department of Tourism. Council members are appointed by the Governor.

Interim Grants

Funding for special arts projects or unexpected opportunities. Projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Regular season programming is not funded.

The Interim Grants fund 1) Organizations and 2) Educators.

Organizations 

Funding

• Up to 50% of project costs (max $1,000)
• Dollar-for-dollar match required

Examples of Use

• Special arts activities
• Transportation for K–12 students or individuals with disabilities
• Expert help with programs, administration, or technology
• Professional development for staff or board members
• Other special opportunities may also be considered

The South Dakota Fund Grants provide financial support to non-profit organizations across South Dakota, focusing on culture, economic development, education, and health services. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, with exceptions possible. Applicants must be public, non-profit organizations or partner with a verified fiscal sponsor. The fund encourages community involvement and matching funds to enhance project sustainability and success.

The Rural Business Development Grants in South Dakota provide vital technical assistance and training to small rural businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in gross revenue. The program prioritizes smaller funding requests and offers two types of grants—Opportunity and Enterprise. Funds can support a variety of projects including training, land acquisition, pollution control, and community economic development, thereby fostering growth in rural areas and enhancing local economies.

The Beyond Idea Grants, offered by the South Dakota Community Foundation, aim to support community-based problem solving by providing up to $1.2 million annually to eligible nonprofits. These grants encourage innovative projects that engage and invest in South Dakota communities. They prioritize thoughtful project plans and require applicants to demonstrate capacity for effective execution. The program seeks to empower local leaders while promoting equitable change, ensuring that all projects have community support and are aligned with the Foundation's values.

The Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in communities across Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Priorities include early childhood education, health services for families in need, community development, and environmental sustainability. While the 2025 budget is fully allocated, they encourage applications for 2026, emphasizing collaborative projects that create measurable impacts.

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in South Dakota provide vital support to rural communities facing emergencies affecting safe drinking water. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants, which can reach up to $1 million, assist in constructing water sources and repairing distribution systems. Eligible applicants include public bodies and nonprofit organizations in areas with populations under 10,000, ensuring access to clean water is restored and maintained after disasters.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Sam F. Weller Family Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Mitchell, South Dakota, aimed at enhancing economic development and addressing community issues. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for funding for innovative programs that require startup funds, community studies, and educational initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster social change and improve the effectiveness of local organizations. However, it does not fund ongoing operational support or sectarian purposes.

The Bisexual+ Fund Grant, offered by the PFund Foundation, supports organizations that promote equity for bisexual+ individuals in the upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Grants range from $1,500 to $3,000 for general operating support, aiming to empower bisexual-led initiatives. Applications will open in late fall 2025, and eligible organizations must primarily serve LGBTQ+ populations and demonstrate commitment to bisexual+ communities.

The PRISM Fund Grant, offered by PFund Foundation, aims to enhance equity within LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. It focuses on supporting rural LGBTQ+ organizations through grants, training, and collaboration. The program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by discrimination, such as queer people of color, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ residents of North and South Dakota. By addressing unique regional challenges, the PRISM Fund fosters resilience and connectivity among these underserved populations.

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 Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) offers Project Grants to support nonprofit organizations in presenting arts activities that serve the public. These grants aim to enhance community well-being through the arts, promote cultural engagement, and foster innovation. Eligible applicants include South Dakota nonprofit organizations designated as federally tax-exempt. The SDAC prioritizes projects that employ local artists, reach diverse audiences, and contribute to the state's cultural landscape. Funding is not available for capital improvements or projects already completed.

 Parkston Area Foundation 

The Parkston Area Foundation (PAF) is a tax-exempt organization developed in 2004. Our mission is to promote philanthropy and support a wide range of social, economic, and charitable needs in the greater Parkston area.

The purpose of the PAF Board is to raise funds to create a community savings account which will grow and benefit the communities of Dimock, Milltown, Hillside, and Parkston. The funds are deposited with the South Dakota Community Foundation which invests the dollars and annually returns earned interest to the PAF for grant distributions. The Parkston Area Foundation has been annually awarding grants to support the community since 2007.

Grants

Since 2007, the Parkston Area Foundation has combined efforts with the Opie R. Benson and Helen A. Benson Community Improvement Foundation as well as the Avera St. Benedict Foundation in awarding grants every year. In 2007, the three foundations pooled monies and granted a total of $10,000 in funds. Since 2008, the foundations have continued to work together giving out grants each year, but have since each designated specific amounts to recipients.

Parkston Area Foundation Grant

Qualification

Purpose of the project should fulfill a community need and should involve a tangible and measurable means of evaluation.

Volunteerism

Projects that involve significant and continuous community volunteer support will be favorably considered.

Innovation

The Parkston Area Foundation (PAF) funds ongoing, well-established projects as well as innovative projects designed to address existing community needs in innovative ways.

Discrimination

Applications from persons and/or agencies offering services exclusively to one gender, age group, or race will be closely scrutinized for discriminatory practices. Funding will be based on the needs of the individuals being served.

Continued Funding

No guarantee of continued funding will be communicated until subsequent grant applications are reviewed. However, once initiated under foundation funding, projects with a good track record will be considered favorably in subsequent grant decisions. No more than three years of sequential grant funding shall be awarded to any one grantee for the same purpose.

Challenge Grants

The PAF encourages matching funds from all grant applicants. When the board perceives the need for more local involvement and support of a given project, it may issue challenge grants in any proportion. Funding may be contingent upon acquisition of the required matching money. There may be times when the PAF perceives a need in the community currently not being met. The board then may issue a challenge grant to the community or request a proposal to address that particular need.

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.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Beresford Area Foundation Grant

The Beresford Area Foundation (BAF) promotes philanthropy and invests in a wide range of programs that contribute to our community's social, health, economic and well-being. Beresford Area Foundation’s annual grant program is made possible by generous donors who have contributed general and area-of-interest gifts which allow us to respond to community needs, changing opportunities and challenges. Beresford Area Foundation is an agent of the South Dakota Community Foundation.

Grant Program Objectives

Beresford Area Foundation strives to support a broad spectrum of programs and projects through nonprofit organizations that focus on emerging community needs, arts and culture, education, health and human services, economic development, historical significance, and community and civic engagement. BAF grant funds will NOT be awarded to subsidize normal operating expenses, elimination of budget deficit, annual fund drives, and capital campaigns. The foundation will not continually support the same project. BAF funds ongoing and established programs as well as innovative projects that address existing community needs. Grant funds may only be used for the purpose stated on the application.

The Language Legacies Grants, offered by the Endangered Language Fund, aim to support endangered language documentation and revitalization efforts. Projects that benefit both the native community and the field of linguistics are prioritized. Eligible applicants include language activists and researchers, with a focus on languages at risk of disappearing. Grants typically range around $2,000, and proposals can be submitted in English or Spanish, fostering a broad spectrum of linguistic preservation initiatives.

Behavioral Health Services

Strengthening and supporting children and adults with behavioral health needs. The goal of the continuum of behavioral health services is to foster independent and healthy individuals and families in South Dakota.

The Division of Behavioral Health provides oversight of the publicly funded behavioral health system and supports individuals of all ages with behavioral health needs. The mission of the Division of Behavioral Health is to support quality clinical treatment, recovery supports, prevention and crisis services with integrity to obtain positive outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)

The Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health, is requesting applications from eligible behavioral health organizations to provide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services for the State of South Dakota. The purpose of this application is to select a cohort of clinics intending to pursue provisional state-level CCBHC certification as soon as December 2027. Successful applicants will be required to meet CCBHC readiness criteria as defined by DBH and complete all required activities of the cohort beginning June 1, 2026. Organizations selected to participate in the 2026 CCBHC Provider Cohort will have access to funding opportunities to support the development, expansion, and sustainability planning of CCBHC-aligned service delivery in any of the nine core service delivery areas:

Crisis Behavioral Health Services

Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis

Person- and Family-Centered Treatment Planning

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Outpatient Clinic Primary Care Screening and Monitoring

Targeted Care Management Services

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services

Peer Supports, Peer Counseling, and Family/Caregiver Supports

Community-Based Mental Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans

In addition to service delivery expansion, funding is available for the selected cohort to support organizational readiness and capacity building across any of the following goal areas for CCBHC implementation.

Goals for the CCBHC implementation efforts in South Dakota include:

• Develop the capacity to ensure compliance with all aspects of CCBHC Certification Criteria to include service provision either directly or through a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO).
• Develop data system capacity and Electronic Health Record (EHR) interoperability to meet the data collection and reporting requirements for the CCBHC program.
• Develop financial system capacity to produce necessary cost reports to establish CCBHC Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates, and meet billing, claims encounter data, and cost reporting requirements.
• Achieve provisional and subsequent full CCBHC Certification through the State of South Dakota of at least one CCBHC in each behavioral health region by December 2030.

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.

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to empower grassroots and Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. This initiative provides responsive grants of $50,000 and $100,000 to support community leadership, healing, and cultural revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the program seeks to address the unique needs of Native communities while promoting accessible philanthropy and sustainable growth.