Best South Dakota Grants for Nonprofits

The USGS is providing funding for research focused on developing and testing passive ichthyoplankton samplers to capture invasive carp eggs and larvae in rivers. This initiative aims to facilitate early detection of invasive carp species in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins, essential for managing their spread and protecting uninvaded waters. Effective technologies are critical for state and federal agencies to assess reproductive evidence and control invasive populations.

South Dakota NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conference offices can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships. Awards of US $30,000 support intern salary plus US $3,000 for professional development, advancing ethnic minority and women’s representation in areas like compliance, budgeting, and student-athlete welfare.

This project aims to develop a robust method for correcting solution chemistry interferences in electrochemical sensor measurements of complex environmental water matrices. By employing a ratiometric comparison approach, it seeks to enhance the detection of harmful contaminants like PFAS in drinking water. This initiative aligns with the priority of safeguarding public health through early detection and informed decision-making, ultimately ensuring access to safe, clean drinking water for communities.

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.

Mansour Karim Scholarship

To provide financial support for nursing students attending Capital University Center in Pierre, SD.

Dentists licensed in South Dakota who commit to three years of full-time general or pediatric practice in an eligible rural community can receive incentive payments through the Recruitment Assistance Program. South Dakota Department of Health provides South Dakota dental professionals with US $256,840, cost-shared between the state and employing community based on community size.

South Dakota nonprofits and community organizations focused on youth tobacco prevention and cessation can receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 to advance local programs in South Dakota. South Dakota Department of Health provides South Dakota public health groups with support to implement the state tobacco control plan, foster collaboration, and promote long-term, tobacco-free community change.

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.

The South Dakota Jobs Grant program provides financial assistance to companies for the upfront costs of relocating, expanding operations, or upgrading equipment within the state. Eligible applicants include businesses with project costs under $20 million for new facilities and $2 million for equipment upgrades. The program aims to support projects that demonstrate a clear necessity for the grant, ensuring economic growth and development in South Dakota.

Universities and research institutions building biomedical research capacity in South Dakota and other eligible IDeA states can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to develop statewide research networks. Grants support faculty research, student research participation, mentoring, and institutional research infrastructure, helping undergraduate students progress into biomedical research careers.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The South Dakota Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides essential funding for various community development needs, including water infrastructure and workforce training. Local governments are encouraged to collaborate with planning districts to identify projects and apply for funding. The program allocates funds across three accounts: Community Projects, Special Projects, and Urgent Needs, each targeting specific community challenges. Eligible projects must align with state objectives, emphasizing economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

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 South Dakota Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program supports community projects that enhance infrastructure and job opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. Applications for Special Projects are accepted year-round until funding is exhausted or by December 31. Local governments are encouraged to collaborate with regional planning districts to identify viable projects. With various funding accounts, the program aims to address urgent community needs and promote economic development.

The South Dakota Community Development Block Grants for Urgent Need provide essential funding for local governments to address pressing community issues. This rolling application program, managed by the Governor's Office of Economic Development, focuses on enhancing infrastructure and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible projects aim to improve public health and safety, while fostering economic opportunities through job creation. Applications are continually accepted until funds are fully allocated or the year ends.

The SD Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to protect agricultural viability and conservation values by restricting non-agricultural land uses. It includes Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) that assist landowners in preserving croplands and grasslands, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) which focus on restoring degraded wetlands. The program also offers the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to enhance wetland protection efforts in collaboration with eligible partners.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research. 

Distinguished Contribution Award

The purpose of the Distinguished Contribution Award is to recognize the scientific contribution of a member who has conducted or promoted research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

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.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research. 

Harriet H. Werley New Investigator Award

The purpose of the Harriet H. Werley New Investigator Award is to recognize the scientific contribution of a new investigator who has conducted nursing research that has the potential to enhance the science and practice of nursing.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an MNRS member who has demonstrated sustained influential leadership and service to the organization, such as chairing committees, organizing annual conference activities, or serving on the Board of Directors. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in South Dakota can seek funding for land and habitat conservation, access, and wildlife management projects. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $50,000 support habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, and hunting heritage through collaborative, long-term conservation efforts.

Inez Taylor Walter Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school graduates in South Dakota pursuing a degree in nursing.

This scholarship was established by Harley Taylor in memory of his sister, Inez Walter who was from the Ipswich, SD area.

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.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an MNRS member who has significantly advanced the profession of nursing either through an extensive program of research or creation of environments where research can flourish, and whose sustained leadership and distinguished career yielded outstanding and noteworthy accomplishments. 

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award

The purpose of the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award is to recognize the contribution of a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to advance equitable health outcomes and reduce health disparities through research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.  

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.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - South Dakota

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.