Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in South Dakota

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 Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students with epilepsy. This scholarship is open to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, who are high school seniors or current college students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in accredited institutions. The program reflects a commitment to accessibility and support for underrepresented students.

The South Dakota Department of Health offers Civil Money Penalty (CMP) funds to enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents. These funds are derived from penalties imposed on facilities not meeting Medicare and Medicaid standards. Eligible projects include support for residents during facility closures, relocation assistance, and initiatives that promote resident and family engagement in care quality. The program aims to reinvest CMP revenues to benefit vulnerable populations in the state.

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. 

Our Work:

The Citi Foundation commits $20 million to help nonprofit housing developers overcome financial and operational barriers to building and preserving affordable housing in the U.S.

Apply for Funding

Citi Foundation primarily provides funding through open Requests for Proposals (RFP). This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Each RFP launched is accompanied by detailed information on goals, selection criteria and relevant application deadlines.

Housing Affordability

Citi's Blueprint for Housing Opportunity

Recognized as the number one affordable housing lender in the U.S. by Affordable Housing Finance magazine, Citi knows increasing supply is essential to addressing housing affordability — one of the defining economic challenges of our time. That’s why we are putting our capital, community impact and expertise toward helping more Americans access housing they can truly afford.

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 Tobacco Youth & Community Engagement RFA (SD) aims to empower youth and their communities to combat tobacco use, including e-cigarettes. This initiative supports evidence-based prevention and cessation strategies tailored for individuals under 24 years old. Funded by the South Dakota Department of Health, this grant provides between $5,000 and $25,000 to applicants dedicated to fostering healthy environments and reducing tobacco-related harm among young populations.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Tobacco Prevention & Cessation RFA aims to support community-driven initiatives that promote tobacco-free lifestyles in South Dakota. With a focus on collaboration among local organizations, this funding opportunity seeks to implement strategies outlined in the SD-TCP State Plan, which emphasizes long-term changes to reduce tobacco-related health issues. By fostering partnerships and investing in impactful projects, the RFA is dedicated to decreasing the prevalence of tobacco use and its associated harms in the state.

The MRC/SOT Early Career Toxicologist Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes an outstanding Midwest toxicologist with up to 10 years of experience. This prestigious award honors candidates actively contributing to the field or recently retired, showcasing their unique research achievements and teaching proficiency. Winners receive an engraved plaque and an honorarium, celebrating their commitment to advancing toxicology and enhancing human, animal, and environmental health.

South Dakota Department of Health

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) strives to promote, protect, and improve the health of all South Dakotans with information, licensing, and more.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment Funding

The South Dakota Department of Health is pleased to announce a funding opportunity, the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment funding. This funding opportunity is intended to support strategies that have a focus on prevention, treatment and/or management of cardiovascular disease. The facilities awarded funding through this opportunity will receive funds and technical assistance to create and expand sustainable programs to help link resources that support self-management and lifestyle changes to address those at increased risk for CVD with a focus on hypertension management.

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program (HDSPP) is offering funding to meet one or both of the following priorities: Priority 1: Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Program; and Priority 2: Care Coordination Program.

Priority 1: Self-Measured Blood pressure (SMBP) Program

Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Program supports the implementation and expansion of Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring programs through partnerships with local healthcare facilities and clinics. These programs are designed to help individuals with hypertension manage their condition effectively by monitoring their blood pressure at home in conjunction with clinical support.

The Bush Fellowship empowers individuals across various sectors to amplify their leadership and drive community change. Offering up to $150,000 over two years, it supports personal growth and networking for selected Fellows. Applicants must be at least 24 years old and residents of specific states or Native nations. The program is competitive, with over 600 applications in recent years. It emphasizes equitable leadership and a commitment to making impactful changes within communities.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

David Kranz - Argus Leader Media Journalism Scholarship

Scholarship award up to $5,000.

To provide financial support to journalism students.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

Alfred & Julia Bucher Education Trust

To provide financial support to graduates of Hyde and Hand counties attending a South Dakota institution of higher learning or the seminary.

The Bush Prize: Native Nations honors Native-led organizations committed to innovative solutions in their communities. Grants can reach up to $500,000, covering 25% of the organization’s previous fiscal year expenses. This annual award emphasizes collaboration and resourcefulness, supporting entities that are deeply valued in their communities and have proven success in addressing challenges. The program, a partnership with four community grant partners, aims to empower organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native Nations.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

About Us

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?

Supporting Area Students

We’re proud to award more than 70 competitive scholarships to deserving students each year. 

Whether you’re preparing to graduate from high school, wrapping up a general equivalency diploma, or working toward your undergraduate or graduate degree, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation is proud to partner with passionate donors to administer a wide variety of competitive scholarships to help you achieve your educational goals.

Siouxland Chapter CFMA Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors of high schools in South Dakota.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.