Best Grants for BIPOC in South Dakota

The NCP Open Road Fund is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Black individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota by providing $50 million in grants. This fund focuses on fostering financial well-being, economic power, education, housing, and health. By supporting projects that enhance wealth creation and community healing, the fund aims to create sustainable pathways for Black families and individuals to thrive and build intergenerational wealth.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The SDAC Excursion Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota organizations for transportation costs related to taking K-12 students and individuals with disabilities to arts programs in other towns. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and educational institutions. Grants cover up to 50% of transportation costs, whether using private vehicles or alternative transport. Each excursion must involve at least eight participants and may qualify for funding even if the event is local in special circumstances.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Oahe Racers Association Scholarship, managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation, is designed to support graduates of any South Dakota high school pursuing a degree in automotive. This scholarship prioritizes first-year students but allows second-year students to apply by specifying their status at a technical college. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship aims to ease the educational burdens for students in the automotive field.

CSA Midwest Region: Beth Dunlap Award

 The Midwestern Region presents The Beth Dunlap Award at the Regional Symposium. The award will be offered to a person who has made contributions worthy of the highest commendation and the achievements will have continued importance. Beth Dunlap was one of the founding members of the Midwestern Region. A fashion illustrator and artist, she passed away in 2009.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

The South Dakota Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides federal funding to assist states in developing and maintaining recreational trails for diverse uses, including biking, hiking, and off-road vehicle activities. By offering up to 80% reimbursement for trail projects, the program aims to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement in trail management.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Shooting Range Grant Program, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, aims to enhance public shooting opportunities by funding non-profit organizations to develop and improve firearms and archery ranges. This competitive grant is supported by the Pittman-Robertson Program, which relies on federal excise taxes on shooting equipment. Eligible applicants must provide documentation such as a Unique Entity Identifier and a detailed project proposal, ensuring that enhancements are completed within 12 months of grant approval.

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 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.

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.

Tripp County Water User District - Lawrence Wagner Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Tripp County area.

The Nonprofit Savings Account Challenge Grants, offered by the South Dakota Community Foundation, aim to strengthen local nonprofits by encouraging donations to new or existing endowment funds. For every $4 raised, organizations receive a $1 match, up to $20,000, incentivizing fundraising efforts. This initiative underscores the importance of consistent funding for nonprofits, ensuring their sustainability and impact within the community. Organizations must raise $80,000 within two years to fully qualify for the matching funds.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

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 Gil Gabanski Student Scholarship, provided by the MGWA Foundation, offers multiple $2,000 awards for undergraduate and graduate students studying at accredited institutions in Minnesota and nearby areas. This scholarship aims to ease educational expenses and foster interest in groundwater-related careers, including hydrogeology and groundwater geology. It also promotes mentorship opportunities for early-career students, honoring Gil Gabanski's legacy in the geosciences community.

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.

Build Dakota Scholarship Fund

The Build Dakota Scholarship was created to help South Dakota train more skilled workers and fill the labor gap. It all began in 2015, when state leaders built a program that uses the state’s technical colleges to address South Dakota’s workforce gap.

Build Dakota is a scholarship program created for skilled scholars entering high-demand programs at South Dakota technical colleges. And it allows you to earn your degree for free.

Scholarship Details & Student Commitment

If you receive a Build Dakota Scholarship, you’re one step closer to a successful future. And you’ll be able to get there faster and debt-free, as the scholarships will support tuition, fees, books and other required program expenses in the eligible technical college programs. Accepting the scholarship means you agree to:

• Enroll full-time in a high-need industry program at a South Dakota technical college (Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Southeast Technical College, or Western Dakota Technical College).
• Following graduation, work full-time in your field of study for a minimum of three years in South Dakota.
• Students who graduate from South Dakota technical colleges have a 98-100% placement rate.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Independent Insurance Agents of Sioux Falls Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of a Sioux Falls public or private high school.