Best Grants for Children in South Dakota

South Dakota youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive in-kind donations such as items for fundraising events, especially those connected to youth baseball and softball programs. Minnesota Twins Community Fund provides support to organizations within its five-state region that submit online requests at least six weeks before their event.

Youth Tobacco Prevention Mini Funding

The Youth Tobacco Prevention Mini Funding RFA is designed to provide funds to schools and organizations that work with youth to implement tobacco control education activities, curriculums, and cultural educational opportunities into their school, organization, and/or community. Funding maximum is $5,000.

Background

The South Dakota Tobacco Control Program (SD-TCP) has been providing youth focused prevention effort opportunities to schools for over a decade. According to the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey, the most common age for youth to try an e-cigarette was 11 years old, while over half of middle school students reported ever trying a cigarette at age 11 or younger.1 The Centers for Disease Control also states that 9 out of 10 adult tobacco users tried their first product before the age of 18.2 In an effort to combat these trends, the SD-TCP has created a Youth Tobacco Prevention Toolkit to support schools and local organizations that work with youth, to learn and implement activities to educate youth and their peers.

South Dakota youth-serving and community organizations working on tobacco prevention and cessation can receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 to advance local programs. South Dakota Department of Health provides South Dakota youth services with support to implement the state tobacco control plan, foster collaboration, and promote long-term, tobacco-free lifestyles for children and adolescents.

Youth-serving conservation and workforce programs in South Dakota and other eligible Western states can access funding for natural and cultural resource projects, including trail work, habitat restoration, and education. The Bureau of Land Management partners with qualified youth corps to employ participants ages 16–30 and veterans up to 35 on hands-on public lands stewardship projects, including tribal youth initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools serving children and youth in South Dakota can seek funding for youth services, education, health, hunger, and inclusion programs. The Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Safeway Foundation Denver Grants provide US $500 - US $5,000, with quarterly deadlines, for programs benefiting communities near its stores across CO, WY, NE, NM, and SD.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

South Dakota organizations serving children’s health, youth services, or child welfare can access funding through BioMarin to support patient care, access to healthcare, advocacy, civic projects, disaster relief, and related programs. Eligible applicants include hospitals, community health centers, patient advocacy groups, community projects, registered charities, universities, and accredited medical education providers across North America.

Nonprofit organizations serving teens and young adults in South Dakota can seek funding to support mental health and well-being programs through the AE Foundation Community Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Grants from AE Foundation help U.S. and Canadian 501(c)(3)s and registered charities run local projects that empower youth authenticity and healthier futures.

South Dakota youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, governments, and religious organizations with an existing agency endowment at Black Hills Area Community Foundation can seek $20,000 for programs or projects. Eligible work includes youth and family services, education, housing, food security, and related community initiatives in Butte, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Meade, Oglala Lakota, or Pennington counties.

Nonprofit charitable organizations supporting children and young adults’ health, education, housing, or disability services can apply for project-focused funding from the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation; funds must stay in the U.S., including South Dakota. Grants must show direct, measurable impact for beneficiaries within nine months and cannot be used for administration, salaries, or event underwriting.

South Dakota youth organizations and schools working on food access, nutrition education, and Indigenous food justice can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory. This national prize supports U.S. nonprofits, Tribes, and school districts with up to US $100,000 for community-driven programs helping kids learn about healthy food and eat nutritious, culturally relevant school meals.

South Dakota youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches can access funding for education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, health, and arts programs. The Joan M Wismer Foundation offers US $2,500 - US $25,000 to support projects that enrich the lives of children and youth, with preference for proposals showing sustainable funding plans.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting underserved youth, offenders or former offenders, and victims of crime can seek program funding in South Dakota and nationwide. CoreCivic Foundation supports youth services, reentry services, and crime victim services by providing grants to charities that align with its mission and can demonstrate measurable outcomes.

U.S.-based nonprofits supporting youth, Indigenous communities, or regenerative agriculture projects that address climate change, justice, or future visions may be eligible for $200 to $20,000 in funding, including work in South Dakota. Earth Rising Foundation backs bold, bottom-up climate action, including youth climate activism and climate equity initiatives impacting children and young people.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting pediatric cardiology, lipid, transplant research or youth-focused social enhancement programs can apply for the Robert B McMillen Foundation’s annual grants, including those based in South Dakota. Eligible projects especially benefit children or disadvantaged youth, with priority for efforts advancing equity and, optionally, using the arts to drive social change.

South Dakota youth and children’s nonprofits can receive support for education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries that improve young people’s welfare and quality of life. Edward & Wanda Jordan Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with voluntary grants, so South Dakota programs serving children and youth may be eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and single-purpose charitable entities in South Dakota can apply for Rotary Works Foundation grants of US $500 - US $5,000 to support projects for children, youth, and families. Programs that actively involve Rotarians may be especially competitive and must report outcomes after completion.

Nonprofit organizations focused on youth, arts, education, community services, or food and agriculture programs, including those serving children in South Dakota, may be eligible for funding to support their missions. Focused on youth services, J R Simplot Company Foundation invites U.S. nonprofits to apply for quarterly-reviewed grants benefiting communities and young people.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children’s education access, domestic violence prevention and survivor support, or physical and mental health challenges may be eligible for project funding, including in South Dakota. Grants from Mildred's Dream Foundation provide up to US $25,000, primarily for specific programs, with limited support for related operating and staff costs.

South Dakota youth and college-age students interested in exploring the legal field can access funding and a seven-week paid fellowship experience through the Josh Dubin Fellowship. Offered by the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund, this program supports current SCF scholars with legal research, case analysis, mentorship, site visits, and additional scholarship assistance for undergraduate educational expenses.

Nonprofit organizations running youth-focused programs and projects, especially those with strong volunteer engagement, may be eligible for funding that benefits children and youth; priority is given to Whatcom County initiatives. Chuckanut Health Foundation’s Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation supports projects that reach many people and encourages applicants to seek matching funds and provide brief proposals.

The Dr. Chao-ying & Sue Wu Early Learning Scholarship, established by the Chuckanut Health Foundation in 2022, honors the vital contributions of Dr. Chao-ying and Sue Wu to the health and education of Whatcom youth. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for local students pursuing careers in early learning, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to investing in community potential and fostering opportunities for future generations.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant for Read for Success empowers local organizations to enhance literacy by providing matching funds for books and resources. Since 1966, RIF has partnered with communities to foster a culture of reading among children in need, offering diverse books that reflect their lives. This grant matches local investments dollar-for-dollar, maximizing the impact of funding for educational programs. Eligible applicants include schools and youth-serving organizations across the U.S., supporting children from birth through grade 12.

The Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes GYSD Grant supports youth-led projects for Youth Service Month and Global Youth Service Day. Open to U.S. and Canadian youth aged 5-25, grants of $250 or $500 are available, depending on volunteer engagement. Projects should address community needs and foster inclusivity among diverse youth volunteers. Successful applications will partner with local organizations and focus on relationship-building. A total of $50,000 in grants will be awarded, encouraging meaningful community service.

The Zera Foundation Grant, established in 2011, supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon aimed at enhancing quality of life. With a focus on poverty, youth, animals, and Jewish-based initiatives, the Foundation seeks to fund new programs that help existing organizations achieve their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and can only receive one grant per year, ensuring a concentrated impact in their communities.

The JUF Springboard Access Grant aims to make Jewish programming more accessible for teens in grades 8-12 in the Chicago area. This grant covers up to 50% of the tuition costs for first-time participants in multi-day programs organized by approved Jewish nonprofits. It encourages teens to engage with their community and explore new interests while ensuring financial barriers are lowered. Eligible teens are expected to share their experiences with the organization after participating.