Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in South Dakota

The NLSOT Postdoctoral Travel Award aims to support postdoctoral researchers from the Northland SOT region by covering travel costs to the national SOT Annual Meeting. This initiative encourages their participation in chapter activities, fostering professional development and collaboration. Eligible expenses include meeting registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals, making it a valuable opportunity for emerging scientists to engage with the broader toxicology community.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

U.S. and Canadian 501(c)(3) nonprofits that breed, raise, and train assistance dogs for veterans or individuals with disabilities can apply for Patterson Dental Foundation’s Assistance Dog Program Grants, with awards up to US $35,000 for capital projects, staff, puppy-raising, and program support. South Dakota education-focused organizations that also run qualifying service animal programs may be eligible.

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.

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 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.

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.

Educators 

Funding

• Up to $1,000 for project costs
• No match required
• The teacher is the applicant, not the school. Funds are paid directly to the teacher.

Examples of Use

• Classroom supplies
• Teacher workshops or conferences
• Creating arts curriculum
• Guest artists in the classroom
• Student field trips to unique arts events
• Technology for arts learning
• Other special opportunities may also be considered

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Midwest Region Student Travel Award

Each year, CSA travel funding in an amount up to $750 is available for a Midwest Region Student Member to present at the National Symposium of The Costume Society of America. Awards may be distributed among multiple student members.

The SDAC Professional Development Grant, offered by the South Dakota Arts Council, supports K-12 arts teachers through funding for attendance at professional development activities. Grants up to $500 may cover 50% of costs related to registration, travel, and lodging. Eligible applicants must represent their organization and can apply only once per fiscal year. The grant aims to enhance arts education quality and community engagement while requiring a strong commitment to budget and project description.

The SDAC Technical Assistance Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota nonprofit arts organizations for specialized consultation on technical, programmatic, and administrative issues. This funding supports 50% of the consultant's fees and related expenses, ensuring organizations have access to expertise not available in-house. Eligible applicants must provide a clear description of their needs, the qualifications of their chosen consultant, and a budget demonstrating a realistic cash match. Notably, colleges and universities are ineligible for this grant.

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 SDAC Arts Opportunity Grant supports organizations in presenting unique arts activities that arise unexpectedly within the grant year. This interim grant assists those unable to meet regular deadlines, funding one-time events outside of the organization's usual activities. Applicants must demonstrate a dollar-for-dollar match and provide a detailed project description, emphasizing community impact and support needs. This grant is primarily for non-current SDAC grant recipients, ensuring diverse opportunities for artistic engagement.

The Touring Arts Sponsor Grant Program, managed by the South Dakota Arts Council, aims to enhance the accessibility of quality arts programming across schools and communities in South Dakota. This initiative provides matching funds up to 50% of the program costs to eligible nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. It fosters cultural enrichment by facilitating diverse artistic engagements, ensuring that the arts are available in every region of the state.

Higher education institutions building biomedical research capacity in South Dakota and other IDeA states can seek funding to develop statewide research networks, support faculty and student research, and enhance research infrastructure. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports biology and health-focused collaborations that may benefit teacher-led undergraduate research and mentoring activities.

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.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

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.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

The MCDARF Mini-Grants provide funding of less than $1,000 for small projects that promote historical interest, education, and genealogy. Ideal applicants should focus on enhancing local museums, supporting historical events, and fostering patriotism through various programs. The grants encourage community involvement and require matching contributions from other sources. However, applications for student scholarships and funding for capital campaigns are not accepted. These grants aim to make a meaningful impact on American heritage.

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 Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

Youth corps and tribal-serving organizations in South Dakota can apply for US $30,000 - US $220,000 to run conservation and stewardship projects on public lands, including hands-on youth workforce experiences. US Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management supports environmental education, habitat restoration, cultural resource preservation, and wildfire risk reduction through these Youth Conservation Corps projects.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.