Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in South Dakota

Dentists seeking incentive support to practice in rural South Dakota can receive US $256,840 for three years of full-time general or pediatric dental service in eligible communities. South Dakota Department of Health provides this funding, with payments shared between the state and employing facility based on community size; educators who are licensed dentists may benefit.

South Dakota community organizations and youth-focused groups working on tobacco prevention and cessation can receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support local programs. South Dakota Department of Health provides South Dakota health and youth services organizations with funding to implement the state tobacco control plan, foster community collaboration, and promote long-term, tobacco-free lifestyles that may complement educator-led health initiatives.

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 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.

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.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

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 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 Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

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 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.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

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.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

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.

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 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 FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Community Innovation Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to support transformative ideas that enhance the lives of people in Minnesota and surrounding areas. These grants foster collaboration among organizations and leaders to develop and spread effective solutions to community challenges. By removing funding caps and focusing on the needs of communities, the program empowers individuals and organizations to create lasting change, ensuring that innovative ideas reach their full potential.

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.

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.

The Safeway Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Denver, focusing on health, hunger, education, veterans, and diversity. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000 for first-time applicants, with higher amounts available for established organizations. Eligibility requires a valid 501(c)(3) designation and a commitment to serving the local community. The Foundation does not fund individuals, political or religious organizations, or fundraising events. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with an 8-week response time.

The Sioux Falls Area Retired Teachers Scholarship supports current college students pursuing degrees in education. Funded by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, this scholarship promotes educational growth and community involvement. Eligible applicants must be full-time students entering their third or fourth year at an accredited South Dakota college, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrate commitment to the teaching profession. The scholarship is renewable for a fourth year if requirements are met and funds are available.

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 Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The Partnership Fund Grant by the Bush Foundation is designed for unique funding needs that do not align with existing programs. It aims to address pressing community challenges in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native nations. This fund facilitates collaboration with other funders, attracts additional resources, and provides seed funding for initiatives that resonate with the foundation's strategic values, ensuring impactful community development.

4-H Club Foundation of Tripp County

This application qualifies members of the 4-H Club Foundation of Tripp County Scholarship and the Harold & Twila Zink Scholarship. The number and amount of the scholarship are based on applicants and merit.

To provide financial support to current and past students of the Tripp County area pursuing post-secondary education at a South Dakota institute with preference given to participants in Tripp County 4-H.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.