Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in South Dakota

The South Dakota Space Grant Consortium offers Research Experience for Teachers fellowships aimed at enhancing STEM education. This program provides secondary teachers with hands-on research opportunities at local universities or laboratories, enabling them to enrich their teaching practices. With a focus on inclusion, especially for under-represented groups, the initiative seeks to foster skills that will contribute to the future workforce in science and engineering fields. Each fellowship is valued at $8000, supporting teachers' professional growth.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Sam F. Weller Family Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Mitchell, South Dakota, aimed at enhancing economic development and addressing community issues. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for funding for innovative programs that require startup funds, community studies, and educational initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster social change and improve the effectiveness of local organizations. However, it does not fund ongoing operational support or sectarian purposes.

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 FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

Black individuals age 14+ in South Dakota seeking support for financial wellbeing, education, housing, health, or economic power projects can apply for Nexus Community Partners’ Open Road Fund, with awards of approximately US $50,000. Focused on wealth-building, Nexus Community Partners invites eligible South Dakota residents to pursue education and other pathways that strengthen long-term prosperity.

Undergraduate and master’s students in geological fields conducting thesis-related sedimentology research in South Dakota or other Rocky Mountain states can apply for the Edwin D. McKee Grant, awarding US $2,000 for research expenses. Offered by the Society for Sedimentary Geology, applicants must be enrolled at a U.S. university.

Graduate geology students researching fluvial sedimentology in South Dakota or nearby states can apply for the RMS-SEPM Fluvial Sedimentology Research Grant, awarding US $2,000 for research expenses. Eligible applicants must be Master’s or Ph.D. candidates at U.S. universities attending school or conducting research in specified Rocky Mountain region states.

South Dakota-based organizations working to prevent, treat, or reduce the impact of opioid use can seek funding for education, training, treatment, and recovery support projects. South Dakota Department of Social Services supports addiction and substance use disorder initiatives statewide, including community education events, provider training, relapse prevention supports, and innovative services that address system gaps and improve care.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The MDU Resources Foundation seeks to enhance community well-being through grants to qualified organizations. Established in 1983, the foundation primarily funds health, education, civic, cultural, and environmental projects. It prioritizes local initiatives and encourages applications for new programming that addresses unmet needs. Organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible. The foundation does not support requests from individuals or for endowment funds, focusing instead on charitable contributions that directly benefit the community.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

PFund Foundation supports LGBTQ+ communities in the Upper Midwest by providing event sponsorship funding for various gatherings, including fundraisers and pride festivals. Organizations eligible for funding must align with the foundation's mission, serve LGBTQ+ individuals, and be registered as 501c3 nonprofit entities. Events must be located within the foundation's service area and be scheduled at least 60 days in advance. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and support.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

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.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in South Dakota can receive up to US $5,000 to support urban and community forestry projects, including tree planting, maintenance, education, and demonstration efforts. South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources provides these matching grants, which may benefit schools and educators involved in community-based environmental or forestry education.

The SD Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a federal initiative designed to enhance conservation efforts on private agricultural lands. By providing technical and financial assistance, CSP helps producers improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat while maintaining agricultural productivity. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices, ensuring long-term sustainability. With a focus on tailored conservation plans, CSP addresses various resource concerns, promoting resilience against climate impacts and market fluctuations.

Agricultural producers, nonprofits, government entities, and research institutions in South Dakota can apply for the Specialty Crop Block Grant to enhance specialty crop production, marketing, safety, and sustainability, with awards up to US $325,000. Grants from South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources help projects that may intersect with educator-led agricultural training or continuing education efforts.

The René M. Vandervelde Research Grant, offered by the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, provides $1000 annually to support students and researchers in marine paleontology, geology, or stratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous Pierre and Bearpaw Shales in North America. Established in 2007 with the support of Korite® International, the grant aims to promote scientific research and publications about the unique fauna and flora found in these geological deposits.