Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

The RFA-FD-23-001 funding opportunity aims to support clinical trials for orphan products targeting rare diseases. It focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of treatments to address unmet medical needs. By promoting innovative and collaborative trial designs, the FDA seeks to enhance the approval rates of effective therapies for rare conditions, ultimately benefiting patients and advancing drug development in this critical area.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the development of medical products in rare diseases through innovative natural history studies. By generating high-quality data, the FDA seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and eliminate barriers in rare disease research. The initiative focuses on diseases with unmet needs, fostering significant impacts for those affected and facilitating the development of effective therapeutic solutions.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Program for Adult Care Excellence (PACE) aims to enhance adult care for cystic fibrosis patients by recruiting and training physicians. With an increasing life expectancy for CF patients, the program addresses the need for specialized adult caregivers. Physicians can apply for funding up to $38,435 per year for three years, enabling them to develop expertise in adult CF care. This initiative supports both the medical community and the CF population significantly.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

William C. Armstrong Scholarship

Applicant must be a citizen and resident of Henderson County and a graduate of a Henderson County high school. Applicant must demonstrate financial need to attend a post-high school institution. 

The schlarship is renewable.

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

The BJA FY 2026 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, local, and tribal governments in providing residential substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals. This funding opportunity supports evidence-based treatment, aids in reintegration into society, and promotes continuity of care through community-based recovery services, ultimately improving outcomes for those with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research on Gender Dysphoria and Violent Crime funding opportunity aims to support crucial research exploring the connections between gender dysphoria and violent behavior. This initiative seeks to fill gaps in empirical evidence, focusing on aspects such as prevalence rates of violent crime, post-conviction analyses, and the impact of comorbidities on violence. Researchers are encouraged to conduct retrospective data analyses to better understand these complex relationships and inform future treatment and intervention strategies.

The Kelley Hritz Memorial Arts Scholarship, established in memory of Kelley Hritz, supports high school seniors from Elk, McKean, and Cameron Counties, as well as Chestnut Ridge High School, pursuing post-secondary education in an art-related field. Applicants must be active in school and community activities and submit two pieces of artwork. This scholarship, valued at $1,000 annually, aims to inspire future artists to create and share their passion for the arts.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Response & Emergency Needs Fund

The NAFC Response & Emergency Needs Fund is designed to address urgent and unforeseen challenges that threaten operations or patient access to care within NAFC member organizations. These organizations often operate with limited reserves, making them especially vulnerable to unexpected repairs, equipment failures, workforce disruptions, or community emergencies. This fund provides rapid, flexible support to help stabilize operations and ensure continuity of care for uninsured and underserved patients.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

The Dr. Larry Poel Field of Medicine Scholarship, administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Ottawa or Muskegon County who have completed at least two years of college in a medical field. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, the scholarship aims to honor Dr. Poel's 42-year career in sports medicine and encourage future medical professionals. Preference is given to those studying sports medicine, ensuring community-focused support.

The MCSF Career & Technical Education Scholarship supports children of Marines pursuing non-degree certificate programs. It offers financial assistance to eligible applicants based on need, helping cover tuition, fees, and associated educational costs. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.00 and a family income cap of $123,000, this scholarship ensures that all qualifying students have access to vocational training at accredited institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, providing flexibility for students.

The Fugazzotto Scholarship Fund for Visual Arts Students, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing careers in visual arts. This scholarship honors Barbara Fugazzotto's legacy as an art educator, encouraging students to explore their creativity in drawing, painting, ceramics, and graphic design. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship aims to nurture future artists who contribute to the cultural landscape.

The Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship, offered by SHAPE America, is a $1,000 annual award for master's level students enrolled in accredited health education programs in the U.S. Recipients can use the funds as they wish and receive a complimentary one-year student membership with SHAPE America. The scholarship aims to support future educators and enhance the quality of health education, promoting research and professional practice in the field.

The Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by SHAPE America, provides $1,000 annually to undergraduate students majoring in school-based health education at accredited institutions in the U.S. or territories. Eligible candidates must be full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.25. Alongside the scholarship, recipients receive a complimentary one-year membership with SHAPE America, promoting professional development in health and physical education.

The Junior League of Sioux Falls Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, is aimed at female graduating seniors from accredited high schools or home school programs residing in Minnehaha or Lincoln counties. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic record, with ACT scores of 23 or higher or SAT scores of 1060 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship supports higher education aspirations by supplementing other financial aid.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Francine Bono-Neri Scholarship Fund

As a grateful 2019 NEF Scholar, in 2023, Francine Bono-Neri wanted other nurses to benefit from receiving a scholarship while focusing their master's or doctoral degree clinical study and research on the problem of human trafficking. As an experienced Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Bono-Neri's deep concern about the global reach of human trafficking inspired her to become the co-founder and serve as president of Nurses United Against Human Trafficking. Committed to education and clinical awareness about human trafficking for every nurse in all settings and countries, this scholarship will support the study of human trafficking as well as related clinical and research areas which include forensic nursing, sexual assault, child sexual assault/abuse, sexual exploitation, sextortion, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences, and child maltreatment.

The IUE-CWA Local 88502 Union Scholarship, established by union members, supports students pursuing vocational studies. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors with a parent or grandparent who are union members or retirees. Candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary vocational degree or certification program and submit an essay explaining their career aspirations. The award amount is determined annually, reflecting the commitment to fostering vocational education within the community.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Evelyn Benton Nursing Scholarship

Evelyn Benton was a wonderful mother, friend and mentor. As a professional nurse, Evelyn had empathy, kindness and respect for her patients. She inspired and encouraged her colleagues and co-workers and was a role model for so many throughout her life. The Evelyn Benton Nursing Scholarship was established in 2005 in memory of Evelyn by her family.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Dr. Samuel R. Black, Twila L. Black, and Samuel J. Black Medical Arts Scholarship

The Dr. Samuel R. Black, Twila L. Black, and Samuel J. Black Medical Arts Scholarship Fund was established to honor the life and work of Dr. Samuel R. Black. The scholarship is available to graduates of Armstrong County High Schools including Lenape Vo-tech who wish to pursue a career in the Medical Arts. The scholarship criteria includes students who are interested in veterinary medicine.

Hovik Family Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating high school senior who resides in Lincoln County in South Dakota and is a member of the Lutheran faith. 

The Gilbert “Gibby” Buerk Memorial Scholarship is aimed at Elk County high school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing careers in EMT or paramedic fields. Established by the Elk County Community Foundation, this scholarship honors the legacy of Gilbert J. Buerk, a dedicated EMT. Applicants must demonstrate community involvement and financial need. This fund provides a lasting opportunity for students to advance their education and serve their community, reflecting Gibby's commitment to helping others.

The APMI West Penn Chapter Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, supports graduating seniors from specific school districts pursuing degrees in STEM fields related to the powdered metal industry. With an annual amount of $1,000, this scholarship fosters academic growth and career development for students in Ridgway, Johnsonburg, St. Marys, and surrounding areas. The fund aims to enhance educational opportunities and encourage future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to enhance access to quality health care through innovative telehealth nutrition services. This program focuses on preventing and managing chronic diseases by leveraging telehealth technology, ensuring that individuals receive essential nutrition guidance remotely. With a commitment to improving health outcomes, this initiative will significantly benefit communities seeking better access to healthcare resources.

The CLIMB Near Peer Mentorship Program by John Muir Health offers a year-long mentorship initiative aimed at developing family medicine learners into community-engaged providers. This program supports high school, undergraduate, and medical students by pairing them with mentors in the healthcare field. Participants engage in weekly virtual meetings and receive guidance throughout their educational journey, fostering a diverse and inclusive future in healthcare professions.

The Health Career Connection Internship, offered by John Muir Health, is a 10-week full-time program aimed at empowering underrepresented college students in healthcare. This internship provides valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world experience, focusing on diverse backgrounds. It encourages participants to explore careers in health professions, particularly those from low-income and first-generation college student backgrounds. The program is designed to inspire and motivate interns as they embark on their professional journeys.

Cohen Cares Scholarship

The Cohen Cares Scholarship was created by a family business that believes deeply in the power of community — and in the potential of young people who lead with their hearts. Named to reflect a commitment to caring for others, this award recognizes students who don't just dream of a better world, but actively work to create one.

Whether through volunteering, advocacy, peer support, or quiet acts of service, Cohen Cares recipients are students who have made a meaningful impact on those around them — often while navigating real challenges of their own. This scholarship is MCF's way of saying: your compassion matters, and your future is worth investing in.

What This Scholarship Looks For

• Resilience - Cohen Cares recipients have faced hardship and kept going. This scholarship honors students who have turned personal challenges into fuel for growth and service.
• Compassion - A genuine concern for the well-being of others is at the heart of this award. Recipients are students who show up for their peers, their families, and their community.

• Impact - Cohen Cares students don't just care — they act. This scholarship recognizes those who have taken meaningful steps to make a positive difference, however large or small.