Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

The Corporate Giving Program by Cytokinetics focuses on health equity in cardiovascular disease, targeting underserved communities. It seeks to fund initiatives that address disparities in healthcare access, including public health campaigns, community support programs, and innovative solutions. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. that align with these goals, ensuring that no direct healthcare practice involvement occurs. This initiative aims to foster equitable health outcomes and enhance community well-being.

The J&B Family Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students under 40 with a minimum 3.0 GPA from Bexar County. The scholarship offers funding for tuition and other educational expenses for one student annually, fostering educational advancement and community development. This renewable scholarship can greatly assist those demonstrating financial need.

The Wexner Field Fellowship is a three-year program aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of Jewish professionals in North America. Participants engage in leadership institutes, receive personalized coaching, and gain access to professional development funds. This fellowship fosters a robust network of leaders committed to serving the Jewish community, encouraging a deeper understanding of its diversity and strengthening essential leadership competencies. Eligible candidates must be full-time employees at Jewish organizations with at least five years of relevant experience.

The DTA Foundation: Dental Scholarship aims to support dental students halfway through their education who show a commitment to community service. With over 20 years of experience in enhancing oral care, the foundation, backed by generous donations, empowers the next generation of dental professionals. In honor of Robert J. Sullivan, $125,000 was established to improve dental education across the U.S., with scholarships awarded to deserving students who embody the foundation's mission.

The Wexner Davidson Fellowship (WDF) is a transformative leadership development program designed for Jewish communal professionals in North America aged 26-36. Over three years, Fellows engage in cohort-based learning at biannual institutes, receive coaching, and deepen their Jewish knowledge while building a strong professional network. This initiative fosters personal and professional growth, equipping the next generation of leaders to serve their communities effectively and connect with a global alumni network.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The IBMA Bluegrass College Scholarship offers a financial award ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for students pursuing bluegrass music or related studies at the college level. Established by the IBMA Foundation, this scholarship aims to support future leaders in the bluegrass music industry. Applicants must submit their application by June 1 for a fall semester scholarship. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities within bluegrass music.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants to K-5 teachers in public and nonprofit private schools, funding innovative projects in math and science education. Designed to support teachers in implementing hands-on learning experiences, these grants encourage creativity and community involvement. Applicants can propose projects that enhance student engagement and foster scientific inquiry. The foundation prioritizes teacher-led initiatives, making it a valuable resource for educators aiming to enrich their classrooms and inspire young learners.

The Japan Foundation's Institutional Project Support - Small Grant Program provides up to $25,000 for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance Japanese Studies infrastructure. The program targets institutions facing challenges in maintaining their programs, particularly smaller or newer entities without established Japanese Studies initiatives. Eligible projects should focus on promoting Japanese Studies, with funding available for faculty salaries, travel, research materials, and conference expenses. Applications are accepted from institutions committed to advancing their Japanese Studies offerings.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Eugene & Cecilia Reszczynski ScholarshipThe Reszczynski Scholarship, created in 2002, is one of the oldest at Marion Community Foundation. It makes awards each year to students who score in the top 50th percentile of the ACT or SAT and have attended a high school in Marion County for two or more years. This scholarship honors the late Eugene and Cecilia Reszczynski and their passion for helping others. 

The Institutional Project Support (IPS) Grant Program by the Japan Foundation aims to enhance Japanese studies in the U.S. by providing up to $150,000 annually for three years. Eligible U.S. institutions must match the grant and focus on innovative proposals that stimulate growth in Japanese studies. The program prioritizes projects that create tenured positions and address national needs, while excluding political or commercial activities. Grants cover faculty salaries, travel, and teaching materials.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to support talented postdoctoral researchers in their transition to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to help awardees establish competitive, independent research careers. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, ensuring timely consideration for this critical funding opportunity.

The Baptist Foundation of South Carolina supports churches and ministries with grants aimed at 'Kingdom Growth' projects. Their mission focuses on utilizing God-given resources to enhance community impact. Grant requests are open to religious and charitable organizations that align with their purpose. Priority is given to local Baptist associations and convention entities. Eligible projects can receive up to 80% funding, ensuring that impactful ministry initiatives thrive within the community.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship

The A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship Fund is Marion Community Foundation’s first multi-year scholarship.

Created in 2009 by a gift from the Hazel & A.B. Augenstein Scholarship Foundation Trust, it supports students from River Valley. The trust was created by the Claridon Alumni Association to honor and memorialize the significance of A.B. Augenstein’s role in the Claridon School community. The Claridon Alumni Association continues to be the main supporter of this endowment fund.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

The NMDP Amy Strelzer Manasevit Research Program Grant supports early-career researchers in hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy. With a maximum funding of $400,000 over five years, it aims to address complications post-transplant, such as infection and relapse. This prestigious grant encourages innovative research proposals, particularly those targeting HLA-mismatched donor outcomes. By fostering new talent in the field, the program is essential for advancing our understanding of critical post-transplant challenges.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Eula M. Rhoads ScholarshipThe Eula M. Rhoads Scholarship Fund makes awards to Marion area high school seniors in the top 25 percent of their graduating class and graduates who maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or better. Special consideration is given to those pursuing a degree in pharmacy or veterinary medicine at an Ohio college.

The Emerging Respiratory Pathogen Award, offered by the American Lung Association, aims to enhance our understanding of respiratory infections' pathobiology and their implications. This award supports innovative research addressing the biology of respiratory viruses, host response factors, community spread dynamics of COVID-19, and long-term effects of viral infections. With a funding of $100,000 per year for two years, this initiative encourages groundbreaking studies to improve lung health and disease outcomes.

The National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses, opening for applications on April 22, 2025, offers $25,000 in funding distributed as $1,000 micro grants to 25 eligible LGBTQIA+ business owners. Designed to support diverse founder-led enterprises, this initiative encourages professional development and aids in achieving over $1 million in revenue. Eligible participants must have a U.S.-based business and meet specific criteria regarding ownership, revenue, and employee count.

The Veterans' Scholarships program, established by the American Australian Association, offers financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA for graduate studies. With over $2.8 million awarded, eligible veterans can receive up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. This initiative fosters educational opportunities and career development, encouraging veterans to pursue their academic goals in each other's countries.

The Veterans' Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, provide financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA. Scholarships of up to $40,000 are available for those pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in the respective countries. Since 2017, over $2.8 million has been awarded, fostering educational opportunities that enhance skills and promote successful careers after military service. Eligibility criteria include being an honorably discharged veteran and planning to study full-time.

The AGD Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada that provide free oral cancer screenings and education, particularly for underserved communities. Established in 1972, the AGD Foundation aims to enhance public oral health and raise awareness about oral/oropharyngeal cancer. By promoting early detection and education, the foundation seeks to improve survival rates and empower communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating a commitment to community health.

The Dr. & Mrs. Yang Ho Rhee Scholarship, established in 2000, aims to support students of Korean heritage in the Quad Cities region. This scholarship provides up to $2,500 to graduating seniors who demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. It honors the Rhee family's commitment to education, ensuring that opportunities are available for local students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

The Horsley Opportunity Scholarship Fund, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides need-based scholarships of up to $1,000 for Scott County, Iowa high school graduates. With a GPA requirement between 2.0 and 3.5, the scholarship especially encourages applications from nontraditional students and veterans. This initiative supports students in pursuing post-secondary education at community colleges, trade schools, or four-year institutions, contributing to over $600,000 awarded annually in scholarships.

The James W. Victor Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers up to $10,000 annually to graduating seniors from Davenport, Iowa, who demonstrate financial need and academic ability. This renewable scholarship can be maintained for up to four years, provided recipients uphold a minimum GPA of 2.5. With nearly $600,000 awarded yearly, it aims to support students pursuing higher education at various institutions.

The Paul - Olga Paul Scholarship honors Olga R. Paul, a dedicated English teacher at Bishop High School for over 30 years. This scholarship supports students with a Bishop mailing address who are pursuing a teaching degree, maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and attending college full-time. Financial need and academic achievement are considered in the selection process, with preference given to future educators. The scholarship amount varies.