Best Volunteer Grants in South Dakota

Aberdeen Area Medical Foundation

Since our inception in 1988, the Aberdeen Area Medical Foundation (AAMF) organization has expended over 2.5 million in the NE South Dakota and SE North Dakota area for medical equipment, medical scholarships, and healthcare delivery.

The general objectives of the corporation shall be to ensure the maintenance and the highest standards of healthcare in the Aberdeen area; to aid, assist, and promote healthcare facilities in the Aberdeen area; to promote research and provide facilities and equipment to that end; to assist in medical and healthcare education, both publicly and privately, and to promote legitimate healthcare objectives; to provide healthcare for those unable to provide for themselves; and generally do all things necessary to carry out the corporation’s objectives.

Aberdeen Area Medical Foundation Funding Requests

AAMF works to provide funding and benefits to healthcare, healthcare delivery, medical scholarships, and funding of medical equipment for charitable hospitals and ambulance services. They have furnished ambulance equipment for all of the small community and rural ambulance volunteers in Northeast South Dakota and Southeast North Dakota. AAMF serves an area bounded by Hwy 14 to the south, I-94 to the north, the Missouri River to the west, and the SD border to the east.

Funding requests can be made for medical equipment or health-related projects. The AAMF board meets twice per year in the spring and fall to review requests.

South Dakota nonprofits working on community services and local development can apply for support to strengthen their communities. South Dakota Community Foundation provides South Dakota volunteerism and philanthropy efforts with flexible funding through the Armour Community Foundation to assist local nonprofit groups and organizations. Funding may also complement volunteer-driven projects and community engagement initiatives in Douglas County.

Nonprofit organizations running community, human services, or volunteer-driven projects in South Dakota, especially the Britton area, can seek funding to enhance local quality of life and address community needs. South Dakota Community Foundation supports volunteerism and philanthropy in South Dakota by favoring innovative, multi-year, and seed projects that leverage strong volunteer involvement and diverse funding sources.

Clark Area Community Foundation (CACF)

The Clark Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit, public organization, created to attract and distribute charitable funds for the benefit of the Clark area community. The foundation was formed in 2007 by a committee of local citizens. As a community foundation, the Foundation is a collection of funds from organizations, families, individuals and businesses that seek to improve the quality of life in the Clark Area. As of 2024, the Clark Area Community Foundation has over $2,700,000. These funds are deposited into an endowed, permanent fund. Together, these contributions are an effective and growing charitable financial resource with which, we can build a better community and enhance the lives of Clark Area citizens. The Clark Area Community Foundation is committed to enrich the quality of life in the Clark area by:

• Building an endowment fund for the future.
• Serving donors with many different interests.
• Serving as a resource and catalyst for charitable purposes.
• Assessing and responding to community needs.

CACF Grant

Gifts contributed to the Clark Area Community Foundation are held within the South Dakota Community Foundation. The total SDCF endowment of over $300 million is invested by the SDCF’s investment manager. Grants are made available to local foundations in January of each year.

We are committed to enriching the quality of life in the Clark Area. CACF will strive to support a broad spectrum of projects intended to improve and enhance the Clark County Area. Determination of recommendation for approval will be based upon need, creativity in addressing community concerns, community volunteer support, and accountability. 

South Dakota nonprofits planning community improvement projects that engage volunteers can apply for the Clark Area Foundation Grant, which supports tangible, measurable efforts in the Clark County area. South Dakota Volunteerism & Philanthropy organizations may benefit from funding that favors innovative projects, strong community volunteer support, and partnerships with additional funders, including potential matching or challenge grants.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit and public organizations in the Tripp County area seeking support for community, human services, or volunteer-driven projects can apply for funding that favors strong volunteer involvement and seed grants. South Dakota Community Foundation’s First Fidelity Bank & Tripp County Community Foundation Grant supports South Dakota groups encouraging philanthropy and leveraging matching funds.

Community civic groups and nonprofits in the Langford, Pierpont, and Claremont areas can access funding for community-building projects that emphasize volunteerism, innovation, and long-term impact. Grants from South Dakota Community Foundation support efforts across community development, human and social services, and philanthropy in South Dakota, with preference for projects leveraging volunteers and matching funds.

Nonprofit organizations in South Dakota seeking to build or grow a permanent endowment with the South Dakota Community Foundation can apply for this matching challenge grant. With a mission to strengthen charitable giving, the foundation provides up to US $20,000 in 1:4 match funds to create long-term, mission-supporting savings accounts.

Nonprofit organizations and community groups addressing local needs in the Sisseton area can seek funding for community services and development projects in South Dakota. Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, South Dakota Community Foundation invites applicants to propose initiatives that strengthen community life, with awards selected by a local volunteer advisory board.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations in South Dakota can receive funding for culture, education, health, human services, economic development, and financial literacy projects that engage community volunteers. South Dakota Community Foundation provides US $2,000 - US $20,000 grants, with larger awards possible for financial literacy, and encourages matching funds and collaborative, community-driven efforts.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - South Dakota

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofit organizations and community groups addressing local needs in Day County, South Dakota can apply for grants to support community services and charitable initiatives. Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, South Dakota Community Foundation invites South Dakota organizations to seek support for programs that strengthen community life and long-term local resources.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

South Dakota volunteer-focused organizations, governmental entities, and churches can seek funding for new community-benefit projects through the CorTrust Bank ALM Community Foundation grant. South Dakota volunteerism and philanthropy groups can access funding through South Dakota Community Foundation for initiatives serving the Artesian, Letcher, and Mt. Vernon areas that demonstrate strong, ongoing volunteer involvement rather than building improvements or operating costs.

Nonprofits, churches, schools, and government entities in Faulk County planning or continuing community projects can seek funding for volunteer-driven, innovative initiatives, with requests of more than US $100 considered. South Dakota Community Foundation’s Faulkton Area Foundation Grant supports community development and volunteerism in South Dakota through bi-annual awards, excluding routine budget or daily operating expenses.

Nonprofits, churches, schools, and government entities in South Dakota planning community projects can apply for the Sully County Community Foundation Grant, with awards of More than US $500 for local initiatives. Volunteer-driven and innovative projects in Sully County that strengthen community services and philanthropy are especially encouraged and may receive multi-year consideration.

Nonprofits and community groups with projects meeting local needs and engaging volunteers can seek funding for community services and development in South Dakota, especially the greater Parkston area. Parkston Area Foundation provides South Dakota volunteerism and philanthropy efforts with support for both innovative and ongoing initiatives that demonstrate clear, measurable impact and community involvement.

Nonprofit organizations running community programs with strong, ongoing volunteer involvement in South Dakota can apply for South Dakota Community Foundation’s First Fidelity Bank & Platte Area Foundation Grant, with awards of more than US $100. Funding supports projects that enhance the social and economic well-being of people in the Platte and surrounding area, including innovative or well-established efforts.

Local nonprofits and community projects in the Kimball area seeking support for community services, human and social services, or community development in South Dakota can apply for this grant. South Dakota Community Foundation’s Kimball Area Foundation Grant invests a portion of its community savings account back into eligible organizations to strengthen local impact year after year.

Individuals in Spearfish, South Dakota pursuing education or training in fire science or public safety can receive scholarship support to attend a college, university, or technical college. The South Dakota Community Foundation’s Spearfish Volunteer Firefighters' Association Scholarship helps students with financial need prepare for careers in public safety and community service.

Nonprofit and community-based shelter programs in South Dakota can receive funding to provide domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, education, and victim services. With a mission to support safer communities, South Dakota Department of Public Safety also backs training for staff and volunteers, which may benefit organizations coordinating volunteer-based victim support efforts.

Pathologists involved in women’s cancer screening efforts in South Dakota can access recognition funding through the Herbek Humanitarian Award, honoring leadership in the See, Test & Treat program. Grants from College of American Pathologists Foundation help U.S. CAP member pathologists advancing volunteer-based cervical and breast cancer screening receive up to US $1,500 in support.

Nonprofits and charitable organizations in the Montrose area of South Dakota can apply for South Dakota Community Foundation’s Montrose Area Foundation Grant to support community enhancement projects. Funding can assist seed projects, tangible community improvements, and initiatives with strong, ongoing volunteer involvement, and may include challenge or matching components for locally driven efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches, religious groups, and government entities improving food access in Rapid City, South Dakota can seek funding to expand regular food services, including evenings and weekends. Black Hills Area Community Foundation supports equipment, infrastructure, and staffing or volunteer coordination with awards up to US $25,000, prioritizing under-resourced areas identified in local food security assessments.