Best South Dakota Grants for Nonprofits

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.

Curtis Marvin Hohn Endowment

To provide financial support to South Dakota students attending an in-state institution of higher learning and that demonstrate a commitment to public service.

Applicants for the Curtis Marvin Hohn Legacy Scholarship will reflect the values that embodied Curt Hohn's life. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to:

• Personal integrity, individual character, and courage
• Leadership in school and community
• Demonstrated involvement in civic affairs
• Participation in organizations that shape the school and community
• Individual leadership to reform policies that benefit the public good of the school and community
• Demonstrated work ethic in the school and community
• Demonstrated interest in national and global issues that impact the public interest
• Demonstrated interest in humanitarian issues

This scholarship was established to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Curtis M. Hohn, a prominent figure in South Dakota's water policy landscape, renowned for his service as a public servant, community activist, and leader. Curtis held several key positions, including serving on the staff of U.S. Senator George McGovern, directing the United Family Farmers organization, and managing the Oahe Conservancy Subdistrict. He played a crucial role in assessing the Oahe Irrigation Project and negotiating legislative settlements for alternative water projects. Moreover, Curtis led negotiations between the local Oahe Subdistrict with Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the implementation of South Dakota's first major pipeline project utilizing Missouri River water.

Curt was an avid reader of history. His lifetime commitment of political courage and public service are reflected in the words of Robert F. Kennedy, a man Curt deeply admired and often quoted - "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

Behavioral Health Services

Strengthening and supporting children and adults with behavioral health needs. The goal of the continuum of behavioral health services is to foster independent and healthy individuals and families in South Dakota.

The Division of Behavioral Health provides oversight of the publicly funded behavioral health system and supports individuals of all ages with behavioral health needs. The mission of the Division of Behavioral Health is to support quality clinical treatment, recovery supports, prevention and crisis services with integrity to obtain positive outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)

The Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health, is requesting applications from eligible behavioral health organizations to provide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services for the State of South Dakota. The purpose of this application is to select a cohort of clinics intending to pursue provisional state-level CCBHC certification as soon as December 2027. Successful applicants will be required to meet CCBHC readiness criteria as defined by DBH and complete all required activities of the cohort beginning June 1, 2026. Organizations selected to participate in the 2026 CCBHC Provider Cohort will have access to funding opportunities to support the development, expansion, and sustainability planning of CCBHC-aligned service delivery in any of the nine core service delivery areas:

Crisis Behavioral Health Services

Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis

Person- and Family-Centered Treatment Planning

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Outpatient Clinic Primary Care Screening and Monitoring

Targeted Care Management Services

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services

Peer Supports, Peer Counseling, and Family/Caregiver Supports

Community-Based Mental Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans

In addition to service delivery expansion, funding is available for the selected cohort to support organizational readiness and capacity building across any of the following goal areas for CCBHC implementation.

Goals for the CCBHC implementation efforts in South Dakota include:

• Develop the capacity to ensure compliance with all aspects of CCBHC Certification Criteria to include service provision either directly or through a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO).
• Develop data system capacity and Electronic Health Record (EHR) interoperability to meet the data collection and reporting requirements for the CCBHC program.
• Develop financial system capacity to produce necessary cost reports to establish CCBHC Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates, and meet billing, claims encounter data, and cost reporting requirements.
• Achieve provisional and subsequent full CCBHC Certification through the State of South Dakota of at least one CCBHC in each behavioral health region by December 2030.

David Kranz - Argus Leader Media Journalism Scholarship

Scholarship award up to $5,000.

To provide financial support to journalism students.

Darren R. Mallow Scholarship

To provide financial support to South Dakota National Guard members and their children to attend college, university, or technical school. Established by Robert & Shirley Mallow in memory of their son.

Col (Ret) Bob and Shirley Mallow established the Darren R. Mallow Scholarship in remembrance of their son who was an outstanding guard member whose life was tragically cut short by a fatal civilian helicopter accident in the summer of 1999.

Dr. James C. Schmulbach Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support for a scholarship as recommended by the Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

The Oahe Racers Association Scholarship, managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation, is designed to support graduates of any South Dakota high school pursuing a degree in automotive. This scholarship prioritizes first-year students but allows second-year students to apply by specifying their status at a technical college. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship aims to ease the educational burdens for students in the automotive field.

The SDAC Professional Development Grant, offered by the South Dakota Arts Council, supports K-12 arts teachers through funding for attendance at professional development activities. Grants up to $500 may cover 50% of costs related to registration, travel, and lodging. Eligible applicants must represent their organization and can apply only once per fiscal year. The grant aims to enhance arts education quality and community engagement while requiring a strong commitment to budget and project description.

The SDAC Technical Assistance Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota nonprofit arts organizations for specialized consultation on technical, programmatic, and administrative issues. This funding supports 50% of the consultant's fees and related expenses, ensuring organizations have access to expertise not available in-house. Eligible applicants must provide a clear description of their needs, the qualifications of their chosen consultant, and a budget demonstrating a realistic cash match. Notably, colleges and universities are ineligible for this grant.

The SDAC Excursion Grant offers matching funds to South Dakota organizations for transportation costs related to taking K-12 students and individuals with disabilities to arts programs in other towns. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and educational institutions. Grants cover up to 50% of transportation costs, whether using private vehicles or alternative transport. Each excursion must involve at least eight participants and may qualify for funding even if the event is local in special circumstances.

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 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.

Black individuals age 14+ in South Dakota, North Dakota, or Minnesota seeking to build intergenerational wealth can apply for the NCP Open Road Fund, which offers approximately US $50,000 for personal and community projects. Focus areas include financial wellbeing, economic power, education, housing, and health and healing for Black descendants of enslaved Africans.

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.

Tribal governments, community language programs, tribal schools, colleges, and eligible individual tribal members working on Native language documentation or revitalization can apply for up to US $20,000, including in South Dakota. Focused on endangered Indigenous languages connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Endangered Language Fund supports curricula, recordings, education programs, and related project costs.

The Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers significant financial support for students pursuing higher education in South Dakota. With over $500,000 awarded annually, this scholarship targets high-achieving seniors from specific counties, encouraging participation in community activities and academic excellence. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to attend an accredited institution, ensuring that deserving students receive the assistance they need to succeed.

The Dale Lokke Law Enforcement Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to graduating seniors from Minnehaha County high schools. This scholarship aims to support students planning to attend accredited four-year colleges in South Dakota while promoting involvement in community activities and addressing financial needs. With over $500,000 awarded annually, it helps students pursue their educational goals and career aspirations.

The Working Here Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, providing funding options tailored to rural community needs. With a focus on agricultural education, hunger relief, and disaster assistance, the program has awarded over $13.5 million since 2013. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with eligibility for organizations demonstrating alignment with FCSAmerica's mission. Priority is given to IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fostering sustainable solutions for local challenges.

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.

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.

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.

Dentists licensed in South Dakota who commit to three years of full-time general or pediatric practice in an eligible rural community can receive incentive payments through the Recruitment Assistance Program. South Dakota Department of Health provides South Dakota dental professionals with US $256,840, cost-shared between the state and employing community based on community size.

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.

South Dakota nonprofits and community organizations focused on youth tobacco prevention and cessation can receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 to advance local programs in South Dakota. South Dakota Department of Health provides South Dakota public health groups with support to implement the state tobacco control plan, foster collaboration, and promote long-term, tobacco-free community change.

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.

HOLES FORE HOPE/Minnesota PGA Associate Scholarship Program

The HOLES FORE HOPE/Minnesota PGA Associate Scholarship program is designed to award scholarships to Associates of the Minnesota Section of the PGA. Holes Fore Hope has committed funds to help our Section Associates offset the cost of the PGA of America Associate Program. The amount of the scholarship(s) is/are determined by the availability of funds. Payments will be made to the Associate upon completion of the Level they are completing. The funds designated for scholarships are managed by the HOLES FORE HOPE FOUNDATION.

The Minnesota Section PGA, which covers the areas of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and a small portion of Wisconsin, consists of over 100 Associate members annually. The Minnesota Section PGA is mandated not to discriminate according to federal and state statutes. The final selection process will be made by the Minnesota Section PGA Board of Directors. No announcements will be made before the applicants receive notification from the Minnesota Section PGA. If additional funds become available, the Board may grant additional scholarships to worthy applicants.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.