South Dakota Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The South Dakota Community Foundation supports culture, economic development, education, health, human services, and other community needs in South Dakota.
FUNDING AREAS: Culture, economic development, education, health, human services
IP TAKE: This is one of the top grantmakers in the state of South Dakota and one that has multiple ways to secure locally focused funding throughout the year.
PROFILE: Established in 1987, the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is a community foundation based in Pierre, South Dakota. Governor George S. Mickelson envisioned this foundation as a way to support nonprofits and also administer statewide donations. To create the foundation, the McKnight Foundation and the 3M Corporation awarded a $5-million challenge grant, the state of South Dakota committed $2 million, and SDCF raised $3 million more from private donors. Today, SDCF manages approximately 850 endowed funds. The foundation aims to “bring philanthropy to life for a stronger South Dakota.” It funds local efforts for culture, economic development, education, health, and human services.
The South Dakota Community Foundation awards about $500,000 in South Dakota fund grants each year. These are flexible and accessible grants focused on these five areas of need. SDCF also awards Community innovation grants in partnership with the Bush Foundation to support inclusive, collaborative, equitable, and sustainable solutions to local community issues. The funder assists groups with nonprofit savings accounts and local grants from community savings accounts. Meanwhile, nonprofits can apply for Knight Foundation-Aberdeen Fund grants through SDCF. Challenge grants are also available at SDCF.
Grants range between about $2,000 and $20,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on all 66 counties of South Dakota. Past local grantees include Feeding South Dakota, Matthews Opera House, and Lake Area Technical Institute.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The application process is conducted online. Some grant opportunities at SDCF have specific application deadlines. Direct general questions to the staff at 605-224-0125 or via online form.
PEOPLE:
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