Workforce Development Grant Program

Workforce Development Grant Program is sponsored by South Dakota Community Foundation. The South Dakota Community Foundation, through its South Dakota Fund grant program, has selected Workforce Development as one of its new initiatives starting in 2026. This program aims to support organizations investing in their communities through workforce development efforts.

SDCF Announces New Grant… | South Dakota Community Foundation SDCF Announces New Grant Initiatives to Address Critical Needs in South Dakota Grants , South Dakota Fund Grants South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Board of Directors has announced the launch of three new initiatives that will be available to nonprofit organizations across South Dakota beginning in January 2026.

These initiatives focused on Child Wellbeing, Housing, and Workforce Development will be supported through the South Dakota Fund grant program. Child Wellbeing will address issues that impact a child’s wellbeing at all stages of development. Housing will address the support for the development, access, and sustainability of affordable housing options for all.

Workforce Development will address programs and strategies aimed at enhancing workforce skills & improving employment opportunities. To support development and implementation efforts in these areas, SDCF will offer grants of up to $50,000 for planning and development, and up to $100,000 for implementation projects.

During a recent board meeting, the SDCF Board of Directors unanimously approved the strategic focus on these three initiatives, citing their significance in addressing some of the most pressing needs faced by communities statewide. “These initiatives represent a bold step forward in tackling the critical issues that affect the daily lives of South Dakotans,” said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer.

“We are committed to empowering nonprofits with the resources they need to drive meaningful, lasting change. ” Eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply through the South Dakota Fund grant program. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how proposed projects align with one of the three new initiative areas.

Grant requests may be submitted through SDCF’s online grant portal and are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). In addition to these new focus areas, the South Dakota Fund will continue to offer grants of up to $20,000 in its six traditional focus areas of Culture, Economic Development, Education, Financial Literacy, Health, and Human Services.

SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,300 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $40 million in grants in 2024 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide.

This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation. org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.

Bringing Philanthropy to Life Building a Stronger South Dakota