SFACF supports nonprofit organizations and programs by making grants across a wide spectrum of charitable needs and interests. Nearly 200 worthy organizations and programs receive support from nearly $5 million in grants SFACF makes annually.

For more information on grantmaking visit the following links:
Grantmaking Categories
Grantmaking Guidelines
Applying For Grants
Grant Application Form
Recent Grants
Grantmaking FAQ


Grantmaking Categories

The Grants Committee uses proceeds from Unrestricted Community Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and Donor-Advised Funds to provide grants in the Sioux Falls area to:

Arts and Humanities
Theatre, music, arts, dance, cultural development, historic preservation, library programs, museums.

Community Affairs and Development
Citizen participation, public use of parks and recreation, administration of justice, economic development, employment, training.

Education
Lifelong learning activities in formal educational settings, support of educational facilities and systems, scholarships.

Environment
Protection of natural areas, conservation of energy, prevention and elimination of pollution or hazardous waste, wildlife protection, water quality.

Health
Improvement of health care, prevention of substance abuse, support of mental health needs, medical research.

Human Services
Assistance to families, youth, the elderly, disabled, special groups, social service, and those who stand in need.

Religion
Support for churches, religions institutions, and religion programs.

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Grantmaking Guidelines for Unrestricted Community Funds

Grant proposals consistent with SFACF's mission will be given serious consideration These include:
- programs addressing the underlying causes of specific community problems, rather than those dealing only with symptoms.
- programs that bring about social change, advocate for the rights of disadvantaged people, or are preventive in nature.
- programs combating racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.
- innovative programs likely to continue and expand after the grant period or those that require start-up funds in order to begin
  addressing emerging needs.
- studies, research, artistic works, or other projects that help citizens understand problems and options, foster the refinement of
  public policy, or encourage inter-agency collaboration.
- organizations meeting important community needs that wish to develop more effective approaches to solving problems, to
  improve administrative and/or financial effectiveness, or to expand its client outreach activity.

RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
In an effort to work responsibly for our donors' charitable vision, SFACF discourages grant proposals for:
- capital or construction drives
- ongoing operational support
- reducing or eliminating organizational debts or deficits
- computer hardware and software
- staff salaries (except in conjunction with a new program)
- sectarian religious purposes
- political advocacy projects
- telephone solicitations and national fundraising efforts
- educational programs benefiting the work of local community organizations

COOPERATION, COLLABORATION, AND COMMUNITY
SFACF encourages grant proposals that:
- represent programs or projects that will utilize a collaborative network, increasing the benefit of the grant.
- present a well-planned and/or preventive approach to solving a problem, delivering services, or raising awareness.
- outline an efficient use of funds within the organization or a program, including making existing programs more effective
  and/or improving organizational capacity.
- extend resources through gifts-in-kind and/or work with other organizations and groups.
- represent programs or projects that promote better relationships and foster a sense of community.

In addition, SFACF's Grants Committee uses Sioux Falls Tomorow II as a guide to grantmaking. SFT II is a comprehensive, community-based planning project that resulted in a ten-year vision that will enhance the quality of life in our area. Because the SFT II plan is a reliable indicator of community needs, SFACF’s Grants Committee uses the goals outlined for each key performance area as criteria for grantmaking decisions. For a copy of SFT II, contact program officer Patrick Gale at 336-7055, extension 20.

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Applying For Grants

Grants from unrestricted Community Funds are made only to programs serving SFACF's service area. Grant applications are accepted anytime and will be reviewed by the Grants Committee at their next scheduled meeting, usually within six to eight weeks of receiving the application. For specific grant deadlines, click on the News section.

GRANT REQUESTS UNDER $1,000
Grant proposals under $1,000 do not require a standard application and can generally be reviewed and processed within two weeks. In lieu of the standard application form, please submit:
- a typed summary of the program in two pages or fewer
- signatures of your executive director and board chair
- board of directors roster
- IRS tax determination letter
- project budget

GRANT REQUEST OVER $1,000
Grant proposals for more than $1,000 are submitted on a standard, SFACF application form, which includes:
- a summary outline of the project
- financial information
- details about the project
- an evaluation form
- supplemental information

Please do not enclose these materials in a folder or binder.

To fill out an application, download here, or for further information on SFACF's grants program please contact us or read our Grantmaking FAQ.

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