South Dakota · State/Private Grant

Beyond Idea Grants (BIG)

Funding

$5,000-$50,000/yr (develop); up to $100,000/yr (test)

Grade Focus

K-12 and innovation

Application Due

TBD — monitor sdgoed.com

Level of Gov't

State/Private — SD Governor's Office of Economic Development

Eligibility

South Dakota organizations with innovative program concepts that need development or testing funding. Education, technology, and CS innovation programs are eligible. Programs with a clear theory of change and measurable outcomes are priorities.

Program Goals

Beyond Idea Grants (BIG) support South Dakota innovators moving from concept to implementation. Ed-tech programs, CS curriculum innovations, and robotics education models that need development or pilot testing are strong fits.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications through SD GOED. Cycle timing is uncertain — monitor sdgoed.com for current availability. There are two tracks: a development track ($5K-$50K/yr) and a testing/scale track (up to $100K/yr).

Cycle Notes

Cycle timing uncertain. The BIG program runs periodically based on available funding. Monitor sdgoed.com for announcements.

Grant Award Amount

Development track: $5,000 to $50,000 per year. Testing/scale track: up to $100,000 per year. The two-track structure rewards proven programs with larger investments.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the develop and test tracks?

The develop track ($5K-$50K/yr) funds early-stage concepts. The test track (up to $100K/yr) scales proven programs. Start with the develop track and graduate to testing.

Who administers BIG?

SD Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED).

When is the next cycle?

Cycle timing is uncertain. Monitor sdgoed.com for announcements.

What makes a strong BIG application?

A clear innovation concept, measurable outcomes, and a realistic plan for how you will develop or test the program.

How can Forward Education help?

We can help frame CS and ed-tech program concepts in terms of innovation, measurable outcomes, and South Dakota workforce alignment for BIG applications.

Grant Support