Black Hills Corp. Foundation / Charitable Giving
Eligibility
Schools and nonprofits in Black Hills Corp. service areas in western South Dakota — primarily the Rapid City and Black Hills region. STEM, energy education, and workforce programs are priorities.
Program Goals
Black Hills Corp. Foundation funds education and community programs that strengthen the communities it serves in western South Dakota. STEM education, energy literacy, and technology programs at local K-12 schools are a strong fit.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Rolling applications through the Black Hills Corp. Foundation. Check blackhillscorp.com/community for the current application process and guidelines.
Cycle Notes
Rolling cycle with approximately $100,000 distributed per quarter. No fixed application deadline — contact Black Hills Corp. community relations for current priorities.
Grant Award Amount
Award amounts vary. Black Hills Corp. distributes approximately $100,000 per quarter in charitable giving across all programs. Individual grants typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of SD does Black Hills Corp. serve?
Western South Dakota — primarily the Rapid City and Black Hills region. Check blackhillscorp.com for the service area map.
Is there a formal application?
Yes — check blackhillscorp.com/community for the current application form.
What types of programs are funded?
Education, energy literacy, workforce, and community development programs in western SD.
When can I apply?
Rolling — contact Black Hills Corp. community relations for current priorities and timing.
How can Forward Education help?
Our Smart Solar Energy Kit is a natural fit for an energy company's education goals. We can help align the program to Black Hills Corp. priorities.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — South Dakota standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
