South Dakota · Cooperative Grant

Community Fund Grants (SD Co-ops)

Funding

Varies by cooperative

Grade Focus

K-12 and community

Application Due

Rolling — contact your local SD co-op

Level of Gov't

Cooperative — South Dakota Electric Cooperatives

Eligibility

Schools and nonprofits in South Dakota electric cooperative service areas. Most rural and small-town SD schools are served by electric cooperatives. Check sdrea.coop for your local co-op.

Program Goals

South Dakota electric cooperatives return value to members through community fund grants for education, safety, and community programs. STEM education programs at local schools are regularly funded through these cooperative programs.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications through your local SD electric cooperative. Contact your co-op's community relations or education coordinator for the current grant cycle and application process.

Cycle Notes

Rolling throughout the year. Individual co-ops may have quarterly or annual cycles. Contact your local cooperative for their specific timeline.

Grant Award Amount

Award amounts vary by cooperative and program size. Most community fund grants range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars — ideal for classroom kit purchases.

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
CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable

Frequently Asked Questions

Which schools are eligible?

Schools in SD electric cooperative service areas — primarily rural and small-town communities throughout South Dakota.

How do I find my local SD co-op?

Visit sdrea.coop to find your local South Dakota Rural Electric Association member cooperative.

What is the typical award range?

Varies by co-op, typically a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Ideal for starter kits and classroom technology.

Is there a statewide application?

No — each cooperative manages their own program. Apply through your local co-op.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide product information and curriculum alignment that helps frame STEM kit purchases as clear community education investments for co-op grant applications.

Grant Support