Community Works Fund / Charitable Giving
Eligibility
South Dakota schools and nonprofits. Community Works-style funds are administered through local corporate partners, community foundations, and cooperative organizations across the state.
Program Goals
Community Works funds support local education, health, and community programs in South Dakota. STEM access, technology literacy, and student success programs are commonly funded categories.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications through individual fund administrators. Contact your local community foundation, employer partner, or corporate giving coordinator for current opportunities.
Cycle Notes
Rolling throughout the year. Individual fund cycles vary — contact your local administrator for timing.
Grant Award Amount
Award amounts vary widely by fund and project. Contact local administrators for current award ranges and application requirements.
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
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Community Works Fund?
A community-level charitable fund that pools corporate and community contributions to support local education and community programs.
How do I find one near my school?
Contact your local SD community foundation, major employer, or electric cooperative. Many SD employers run charitable giving programs that function similarly.
What can these funds support?
Education, STEM, technology, and community programs. Check with your local fund for specific priorities.
Is there a set deadline?
Rolling — timing varies by fund. Contact your local administrator.
How can Forward Education help?
We help frame STEM kit purchases as community education investments with clear learning outcomes for community fund applications.
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
