Spotlight: State of South Dakota – Mount Rushmore Beckons

South Dakota is a state just brimming with iconic landmarks and intriguing tales! From the internationally acclaimed Sturgis Rally & Races to the haunting legends of the Bullock Hotel, the state offers plenty of history and adventure. It’s true, there are so many unique and interesting features. Perhaps the most famous site to put the state on the map is Mount Rushmore. In fact, “Mount Rushmore State” is actually a nickname for the State of South Dakota. As part of our spotlight series, GrantWatch shines a light on the State of South Dakota. In recognition of this ‘rock solid’ state, GrantWatch provides listings of grant opportunities to help with a variety of grants throughout the State of South Dakota. In addition, there is a list of over 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants listing category. Of course, it’s good to know that there are also grants that extend countrywide, and even international funding opportunities are available.

It’s All About South Dakota

This state is absolutely fascinating! The state’s nickname is derived from the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial carved into the Black Hills, sacred land for the Sioux. This historic and controversial landmark immortalizes the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

South Dakota is also home to the internationally renowned Sturgis Rally & Races. Can you believe it? It’s so popular that it draws motorcyclists from across the globe! The event lasts for 10 days and nights and offers food, drink, and music to attendees. Of those attendees, roughly 50,000 of them arrived on motorcycles.

In addition, the coyote is the state animal. It makes sense since there are vast stretches of landscape for them to roam. However, alongside its natural beauty lurks danger. The state is home to poisonous spiders, including the infamous Black Widows recognizable by their distinctive red markings.

South Dakota also claims a haunted past. The famous haunted, hotspot, the Bullock Hotel was founded in 1896 by Seth Bullock. He was the former sheriff of a little town called Deadwood. That’s right, folks. The popular (and yes, fictional) TV show is based on a real place. Visitors have reported eerie encounters with Bullock’s ghost haunting its halls.

Finally, South Dakota’s history is also marked by tragedy. Wild Bill Hickok met his demise in this state. Born, James Butler Hickock, Wild Bill was internationally known as a soldier, lawman, cattle rustler, and actor. The world-famous gunslinger was shot during a poker game in Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon by Jack McCall. His hand, consisting of aces and eights, lives on in infamy as the “Dead Man’s Hand” among poker enthusiasts.

A Few Unique Tidbits About South Dakota

Clark, South Dakota, is home to the world famous Mashed Potato Wrestling Contest.

It is illegal to fall asleep in a cheese factory.

Mitchell is the home of the world’s only Corn Palace, which is made up of 3500 bushels of corn.

Pierre, South Dakota is the only combination of state and capital in the U.S. that doesn’t share any letters.

South Dakota has more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida.

Hunters cannot use spotlights, except to hunt raccoons.

In Deadwood a permit is required to mix one alcoholic beverage with another. But you can mix all the beer you want. It is also illegal there for casinos to hang a sign saying “Casino.”

movoto.com, “56 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About South Dakota“

Below is a list of grants and other community development funding opportunities for the State of South Dakota.

Grants for South Dakota

1. Grants to South Dakota agencies, tribal agencies, and development corporations for local infrastructure improvements. Applicants must contact the funding source representative for their area prior to applying. In fact, funding is for infrastructure construction or reconstruction for economic development projects in the state.
2. There are grants of up to $10,000 to South Dakota tourism-based businesses, communities, tribal entities, visitor and convention bureaus, and destination marketing organizations to promote tourism across the state. Funding is for new and ongoing activities that increase travel and visitation to tourism-related events while enhancing the state’s image. Moreover, the program’s focus is support of events in smaller towns, cities, and rural areas of the state. However, planners for events which take place anywhere in South Dakota are to apply (for funding).
3. In addition, there are grants to eligible South Dakota nonprofits and educational institutions for a wide range of projects and programs to benefit local residents. As a result, focus areas include education, health and human services, environment, and community, civic, and cultural development.
4. Grants of up to $5,000 to eligible South Dakota nonprofits and government agencies to improve the quality of life for residents. Altogether, areas of focus include education, civic affairs, arts and culture, health, and human services.
5. There are grants to nonprofits to advance diversity in entrepreneurship/investment fields. Moreover, funding supports programs that benefit women, minority, and other under-represented communities. The goal of the program is progress in diversifying entrepreneurship and empowering a more diverse group of investors.
6. Also grants to eligible nonprofits to meet basic human needs, promote community vitality, and encourage volunteerism. Funding is to enhance communities and help people achieve financial independence.

Additional Grants for South Dakota, as well as Opportunities

1. Grants to organizations for projects in the areas of community/population growth. In fact, new applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). There is also support for eligible environmental projects. Projects are to improve the local quality of life or address the impact of human population growth on the environment.
2. There are opportunities for eligible startups to participate in a business development program. Applications will be from businesses in all industries, verticals, and models. Moreover, participants will receive investment funding, mentoring, deals and perks, and networking support. In addition, they will attend the 12-week program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in person.
3. In addition, grants to eligible South Dakota nonprofits for programs to benefit local communities. Applicants will contact staff to get a link to the application. Focus areas include: affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization; workforce development and entrepreneurship; and financial literacy, adult education, and security.
4. Grants of up to $10,000 to companies in the home service sector for business development assistance. Applicants must submit a preliminary application prior to applying. Funding is to allow home service providers to achieve their professional goals and launch, grow, or strengthen their businesses. Grants will directly contribute to business success. Funds will be for new equipment, marketing efforts, starting a new service, and team training.
5. Lastly, grants to local, state, and Tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, multi-state groups of entities, and special purpose districts for large-scale bridge improvement projects. Applicants must complete required registrations prior to applying.

In Conclusion

Now, I’m sure you’ll feel the need to ‘Rush’ (even ‘more’) to see all the sites for yourself in the State of South Dakota. So don your cowboy hat or hop on your hog and hightail it to South Dakota!

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