United Way of the Black Hills
United Way of the Black Hills is a public charity based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Founded in 1945, it organizes an annual fundraising campaign and distributes funds to local nonprofit organizations, while also coordinating community responses to identified needs.
United Way of the Black Hills at a glance
In short: United Way of the Black Hills gave $919K across 37 grants in 2025 (avg $25K), mostly in South Dakota. 19% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $918,587
- +2.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 37
- +27.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $24,827
- -19.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $9,072,498
- -1.4% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (7 of 37, 2025)
- Primary geography
- South Dakota (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of the Black Hills
- How to Apply
-
Apply through the organization’s grant application process. The website says new organizations that have not previously applied can create an account. The application is reviewed by staff and volunteers, with financial information, budgets, site visits, and program results considered.
- Review Cycle
- The 2027–28 Community Impact Grant application period is listed as opening October 1, 2026, with applications due December 31, 2026. Funding is scheduled to begin June 15, 2027.
- Deadline
- The 2027–28 Community Impact Grant application period is listed as opening October 1, 2026, with applications due…
- Contact
Mailing address: 621 Sixth Street Suite 100, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: (605) 343-5872
Website: https://unitedwayblackhills.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Way of the Black Hills funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Feeding South Dakota ($90K). Together the top 10 received $475K.
Grant Size Distribution
166 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 136 grants of 166 (82%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization states that its community-wide campaigns are conducted in Rapid City, Sturgis, Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, Custer, Hill City, Keystone, and Edgemont. All grant dollars listed for filing year 2025 went to recipients in South Dakota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 37 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Way of the Black Hills open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 7 of 37 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $22K; repeat grants $26K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $20K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $877K (2023) to $1.7M (2020). In 2025 it made 37 grants totaling $919K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding South Dakota Rapid City, SD | General Support | $90,000 |
| YFS Inc Rapid City, SD | General Support | $75,000 |
| Working Against Violence Inc Rapid City, SD | General Support | $70,000 |
| Black Hills Special Services Cooper Sturgis, SD | General Support | $39,300 |
| YMCA Rapid City, SD | General Support | $36,500 |
| CASA 7TH Circuit Rapid City, SD | General Support | $35,000 |
| Rapid City Club for Boys Rapid City, SD | General Support | $35,000 |
| Meals on Wheels Western SD Rapid City, SD | General Support | $34,000 |
| Black Hills Center for Aging Rapid City, SD | General Support | $30,000 |
| Catholic Social Services Rapid City, SD | General Support | $30,000 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of the Black Hills?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,072,498 | $1,727,790 | $2,524,089 | $918,587 | 37 | $391,752 |
| 2024 | $9,198,195 | $2,327,601 | $2,149,675 | $895,000 | 29 | $623,947 |
| 2023 | $8,858,670 | $1,928,781 | $1,851,786 | $876,656 | 32 | $174,393 |
| 2022 | $8,049,965 | $2,263,981 | $2,247,215 | $1,239,893 | 33 | $145,320 |
| 2021 | $8,865,048 | $2,452,245 | $2,019,397 | $1,022,103 | 35 | $151,798 |
| 2020 | $7,947,137 | $2,410,561 | $2,600,318 | $1,673,898 | 50 | $163,727 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to unite people and resources to improve lives in the Black Hills by delivering measurable, long-term solutions to community issues in education, financial stability, and health. Its website’s Community Impact Grants identify four focus areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Listed needs include food security, mental health, early childhood education, literacy, job training, affordable housing, disaster recovery, and emergency preparedness.
Its 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations receiving support. Working Against Violence Inc says it works toward a community free of domestic abuse and sexual assault through advocacy, education, and support services. Rapid City Club for Boys says it provides positive experiences to develop boys’ self-esteem and character. Early Childhood Connections says it works to increase providers’ and parents’ knowledge of child development. Journey On says it provides street outreach, suicide-loss support, and youth mentorship.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization made 37 grants totaling $918,587. Grant amounts ranged from $6,000 to $90,000, with a median of $20,000. The filing lists the grants as general support. Larger awards included Feeding South Dakota ($90,000), YFS Inc ($75,000), Working Against Violence Inc ($70,000), Black Hills Special Services Cooper ($39,300), and the YMCA ($36,500).
The organization’s website says Community Impact Grant applications are available in October and due by the end of December. Staff and volunteers review applications and make decisions in the spring; funding begins in June and is paid in monthly installments for one year. The website invites nonprofits, libraries, and schools serving the Black Hills to apply. Its stated review process includes consideration of financial information, budgets, site visits, and program results, with at least annual meetings with funded organizations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists John Cass as Executive Director; Kathy Cruse as Director; Jason Sanderson as President; Dr. Joe Dlugos as Vice President; Sammi Langendorf as Treasurer; Salena Osieczonek as Secretary; Dr. Craig Bailey as Past President; and Wes Ashton, Andy Becker, and Lori Burnham as board members.
United Way of the Black Hills is led by Jason Sanderson, President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 2 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Jason Sanderson
President
Board Member → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathy Cruse
Director of
On filings since 2021
44 hrs/week
$51K (2021) → $79K (2025)
John Cass
Executive Di
On filings since 2023
44 hrs/week
$40K (2023) → $86K (2025)
Austin Olivier
Board Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jason Culberson
Board Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joel Landeen
Board Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lorie Vega
Board Member
Vice President → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alenda Derby
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andy Becker
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Craig Bailey
Past President
Vice President → Board Member, 2023
Board Member → Past President, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joe Dlugos
Vice President
Board Member → Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Popp
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Thomson
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Salena Osieczonek
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brenda Meier
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christine Papineau
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Frye
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lori Burnham
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sammi Langendorf
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shelley Lefebre
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wes Ashton
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kalli Ketel
Board Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Keri Jackson
Board Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amber Cornella
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (32)
- Former: Lauren Ebert (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Valerie Seales (2021–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Bethany Bloom (2023–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Aj Jacobs (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jamie Toennies (2020–2023) — Executive Director to
- Former: Aaron Jacobs (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jason Seamans (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Linsey Eckhart (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Stephanie Lahr (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Terry Hupp (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Amy Allen (2021–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Kevin Jackson (2021–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Lana Anderson (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Marc Eyre (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Patty Ressler (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Scott Reiman (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Tara Bland (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Ken Boteler (2021) — Vice President
- Former: Barry Hoogland (2020) — President
- Former: Carrie Moore (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Christi Houchins (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Dan Scheurer (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Darbi Hunt (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Jeff Barnes (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Jennifer Yackley (2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Joanne Woods (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Katy Urban (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Lauren Branich (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Marty Willms (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Maryanne Darling-Reich (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Matt Birrenkott (2020) — Director of
- Former: Tiffany Smith (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $86K, to John Cass (Executive Di). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of the Black Hills
How much does United Way of the Black Hills give each year?
United Way of the Black Hills gave $919K across 37 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $895K across 29 grants.
What is United Way of the Black Hills's typical grant size?
United Way of the Black Hills's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $24,827, across 37 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of the Black Hills that year got $22K on average.
Where does United Way of the Black Hills give grants?
United Way of the Black Hills gives mostly in South Dakota: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Rapid City, SD (25 grants), Spearfish, SD (3 grants), Sturgis, SD (2 grants) and Sioux Falls, SD (2 grants).
Does United Way of the Black Hills give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of United Way of the Black Hills's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (37 of 37) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are United Way of the Black Hills's largest grantees?
United Way of the Black Hills's largest 2025 grantees include Feeding South Dakota ($90,000), YFS Inc ($75,000) and Working Against Violence Inc ($70,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of the Black Hills?
United Way of the Black Hills reported $9.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.7M.
What does United Way of the Black Hills fund?
The organization’s mission is to unite people and resources to improve lives in the Black Hills by delivering measurable, long-term solutions to community issues in education, financial stability, and health. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of the Black Hills?
Apply through the organization’s grant application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of the Black Hills's EIN?
United Way of the Black Hills's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-0259754. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 28, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 1, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 30, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 1, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 11, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 24, 2026)
Live grants for the work United Way of the Black Hills funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of the Black Hills's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Gwendolyn L Stearns Foundation Inc
Rapid City, SD
The foundation supports human services and community programs, including aging care, hunger relief, youth mentoring, and counseling and education. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $25,000, with a median of $15,000, and went to South Dakota recipients; applicants must be from the Rapid City area. To apply, contact James Clement and complete the foundation’s information request application; no predetermined deadline is stated.
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Total Given
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Larson Foundation
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The Larson Foundation supports eligible charitable organizations, educational institutions, and government units working to improve quality of life, with recent grants spanning housing, youth programs, education, and family services. It gives primarily in South Dakota, with a typical grant around $30,000 (2025 median; awards ranged from $4,500 to $260,000). Applicants must complete a grant request form, so it accepts requests; deadlines are March 1 and September 1, subject to change.
Assets
$23.1M
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Total Given
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Black Hills Area Community Foundation
Rapid City, SD
The foundation funds community needs across areas including youth and families, social services, education, basic needs, arts, animal welfare, and nonprofit capacity building in seven Black Hills counties of South Dakota. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $15,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$95.1M
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120
Total Given
$5.7M
Dakota Charitable Foundation Inc
Rapid City, SD
The foundation supports charitable organizations in areas including health, community improvement, counseling, Native American causes, and cultural activities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $250,000, with a median of $15,000; most funding went to South Dakota, followed by Nevada. It does not accept unsolicited requests and contributes only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$20.3M
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Total Given
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Clarkson Family Foundation
Belle Fourche, SD
The Clarkson Family Foundation’s 2025 filing reports a $187,000 grant to a South Dakota recipient, but does not identify the recipient’s purpose; its giving is limited to preselected charitable organizations. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$3.7M
Grants
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Total Given
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Midcontinent Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The foundation supports a broad range of schools, libraries, youth and community groups, and organizations addressing social services, disability inclusion, and health needs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $19 to $5,000, with a median of $1,000, primarily in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota, as well as Kansas and Wisconsin. It accepts requests by letter describing the intended use and including the organization’s address and phone number; the board meets twice a year.
Assets
$81K
Grants
262
Total Given
$269K
More similar funders
More Funders in South Dakota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of the Black Hills funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-black-hills-morg_3ce7a4981bca480e8d988a07600d1e80
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_460259754_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of the Black Hills funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-black-hills-morg_3ce7a4981bca480e8d988a07600d1e80},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of the Black Hills's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
United Way of the Black Hills down — hundreds of funders to go?