Excellence in Education Initiative

Excellence in Education Initiative

Funder: Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Geographic Scope: Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner counties (South Dakota)

Program Overview: The Excellence in Education initiative has offered grants to teachers for more than 30 years. The program supports teachers who have creative and innovative ideas for classroom projects. Since the program began, hundreds of programs and activities designed by teachers throughout the Sioux Falls area have received grant funding, enriching educational experiences for students.

Focus Areas

• Innovative classroom projects
• Educational enrichment
• STEM and STEAM education
• Literacy and language development
• Special education support
• Social-emotional learning
• Early childhood education
• Inclusive learning practices

Eligibility

• Classroom teachers from all grade levels in Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner counties
• Teachers at public schools
• Teachers at parochial and private schools
• Nonprofit childcare providers

What They Fund

Recent grants have supported:
• Sensory regulation tools and kits for students with disabilities
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) resources
• STEM/STEAM materials and hands-on learning activities
• Multisensory learning centers
• Reading support tools and materials
• Problem-solving and escape room kits
• Team-based learning competitions
• Assistive technology for students with reading challenges

Contact Information

Email: info@sfacf.org

Phone: (605) 336-7055

Address: The Depot at Cherapa Place, 200 N Cherapa Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Website: sfacf.org

Notes

The 2025 cycle was the most recent announced (October 30, 2025), awarding more than $14,000 to local teachers. The next cycle deadline is expected to be in October 2026.