Jim Hess Community Forward Grant

The Jim Hess Community Forward Grant supports nonprofits in the Northern Hills of South Dakota, including Butte, Lawrence, and Meade Counties. Administered by the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, this grant offers two $15,000 awards to organizations that demonstrate creativity, foster community partnerships, and emphasize sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, and government entities, while ineligible activities encompass religious or political endeavors and capital campaigns.

About Black hills area Community Foundation
We invest in nonprofits, help donors enjoy giving, and manage initiatives to address key issues. We’re the only Community Foundation solely focused on serving the Black Hills area, spanning Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota, and Fall River counties.
As of 2025, Black Hills Area Community Foundation manages $70 million in assets and has invested more than $40 million in grants and scholarships since its establishment in 2006.
The Jim Hess Community Forward Grant is offered to nonprofits conducting activities in the Northern Hills of South Dakota, including Butte, Lawrence and Meade Counties.
BHACF will award two $15,000 grants to nonprofits that employ creative ideas, leverage community partnerships and focus on sustainable practices.

Eligibility

Requested support must be for organizations or activities that take place in the Northern Hills including Butte, Lawrence, and Meade Counties.Applicants must be an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, school, government entity, or religious organization.

Ineligibility

Grants will not be awarded to support religious activity, political activity, fundraisers or benefits, debt retirement, or organizations working to primarily influence legislation.Supported activities may not discriminate against any individual or group based on race, gender, gender expression, age, disability, religion, ethnic or national origin, or otherwise legally protected groups.BHACF will not serve as an applicant for sponsored programs.Funding for multi-year projects or support.Grant funds cannot be used for reimbursement of any expenses incurred prior to the grant notification date.Requests to support capital campaigns.