Just like a perfectly grilled burger with a side of potato salad, this month’s grantees satisfy essential needs in our community! In July, we awarded $994,500 to grantees that meet the basic and economic mobility needs of our community members from all walks of life. Here’s more on the grants that total so close to a million we can almost taste it:

• • Native American Nursing Education Center: $352,000 in two-year operating support of the Native American Nursing Education Center (NANEC) for mentoring, cultural programming, and student support to increase the number of Native American nurses in the region.
  • Rapid City Club for Boys: $300,000 in two-year general operating support for afterschool and summer programming for at-risk boys ages 6-18.
  • Pennington County Human Services: $240,000 in two-year discretionary flex funds to assist Pennington County residents with emergent economic support including: rental deposits, rental assistance, utility assistance, and transportation support.
  • South Dakota Public Broadcasting: $90,000 in two-year support for the SDPB Early Learning Initiative.
  • Literacy Council of the Black Hills: $12,500 in one-year general operations to support English language learning in the region.

Native American Nursing Education Center (NANEC)

$352,000 – This two-year Economic Mobility grant supports mentoring, cultural programming, and student support to increase the number of Native American nurses in the Rapid City region.

About NANEC at South Dakota State University

The Native American Nursing Education Center provides a nurturing and collaborative environment where intentional mentoring inspires Native American (NA) nursing students to thrive. NANEC promotes recruitment and persistence among NA nursing students at South Dakota State University College of Nursing by providing a place where NA students achieve their dreams and aspirations of becoming professional nurses poised to promote the health and well-being of native people. Most students are first-generation and have families. NANEC provides vital financial assistance through stipends and emergency funds. Social and academic support includes academic advising and intentional mentoring.

Rapid City Club for Boys

$300,000 – This two-year Basic Needs grant supports general operating support for afterschool and summer programming for at-risk boys in Rapid City ages 6-18.

About the Rapid City Club for Boys

The Club for Boys is a quality, comprehensive afterschool and summer program for boys, the majority facing challenges of poverty, racial bias and unstable homes. Programming addresses boys’ creativity and education, physical and mental health, basic needs and provides support for their families.  By striving to fulfill its mission on a daily basis the Club for Boys is committed to meeting its vision of helping all boys meet their needs today so they can fulfill their potential tomorrow.

Pennington County Human Services

$240,000 – This two-year Basic Needs grant will help address the escalating needs for rental and utility assistance in Pennington County, exacerbated by the challenging housing market and changes in utility billing systems.

About Pennington County Human Services

Pennington County Human Services maintains the Economic Assistance program for Pennington County residents. This program is a resource of last resort which assists individuals who have no other public or private third-party coverage for economic, medical, and funeral assistance. This program serves residents of Pennington County who are facing financial hardships that threaten their housing stability. It primarily targets individuals who lack the financial means to maintain their homes or have arrived in our community without support.

South Dakota Public Broadcasting Early Learning Initiative

$90,000 – This two-year Early Learning grant provides two year operating support for the SDPB Early Learning Initiative.

About the SDPB Early Learning Initiative

South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) uses the power of public media to inspire, connect, and inform South Dakotans with trusted journalism, quality education, and compelling storytelling. The SDPB Early Learning Initiative is a comprehensive program that provides educators, home schoolers, daycare providers, parents and guardians the tools they need to create a wholistic learning experience for young children.

Literacy Council of the Black Hills

$12,500 – This one-year Basic Needs grant supports English Language services and the search for new funding sources.

About Literacy Council of the Black Hills

Literacy Council of the Black Hills is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing free, individualized tutoring and group conversation classes in English to help people meet their personal goals and enhance their contribution to the community. Our program creates opportunities to significantly reduce the amount of our fellow citizens who live in poverty through improved English Language skills.