Much like planting seeds in fertile soil, our March grants are a catalyst for positive change. We are thrilled to to announce $137,000 in grant awards to a diverse set of organizations that meet needs in transportation, mental health, safety, and social belonging.
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- National Alliance on Mental Illness South Dakota: $55,000 in general operations for mental health education and programming in the Black Hills area.
- SHIFT Garage: $50,000 in general operations for the UPSHIFT car purchase program.
- Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills: $22,000 in support for educational music programming for underserved and low-income youth.
- Fourth Circuit DUI Court: $10,000 in incentive funding for problem-solving court participants.
National Alliance on Mental Illness South Dakota
$55,000 – This one-year Basic Needs grant supports general operating for mental health education and programming in the Black Hills area.
About the Grant
Founded in 1987, NAMI South Dakota is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons affected by mental illness. NAMI South Dakota provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
SHIFT Garage
$50,000 – This one-year general operations support for the UPSHIFT car purchase program.
About the Grant
SHIFT Garage empowers their customers and community by providing reliable and affordable transportation options. By offering affordable vehicle maintenance services and being a nonprofit auto-dealer, they help make a positive impact on generational poverty. This Basic Needs grant supports the UPSHIFT purchase program, a partnership with Black Hills Federal Credit Union, which provides an equitable car buying experience for customers looking to safely rebuild their financial credit and stability.
Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills
$22,000 – One-year funds for educational music programming for underserved and low-income youth.
About the Grant
The Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills seeks to break down cultural and economic barriers through music and community collaboration. World-class musicians and educators implement their programs with free educational events to underserved and low-income communities. This Basic Needs grant supports Summer 2024 outreach programming to children in the Black Hills.
Fourth Circuit DUI Court
$10,000 – One-year incentive funding for problem-solving court participants.
About the Grant
As a South Dakota problem solving court, Fourth Circuit DUI reduces drug-related and DUI crime by holding offenders accountable through a judicially monitored court program to promote long-term recovery. In Problem-Solving Courts, treatment providers ensure that each person receives an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan, while probation officers ensure close community supervision. This Basic Needs grant helps the program to assist participants with necessities such as housing, transportation, medical/dental care, education, food and clothing expenses.
