Strengthening rural communities

Grant opportunities across Heartland’s service territory

Across the Upper Midwest, community foundations and statewide programs are helping small towns and non-profit partners address critical local needs.

These efforts support housing, workforce development, community infrastructure and overall well-being.

New funding opportunities will be available in 2026. If your community has an idea worth exploring, consider the following resources across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

South Dakota: supporting children, housing and workforce

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently announced three new grant initiatives focused on child well-being, housing and workforce development.

These initiatives aim to address pressing needs across the state, including:

• Issues that affect a child’s health and development
• Access to affordable, sustainable housing
• Workforce skills and employment opportunities

Beginning in January, eligible nonprofits can apply through the South Dakota Fund for:

• Up to $50,000 for planning and development
• Up to $100,000 for implementation projects

Projects must align with one of the new focus areas. SDCF hopes the funding will drive long-term improvements for families and communities across South Dakota.

SDCF will also continue to offer grants of up to $20,000 in areas of culture, education, health, financial literacy, human services, and economic development.

Learn more at SDCommunityFoundation.org.

Minnesota: supporting community-led change

The Minnesota Community IDEAS Program (IDEAS) helps local organizations test and grow bold solutions to community needs.

In 2026, IDEAS will award nine grants of $125,000 each. Applications are reviewed on the following criteria:

• Innovation: Communities advance creative solutions to their challenges and opportunities
• Development: Communities develop, test and spread ideas
• Equity: Communities are equipped and connected to benefit from change
• Agency: Communities inform and form change
• Solutions: Communities realize significant, long-lasting change

Grants are flexible and unrestricted, allowing funding to support operations, programs, capital needs, or other costs.

Eligible entities located in and serving greater Minnesota may submit interest forms January 5-28, 2026.

IDEAS is led by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation with support from the Bush Foundation.

Learn more at spmcf.org.

Iowa: Supporting Main Streets and rural vitality

The Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority offers a mix of programs to help rural communities strengthen local infrastructure and boost economic activity.

Communities can restore or re-develop vacant, underused or blighted buildings through the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program. The goal is to revitalize rural Main Streets, expand housing options and create spaces that support new businesses and services.

Pre-applications must be submitted by January 29, 2026.

Destination Iowa supports projects that create or expand “primary destinations” across the state. Natural, cultural, recreational or educational attractions that draw visitors and help spark local investment may be eligible.

The program funds up to 25% of project costs for vertical infrastructure, such as building improvements or trail development. Rural communities under 20,000 people are eligible for projects starting at $1.5 million.

Iowa cities, counties and non-profit organizations may apply. Pre-applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with full applications for the next funding period due January 15 and July 15, 2026.

Learn more at opportunityiowa.gov.

Nebraska: Supporting grassroots projects

Valentine, Nebraska and the Cherry County region can turn to the Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF) for local grant support.

The foundation invests in a range of community priorities, including:

• Youth and education programs
• Local improvement and beautification projects
• Arts, culture and community events
• Health and well-being

SAF is a strong resource for volunteers, nonprofits and city leaders working to improve local quality of life. Their annual funding cycle opens in January.

Learn more at sandhillsareafoundation.com.

Beyond SAF, the Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) helps towns build local philanthropic resources.

NCF works through a network of affiliated funds led by local volunteers. These funds support projects such as:

• Early childhood and youth programs
• Community centers and public gathering spaces
• Local leadership development
• Quality-of-life improvements for rural families

Through training, grantmaking and endowment building, NCF empowers communities to plan for the future and invest in long-term success.

Learn more at nebcommfound.org.

Other grant models worth exploring

Other regional and national opportunities exist that can benefit small communities and nonprofits.

• The Community Grant Program from the Foundation for Rural Service offers modest annual grants to rural communities served by members of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association for projects ranging from technology and education to public services.
  
• Minnesota Small Town Grants from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation target communities with populations under 10,000 for collaborative local improvements and civic engagement.
  
• The Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant program from USDA provides funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.
  
• AARP’s Community Challenge grants support small towns and communities with projects focused on walkability, public spaces, housing support, and accessibility improvements.

These programs offer funding pathways for projects that make life better in rural communities across the Midwest.

They also show the power of regionally anchored philanthropy–when foundations, donors and local leaders work together to lift up rural towns and cities.