Grant Application

2024-2025 Grant Application

Use this form to apply for a grant from the South Dakota Bar Foundation, which is accepting applications for the current grant cycle through May 1, 2024.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant through the South Dakota Bar Foundation.  The mission of the South Dakota Bar Foundation is to support and fund access to justice, lawyer well-being and professionalism, and legal education for the public.  The deadline for this cycle’s grant applications is the close of business on May 1, 2024.  You may complete and submit your application any time before the application deadline.  Applicants must qualify as a tax-exempt non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) or related section of the Internal Revenue Code.

The funding cycle for this application is for the term of August 1, 2024, through July 30, 2025.  Applicants should apply for grant funding needed for use within this grant term.  Any grant funds that are awarded and not used within the grant term revert to the South Dakota Bar Foundation.  Grant recipients are expected to submit a final report on how their grant was utilized within two months after the last expenditure is made, or, if the grant runs for more than a calendar year, a report by March 15 of the succeeding year and on the 15th of each second month thereafter. Grants will be awarded at the Foundation’s June, 2024 meeting and applicants will be notified of awards by July 1, 2024.

What Types of Projects or Programs does the SDBF Support?

Direct Legal Services

·         The SDBF provides support for the provision of direct legal services by legal services organizations and attorneys to indigent and low-income communities in an effort to ensure access to justice for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Volunteer Attorney Pro Bono Programs

·         The SDBF provides support for pro bono programs and activities that engage volunteer attorneys to provide free and reduced-fee legal assistance to persons of limited means, to increase access to justice and demonstrate the value of our profession to society.

Public/Community Service

·         The SDBF provides support for community service projects that create opportunities for lawyers, paralegals, law students and other members of the profession to strengthen and improve communities throughout the state, in measurable ways.

Civics/Justice Education

·         The SDBF provides support for civic education programs that place an emphasis on the law, the justice system, and the legal profession to educate the public and to build confidence in the rule of law and our justice system.

Well-Being and Professionalism for Attorneys

·         The SDBF provides support for programs and activities that promote attorney well-being, competence, or professionalism to cultivate a culture of service, invest in training of lawyer leaders, and use innovative approaches to bring South Dakota lawyers together to work alongside one another for the common good.