WACF and SDCF Co-Host Northeast South Dakota Grant Writing Workshop

Nearly 70 nonprofit organizations from Northeast South Dakota attended a grant writing workshop co-hosted by the Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) and the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) on Wednesday, June 26.

The workshop offered complimentary training for local nonprofit grant writers. An overview of WACF programs, including Women & Giving, Youth Council, Area School Partnership, and Giving Back 365 along with specific eligibility and granting cycle timelines was reviewed. Additionally, grant application content best practices were presented as well as reporting requirements for organizations receiving grant funding.

“A critical part of our work at the Foundation is to know the needs of our local nonprofits,” shared WACF Executive Director Cammie Mengwasser. “This was something our nonprofit community had been asking for and we were happy to make happen.”

As part of the day, WACF, in collaboration with KXLG Radio, also announced a new marketing program for local nonprofit organizations called Local Roots. The goal of Local Roots is to support nonprofit marketing efforts to ultimately increase community engagement and support for Watertown area nonprofits. Local Roots will launch in August.

Representatives from the SDCF shared more information with local nonprofits on South Dakota Fund Grants, Beyond Idea Grants, and Bush Foundation Grants. Participants learned from examples of recent grant winners about appropriate project scope and timeline. Potential for funding and award amounts through the various grant programs offered through the SDCF were also discussed.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the South Dakota Community Foundation on this,” shared Mengwasser. “It’s always inspiring to work together to support our community’s essential nonprofit organizations.”

WACF Executive Director Cammie Mengwasser, WACF Communications Director Kristen Henderson, and SDCF Senior Program Officer Ginger Niemann presented at the NESD Grant Writing Workshop held on the campus of Lake Area Technical Institute.