This fund was created through the vision of an individual donor, whose intent was to provide “seed money” that would be used to raise matching local funds, with proceeds targeted to fund unmet needs of emergency service organizations throughout South Dakota.

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To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of South Dakota Salutes, we will award ten (10) Special Needs Grants of up-to-$5,000/each during the summer of 2025. Applications must be received by August 31, 2025.

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Organizations will be considered for grants based on two primary criteria:

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1. Grant requests for types of equipment that have a primary purpose of protecting volunteer emergency responders from physical harm or death while actively serving the public and their community.

2. Grant requests for types of equipment that have a primary purpose of protecting or saving lives of the public, either living in or passing through their communities.

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Funding is NOT available through the South Dakota Salutes Special Needs Fund for large capital purchases such as buildings, building renovations, trucks, ambulances, etc.

Eligibility

The South Dakota Salutes Special Needs program is open to volunteer emergency service organizations in the state of South Dakota.

• South Dakota Salutes Special Needs funding will be given preference when used to benefit the rural population.

• To ensure funds go to those most in need, preference will be given to volunteer organizations that serve rural areas with community populations of 10,000 or fewer.

• Area volunteer emergency service organizations (fire districts, townships, etc.) may serve an aggregate population of greater than 10,000 if the organization’s service area includes a rural population or a rural community having a population of 10,000 or less.

• Eligible volunteer emergency service organizations must be governed by active boards and have sufficient funding resources to operate their annual budget.