Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Charitable Giving
The giving program makes donations for education, youth activities, health care programs, legal aid, community development and infrastructure, women’s health, arts and culture, local communities, environmental protection, and more.
Average award: $10,000–$50,000
Total awarded: $15,000,000
Deadline: TBD (paused due to COVID-19); Typically rolling
Award Project Period: One year
Prior Lake, MN 55372
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) giving program contributes to causes, organizations, and tribes across the region, state, and country. The SMSC indicates that it is the largest philanthropic benefactor for Indian Country nationally, and one of the largest charitable givers in Minnesota.
SMSC has a giving focus on educating children for a stronger tomorrow. When it comes to protecting resources and carrying on traditions for future generations, the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Each year the SMSC dedicates funds to programs supporting youth and educational initiatives, creating opportunities now and for generations to come. SMSC has a history of supporting Native American education, including some support for charter schools and capital projects.
Tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations and tribal governments.
- $194,000 to Four Winds Community School (Spirit Lake Reservation, ND) to fund the school facility’s solar panels, with additional money used for technology equipment for labs and classrooms, including SMART Boards and projectors.
- $25,000 to Lakota Waldorf School (Pine Ridge Reservation, SD) to finance a community and classroom building for K-3 students and the wider community.
- $20,000 to Nawayee Center Schools (Minneapolis, MN) for a new 15-passenger van which will be used for field trips and the transportation of students at this charter school that focuses on Native American education.
Review website for current giving guidelines and application approach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SMSC is reimagining its charitable giving guidelines and is not accepting grant applications.