Black Hills Area Community Foundation

08/24/2026

What does a school that builds belonging look like?

At the alternative school EmpowerEd, kids collaborate across age groups, respect self-expression, and embrace diverse learning styles, helping each learner feel connected and confident.

EmpowerEd received a BHACF Capacity Building Grant this year to purchase 25 laptops, so students have access to their own device instead of sharing!

With the technology in place, the nonprofit's holistic approach to teaching will reach even more students.

Congratulations EmpowerEd, and keep up the great work!

(Pictured: EmpowerEd students working on papier-mâché globes, part of their final project).

08/17/2026

When a car unexpectedly breaks down, it can mean the difference between making it to work and your doctor's appointments, or not going at all.

That's why SHIFT Garage, a Rapid City nonprofit, doesn't charge for labor when completing repairs that are essential to the driver's safety. They help people in need access reliable transportation no matter the barriers they are facing in life.

This year, we awarded SHIFT Garage a Capacity Building Grant to purchase equipment they had been missing: an AC recovery machine. The machine will unlock their ability to work on a variety of essential car repairs!

Congratulations, SHIFT Garage, and thank you for all you do!

08/10/2026

Congratulations, artist Sophia Clarke! 👏

Local teacher and Black Hills State University alumna, Sophia (second from left) has been selected to create an exhibit at the Dahl Arts Center for our 20th Anniversary after an open call for art.

Opening October 9th, "What Grows When We Gather" is a beautiful interactive experience that deepens your connection to the people and places of the Black Hills.

"The installation wants to hear from you, because you are part of this land and landscape, and your voice is part of its story," Sophia wrote in her proposal.

Follow Rapid City Arts Council for updates on a free community night on Friday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. to celebrate the exhibit opening!

08/05/2026

Bringing affordable housing to the Black Hills can be a complex challenge.

But it's possible when we work across sectors, take the long view, and think outside the box.

Yesterday, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Stone Ridge Commons, a below-market-rate housing complex owned and built by Lloyd Companies that will bring 94 townhome-style units to the Spearfish community off Paramount Drive. That's 172 below-market bedrooms!

The complex is made possible thanks to Lloyd Companies, the City of Spearfish, Spearfish Economic Development Corporation, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, and many other community members who have partnered with our Strategic Housing Initiative.

We're grateful to the leaders who are meeting our region's growth with innovative solutions and a commitment to working together.

🔷Read about BHACF's Strategic Housing Initiative: www.bhacf.org/affordable-housing

08/04/2026

"Your community believes in you."

That's the message we want every kindergartner who joins our Trailhead Scholars program to hear. Thanks to a local donor, every Custer School District 16-1 kindergartner who qualifies for free-and-reduced lunch can receive a $500 college savings account, which will grow tax-free until their high school graduation!

Establishing a college savings account, no matter the amount, can inspire children to make plans for education after high school.

🔷Read the Rapid City Journal article: https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/education/article_9923cdd6-3b97-405b-b08a-3da8c7a1510f.html

Trailhead Scholars offers qualifying Custer and Hermosa kindergarteners a 529 college savings account. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

07/28/2026

Exciting news for Custer School District 16-1 families!

Thanks to the generosity of a local donor, our new Trailhead Scholars program offers $500 in 529 college savings for kindergartners who qualify for free-and-reduced meals.

1. Families must fill out the CSD meal application by August 25.
2. Eligible families will be mailed information on how to sign up.
3. We open the account, and the funds grow tax-free. Funds can be used for college, trade school or other post-secondary schooling!

Even a small amount of college savings inspires children to imagine exciting possibilities for their future!

🍎Fill out Custer School District's meal application: https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/o/csd/page/csd-meal-program
🎓Learn more: https://bhacf.org/trailhead-scholars/

07/15/2026

If you love the Black Hills, you'll want to hear this news! Our Beautiful Black Hills Initiative is now a permanent grantmaking program, designed to invest in healthy outdoor spaces, outdoor recreation, and community building. 🌿🥾

“Recent years have brought historic growth and change to the Black Hills region. The Beautiful Black Hills Initiative meets the moment by sustaining healthy outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. We’re deeply grateful to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and many other donors for making this permanent support for our land, water, and wildlife possible,” said Eric Zimmer, BHACF's Vice President of Philanthropy & Special Projects.

🌲Learn more about the Beautiful Black Hills Initiative: https://lnkd.in/grmKFM2y

📰Read the Rapid City Journal article: https://lnkd.in/gm_89Zm7

Black Hills Area Community Foundation has received a $500,000 investment that will perpetually help support nature-focused nonprofits in the region. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments. https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/business/development/article_d7b411de-0e6b-4412-8631-3c1aafc06dcf.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Rapid_City_Journal

07/13/2026

Join our team! 🔊

BHACF is looking for an Education Program Officer to strengthen and expand education, mentorship, and career-readiness opportunities across the Black Hills region. 🎓

In this role, you'll partner with local nonprofits, manage scholarship and grant programs, and build lasting relationships with donors, educators, and community members who are passionate about education.

If you are relationship-driven, curious about the philanthropic sector, and excited to make a difference in the lives of Black Hills residents, we want to hear from you!

📚Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4438249562/

07/07/2026

We're proud to support projects through the Spearfish Trails Coalition (STC) that are not just about building trails but also about bringing people together and building community.

Through our Beautiful Black Hills grantmaking, we fund community building work that brings all kinds of people together around their love of the Black Hills.

With BHACF's grant to the STC, the group is working together to bring trails to the entrance of Spearfish Canyon that are more accessible for different skill levels and user groups!

🥾Learn more about the Spearfish Trails Coalition: https://www.spearfishtrails.org/

07/03/2026

Our office is closed this Friday to observe Independence Day. 🎆🎇

We will return to the office on Monday, July 6.

Enjoy a wonderful, safe holiday weekend with your loved ones!