How Black Hills Energy Gives Through Its Corporate Foundation

Among the local grantmakers focusing on South Dakota is Black Hills Energy, based in Rapid City. This company provides natural gas and electric utilities that serve 1.3 million customers in South Dakota and seven other states. The company’s history dates back to 1883, beginning with the Black Hills Gold Rush. Today, it engages in philanthropy through the Black Hills Corporation Foundation (BHCF), a corporate foundation that’s been in place since the early 2000s.

To guide South Dakota grantseekers, here’s an overview of the Black Hills Corporation Foundation’s giving and how to approach this funder for a grant.

Geographic limitations

Although BHCF is based in South Dakota and centers much of its grantmaking activity there, its range also extends to seven other states. The foundation’s service area includes portions of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Arkansas. Through its charitable giving program, BHCF funds nonprofits and school districts, but not 501(c)4 or 501(c)6 organizations. However, other corporate sponsorship funding opportunities may be available for different types of tax-exempt organizations, chambers of commerce and economic development organizations.

Foundation interest areas

Over the years, BHCF has supported charitable groups working in education, the environment, human services, youth development, civic and community development, and arts and culture. Most grants support requests that align with the funder's key priorities: strong communities, helping people, education, workforce development, responsible energy and environmental stewardship.

Typical foundation grantmaking

In a recent year, Black Hills Energy gave over $6 million to charitable causes, which encompasses gifts from the corporate foundation, employee giving to the United Way and an energy assistance program. South Dakota organizations see the most support overall, accounting for over 20% of total foundation giving. An example of a recent South Dakota grantee is the Black Hills Special Service Cooperative in Sturgis, which received a $4,500 grant to purchase automated external defibrillators to aid developmentally disabled people.

Applying for a grant

BHCF provides an online application on its website with step-by-step instructions. The first step in the process is setting up an NPOconnect profile and registering your organization. Any requests over $500 require applicants to provide additional documentation. The funder accepts applications throughout the year, and grantseekers should allow up to 120 days to receive a decision from BHCF. If you’re applying for funding for an event, ensure that it is scheduled within the next six months.

Learn more about this funder in IP’s full profile of the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, which is part of our South Dakota funding guide.

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