south dakota Habitat conservation foundation

Large Grants Program

Eligible Applicants
All applicants must be non-profit organizations as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. A copy of the organization’s IRS Letter of Determination must be provided with the organization’s application.

Eligible Projects
Projects that improve or create wildlife habitat in South Dakota are eligible for funding. Projects must have a minimum request of $40,000 and a maximum request of $100,000.

Applicants should use their own formats for large grant applications.  However, applications should contain all of the elements listed below and any other elements applicants wish to include.  Extra weight will be given to grant proposals that harness project partners, partner funding and those projects that might produce synergies with other habitat work being done by other public agencies.

Application Elements

  • Project Need
    Describe the habitat component(s) needed to produce wildlife, especially pheasants, as well as the factors causing a decline in that habitat component. Proposals that effectively communicate the context for the project, in terms of how it fits into broader restoration efforts and why it addresses the most strategic need, will be the most competitive.


  • Expected Benefit(s)
    Discuss the measurable long-term outcome(s) for wildlife habitat or populations.  
    • If the project supports recommendations of the Governor’s Habitat Work Group, explain how your project will address those areas of interest. 
    • If the project results in increased recreational activity, describe those benefits.
  • Activities and Work Plan
    Elaborate on the primary activities that will be conducted through the proposed grant; explaining how these activities address habitat needs in the state. Discuss how this project may initiate or fit into larger habitat conservation efforts in the state or if this is a stand-alone project, how it will succeed in and of itself in restoring, protecting, or enhancing wildlife habitat.

  • Budget
    Costs must be allowable and reasonable. Indirect expenses are not an allowable expense under this grant.

  • Methodology
    Describe how each activity will be implemented and include an anticipated timeline.

  • Evaluation/Monitoring
    Describe the strategy for monitoring and evaluating project results, including specifics on how success will be defined and measured. Please note any challenges or limitations you anticipate in interpreting anticipated results. Describe the monitoring plan, including those activities that will take place after completion of this grant. If possible, identify how post-grant monitoring will be funded. If this project is a continuation or expansion of an existing project, describe the status and results achieved to date.

  • Proposed Partnerships
    Identify proposed partners, the roles they will play in implementing the project, and how this project will build new or enhance existing partnerships. A project partner may be any local community, non-profit organization, tribe, and/or local, state, and federal government agency that contributes to the project in a substantial way and is closely involved in the completion of the project.

Application Process

Reporting Requirements
Projects are expected to be completed within approved timelines. An annual project status report is required and a final report is due after the completion of the project; summarizing the activities and the overall impacts of the project.