Stephanie Miller-Davis Grant Year 2026

This is a grant program to promote early childhood literacy in rural South Dakota communities. Funding is made possible from the Stephanie Miller-Davis Charitable Fund, a private donor advised fund from a SD family, in collaboration with the SD Community Foundation and the SD State Library.

2026 Awards are for two categories: Awarded to 5000 or fewer residents for city libraries and under 7500 (LSA) for county libraries.

$1000; to be directed toward a summer reading program or programs, children's books and materials

$3000-$8000. This year, a special project grant is being offered focusing on larger projects to enhance and update children's spaces. Projects could include new furniture or carpet for the children's space, new technology, sensory play areas, decor and signage refresh.

Summer Reading Program Grants
Libraries can apply through Counting Opinions to receive the summer reading program grant up to three years in a row by reapplying each year. If awarded grant three years in a row the library will not be eligible for one year and then may apply again the following grant year.

Children's Space Project Grants
Any library with 5000 or fewer residents for city libraries and under 7500 (LSA) for county libraries can apply through Counting Opinions to receive the project grant. This grant application must include detailed information.

Eligible Children's Space Projects Must:

• Directly enhance the physical environment of the children's area.
• Provide a lasting benefit to children's engagement, comfort, or learning.
• Be tangible and visible improvements.
• Be age-appropriate and designed with children's needs in mind.

General Eligibility for Both Grant Opportunities: South Dakota public libraries that are state and federally recognized and in compliance with State statues. Any South Dakota tribal/public library on any South Dakota reservation regardless of size may apply. South Dakota public school libraries may partner with an eligible public library closest to them and apply jointly. An official 501c3 "Friends of the Library" may apply on behalf of a public library.

Not required, but preference will be given to:

1. libraries who have earned SD State Library voluntary accreditation; and
2. libraries that send local librarians or trustees to training programs such as Jump Start or participate in online webinars.

Terms and conditions:

1. All award decisions are made by the Miller-Davis family and are final. Funds are issued through the SD Community Foundation.
2. Failure to complete all questions on the application questionnaire may jeopardize an applicant's chances.
3. The summer reading grant is for $1000; not more or less.
4. The project grant range is between $3000-$8000.
5. All funds must be accounted for with receipts when applicable.
6. Funds cannot be spent on salaries or food.
7. All awarded funds must be spent by August 31, 2026.
8. Failure to complete an evaluation form and submit by the deadline may jeopardize future opportunities to apply.
9. Self-evaluation report must be submitted by September 30, 2026.

Deadline: Completed applications must be received no later than Feb. 1, 2026. Grant decisions will be communicated by Feb. 28, 2026.

About the SDCF
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers over 1,100 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $30 million in grants in 2022 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, visit sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving web link to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.