Giving together, thriving forever.
Let’s invest in a better Black Hills for everyone.
Your Partner in Generosity
Work with us to help our beautiful region flourish. Black Hills Area Community Foundation funds charitable work, empowers donors to make meaningful gifts, and manages initiatives to address key issues.
When we give together, we thrive together.
Two decades ago, a small group of community members started the Black Hills Area Community Foundation for a better way to invest in the future of our seven-county region.
Twenty years later, we’ve invested over $75 million in the Black Hills together! Thousands of community members have partnered with us to respond to critical needs, lead creative solutions, and support each other.
What’s next? Your hopes for your community will define the decades to come. We’re ready to help you realize your vision through giving and partnership.
Get involved in 2026
March
Sip GenerosiTEA.
Visit Sage & Cedar Herbal Tea Company in Spearfish to try GenerosiTEA, a signature blend designed to uplift.
Each purchase supports Northern Hills nonprofits.
April
Share your voice.
Vote for a cause in our annual Thriving Communities survey to shape a significant investment in the Black Hills.
The winning cause receives funding and local momentum.
May
Read Bark the Beaver.
Read a children’s book written by BHACF’s very own Eric Zimmer.
Each purchase supports the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association.
June
Apply for a special $20,000 grant.
We will award five extra Community Action Grants to Black Hills nonprofits in 2026.
BHACF nonprofit endowment holders are eligible to apply.
October
Explore Your Hopes for the Hills!
Contribute to a community art installation at the Dahl Arts Center.
The dynamic exhibit will celebrate your aspirations for our region.
SUBSCRIBE TO BHACF’S newsletter
You’ll receive a quarterly email with the latest news, including up-to-date details about our 20th Anniversary events.
Our story since 2006.
We are the only Community Foundation solely dedicated to serving the Black Hills region.
Our numbers tell the story of our continued growth, generous partners and expanding impact.
Counties
BHACF supports Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota and Fall River counties.
Total Charitable Investment
BHACF has invested over $75 million in grants, scholarships, fiscal sponsorships and affordable housing loans since its establishment in 2006.
Total Assets
BHACF manages over $100 million in assets — including a variety of charitable funds for donors and nonprofits.
Total Grants & Scholarships
BHACF has invested over $45 million in charitable grants and scholarships since its establishment in 2006.
Enjoy Giving
Everyone deserves to feel fulfilled and inspired by their generosity. There’s no wrong way to give back to your community ― and many ways to enjoy the process.
We’ll work closely with you to customize a plan that supports your values and goals.
News and stories
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Every year, BHACF awards scholarships to a variety of Black Hills students looking to earn a higher degree of education. Community members partner with BHACF to open the scholarships, and BHACF administers the applications and awards. Starting on Jan. 1, 2026,...
Community invited to support nonprofit food services, every dollar matched.
Last Updated Nov. 6, 2025 The Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) has activated the Black Hills Food Response Fund to help local nonprofits respond to the rising need for food assistance amid federal SNAP disruptions and the continued federal government...
How a Donor Advised Fund is Supporting Students at Spearfish High School
Many Black Hills residents streamline their donations through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), a flexible tool that makes it easier to support what matters most. The real value of DAFs isn't just efficiency—it's our Giving Teams' guidance that helps connect donors' values...
$145,000 in Grants Respond to Community Input on Youth Mental Wellness
In response to community voices in the 2025 Thriving Communities Survey, BHACF has granted $145,000 to nonprofits that strengthen youth mental wellness across the Black Hills region. Community members prioritized “Youth Mental Wellness” out of four potential causes,...
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Read our 2024 Impact Report
Each year, we create an impact report featuring stories that highlight the accomplishments of the previous year. This magazine-style report emphasizes the range of services and programs dedicated to serving donors, nonprofits and the broader community.
View and flip the pages of the report below.
Connect with us
Start a conversation with our team. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.