Chris Huber, President & CEO of BHACF, shares updates at BHACF's 20th Anniversary Celebration.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) has awarded six $20,000 Community Action Grants to nonprofits across the Black Hills region, a total of $120,000 in community investment.
Each year, BHACF awards one $20,000 Community Action Grant to an organization that brings creative ideas, strong community partnerships and sustainable practices to its work in the Black Hills. In honor of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, the Foundation offered five additional grants in 2026, making it possible to support six projects instead of one.
The 2026 20th Anniversary Grant recipients are:
211 Helpline Center
The Helpline Center will use its grant to fund a one-year pilot of the 211 Transportation program in Rapid City, giving residents access to rides for basic needs like grocery shopping, medical appointments, employment and social services. Through the program, residents can receive up to six free Lyft rides each by dialing 211 on a weekday, up to 24 hours before their trip. Every ride is arranged by a 211 specialist who assesses the caller’s needs and connects them not only to transportation, but also to other resources that support long-term stability.
Journey On
Journey On will use its grant to launch the Building Stronger Neighborhoods initiative in Rapid City’s Star Village and Knollwood neighborhoods. The initiative gives residents more ways to connect, volunteer and engage in their community. The funds will purchase durable equipment and supplies for youth recreation, clean-up and gardening projects, community events, a neighborhood food pantry and programming at the Knollwood Clubhouse, a supportive after-school space for local youth created by the Rapid City Police Department.
Black Hills Parks and Forests Association
Black Hills Parks and Forests Association will use its grant to launch “Roots and Trails,” a youth outdoor education project that lets young people learn directly in nature at Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument and Black Hills National Forest sites. Participating children will receive take-home field kits with binoculars, a compass, a field guide and a nature journal, while new tablets, teaching equipment and shared field gear will help turn good-weather outings into a year-round program. For the first time, the Association will also offer ASL-interpreted program days for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth and sensory-supported days for children with autism, so every child can explore public lands.
Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House will use its grant to complete the Guest Business Center at its new Rapid City house, which will be recognized as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation Guest Business Center. Many families staying at the house are caring for a seriously ill or injured child while trying to keep their jobs. The Center will give them a quiet workspace with reliable technology and internet, so parents can attend virtual meetings, stay in touch with employers and manage personal and financial matters without leaving their child’s side.
Abbott House
Abbott House will use its grant to furnish and equip the on-site school at Abbott House West in Rapid City, which serves approximately 140 youth each year in its psychiatric residential treatment and addiction recovery programs. Many of these students have experienced trauma and disrupted education, and the school is moving to a 12-month calendar so they can keep learning, recover credits and work at their own pace while in treatment. The grant will provide trauma-safe desks and chairs, Chromebooks and laptops, textbooks, noise-canceling headphones and other classroom materials to create a space that supports both learning and healing.
Children’s Home Society
Children’s Home Society will use its grant to launch the Rapid City Day School Access, Engagement, and Transition Initiative, strengthening its therapeutic day school for elementary-age students with complex behavioral and mental health needs. The initiative will create a clearer referral and onboarding process for families and school districts, bring monthly collaboration with those partners, and add therapeutic support and individualized plans in the classroom. Early transition planning and follow-up will help students return successfully to their home schools and reduce the need for more restrictive or out-of-region placements.
BHACF is proud to support these organizations as they bring new ideas to life across the Black Hills.
For a list of all of BHACF’s annual grant opportunities, visit bhacf.org/grants.