Vote for a cause. Inspire positive change.
Learn about the Thriving Communities Initiative.
ABOUT THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Every year, Black Hills residents vote online for a meaningful cause to benefit from at least $100,000 in grants.
In 2024, “Beautiful Black Hills” received our community’s popular vote, and 10 nonprofits received funding for outdoor spaces work.
Learn about the Beautiful Black Hills grantees below, and stay tuned for our 2025 community survey!
2024 Grantees: Beautiful Black Hills
In 2024, Black Hills residents resoundingly voted to support “Beautiful Black Hills.” This issue area focuses on caring for the outdoor spaces that make the Black Hills such a wonderful place to live.
Our community emphasized maintaining healthy natural spaces, promoting recreation, and the importance of the outdoors on our residents’ wellbeing.
In response, BHACF directed $125,000 in grants to 10 nonprofits:
• Black Hills Trails: Supports construction and maintenance on the Centennial Trail.
• Black Hills Bike Hub: Supports strategic planning and operational expenses.
• Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park: Supports updated signage along the trail.
• Black Hills Parks and Forests Association: Supports interpretive installations at state and federal parks.
• Booth Society, Inc: Supports the Junior Ranger Program and updated signage.
• The Nature Conservancy: Supports a stewardship project in the Southern Hills.
• Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary: Supports upkeep of Pathways Sanctuary.
• Black Hills Environmental Coalition: Supports a projects pool, where organizations can collaborate on outdoor spaces work together.
• Casting for Recovery: Supports a fly-fishing retreat for women affected by breast cancer.
• Casting Vets: Supports three ice fishing retreats for veterans in the Black Hills.
From Our Community
The responses below were anonymously submitted through the Thriving Communities 2024 survey. Photos were provided by BHACF staff members.
Local Parent
“Our family is drawn to outdoor recreation, which is why we chose to live in the Black Hills. This is the primary factor for our quality of life in this region."
Black Hills resident
“Western south Dakota is defined by the Black Hills. We know our directions because of it. We often define our hobbies around it. The smell of pine helps us know we are home. I want to see projects that support the preservation of the forests in sustainable and sound ways for us and future generations.”
Local Father
“There is no better way to improve one's physical and mental health than to be outside in the beautiful Black Hills areas. You get to grow and live with your communities there and make ever lasting memories at a cost free location.”
Black Hills Resident
“With our ever expanding population in the Black Hills, it will take increasing funding to maintain, preserve, and protect the outdoor spaces that make our area unique.”
What’s Next?
SPRING-SUMMER: Vote
Vote for a cause by the end of June.
Stay Tuned
Follow our Facebook to stay updated and learn about the community's chosen cause.
FALL-WINTER: Celebrate
Nonprofits impacting the community's selected cause will collectively receive at least $100,000.
Continue Giving to Beautiful Black Hills
Thriving Communities 2024 has come to a close, but nonprofits caring for our outdoor spaces still need our support.
Connect with our Giving Team to learn how you can contribute to nonprofits that care for healthy outdoor spaces or expand access to sustainable recreation.
Stay updated on Thriving Communities and other initiatives
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter to learn the latest news and updates from the Black Hills Area Community Foundation.
Let’s create a thriving Black Hills together.
Have questions? Connect with Carrie.
Carrie Robley, Director of Community Impact, manages the Thriving Communities Initiative. She’s happy to answer your questions or share ways to partner with us.