South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault awarded a $50,000 South Dakota Fund Grant
November 19, 2025 // Grants, South Dakota Fund Grants
South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $50,000 South Dakota Fund grant to South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault (SD Network) due to the loss of federal funding and program eliminations. Funding will assist with the continuation and expansion of two statewide projects.
“On behalf of the SD Network, we are honored to receive this funding through SDCF,” said Krista Heeeren-Graber, SD Network, Executive Director. “Due to the federal funding cuts which occurred in 2025 without this funding, the SD Network would have struggled to continue a tribal specific project addressing IPV and sexual violence throughout SD. This funding will also allow the continuation of a tribal advisory task force working together with the SD Network to address gaps and barriers for victims/survivors of IPV and sexual violence in SD and the nine sovereign nations.”
SD Network is a state-level, nonprofit agency comprised of 72 member agencies addressing the concerns of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. To fulfill the mission, agencies work together to promote victims’ rights for a safer South Dakota. Due to the loss of federal funding, The SD Network lost funding for two important projects. The first project is a collaboration with South Dakota disability service organizations and victim service providers to provide training, education and direct advocacy for individuals with disabilities who have been victims of violence. The second project provides funding for The SD Network staff to travel across the state to agencies as requested to provide free hands-on support, training, assistance, leadership, and guidance to ensure the best possible services available for families.
“South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault provides vital support to agencies dedicated to improving the lives of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “We are proud to provide support for them to continue their work during these uncertain times.”
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by SDCF, please visit our website at SDCommunityFoundation.org.
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,300 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $40 million in grants in 2024 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, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.