Community Partners Program

The City of Sioux Falls is introducing the Community Partners Program, a new program designed to support organizations that serve important community needs. This program replaces the traditional subsidy agreement model for funding community organizations with a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, ensuring a more transparent, consistent, and accountable approach to allocating City funds to community organizations.

What's Changing

Previously, community funding was awarded through individual subsidy agreements approved during the City’s annual budgeting process. The new RFP-based model:

  • Creates equal opportunities for organizations to compete for funding
  • Standardizes proposal review and evaluation
  • Aligns funding decisions with the City’s strategic priorities
  • Requires clear outcomes, performance measures, and reporting

Priority Areas

The Community Partners Program will focus funding on three key areas:

1. Supporting At-Risk Populations

Programs must address barriers to stability and well-being for vulnerable groups, including those experiencing homelessness.

Initiatives include:

  • Temporary Housing Services
  • Transitional Housing Services
  • Juvenile Services for Victims of Violence and Crime
  • Homelessness Prevention and Stabilization
  • Mental and Physical Health & Addiction Services

Expanded Scope

2. Expanding Culture, Arts, and Community Programming

Projects should promote cultural vitality and enrich public life through accessible programming.

Initiatives include:

  • Wellness and Recreation Programming
  • Arts Programming in Public Facilities and Spaces
  • Literacy Programming in City-Owned Facilities
  • Public Art Experiences for Cultural Tourism and Community Engagement
  • New Accessible Public Events

Expanded Scope

3. Strengthening Economic Vitality and Growth

Programs must support the City’s economic development goals.

Initiatives include:

  • Industry Growth and Economic Diversification
  • Downtown Vibrancy and Safety Investments

Expanded Scope

Who Can Apply

Organizations that have previously received City subsidy agreements and new applicants are welcome to apply. This opportunity is designed to support both proven initiatives and creative new approaches that strengthen our community.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to form partnerships that will strengthen program capacity and enhance delivery of services. Applicants may apply for multiple scopes under each priority areas. Only one proposal can be awarded per scope of work.

Upcoming Informational Work Sessions

To help applicants prepare, the City will host informational work sessions on:

Thursday, September 4, 2025
City Hall Media Room (224 W. 9th St.)

Time Priority Area
2–3 p.m. At-Risk Populations 
3–4 p.m. Culture, Arts, and Community Programming
4–5 p.m. Economic Vitality and Growth

Attendees will receive details on project scopes, performance metrics, reporting requirements, and anticipated budget ranges.

What's Next

  • The 2026 City Budget, which determines available funding, will be voted on in mid-September
  • RFPs will be released following budget approval
  • Applications will be reviewed and approved by year-end
  • Funding will be available starting January 2026
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