Community Partners Program

Community Partners Program recipients have been selected for the 2026-27 funding cycle. The program will open in 2027 for the 2028-29 funding cycle.

The Community Partners Program provides a transparent and consistent process for awarding City funding to organizations that serve important community needs. Funding is allocated through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, ensuring equal opportunity for organizations to apply. Proposals are evaluated using standardized criteria and must demonstrate measurable outcomes, performance indicators, and reporting.

This program aligns funding decisions with the City’s strategic priorities and strengthens accountability in how resources are distributed. By replacing the traditional subsidy agreement model previously used by the City, the Community Partners Program creates a fair and structured approach to partnering with organizations that make a positive impact in Sioux Falls.

Priority Areas

The Community Partners Program focuses 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-Focused Services for Victims of Violence and Crime
  • At Risk of Homelessness Prevention and Stabilization Services
  • Mental Health, Physical Health, and Addiction Services

2026 Program Recipients:

  • Bishop Dudley Hospitality House
  • East River Legal Services
  • Solace
  • St. Francis House

2. Expanding Culture, Arts, and Community Programming

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

Initiatives include:

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

2026 Program Recipients:

  • Levitt at the Falls
  • Reach Literacy
  • Sculpture Walk Sioux Falls
  • Sioux Empire Community Theatre (The Premier Playhouse)

3. Strengthening Economic Vitality and Growth

Programs must support the City’s economic development goals.

Initiatives include:

  • Industry Growth and Economic Diversification
  • Vibrancy and Safety Investments in Downtown Sioux Falls

2026 Program Recipients:

  • Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.
  • Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Who Can Apply

The Community Partners Program is open to any organization that provides services aligned with the priority areas outlined above.

The Community Partners Program will reopen in 2027 to consider funding for organizations in 2028 and 2029. Please note that as community needs are ever-evolving, so too will be the priority areas the City identifies, and priority areas could change for the next funding cycle.

Back to top