Great Plains Education Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,505,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: Average ~$500,000 per award (based on 7 awards totaling $3.5M in 2023)
• Geographic Focus: South Dakota only
• Total Assets: ~$35.9 million

Contact Details

Address: 415 S Main St Ste 301, Aberdeen, SD 57401-4304
Phone: 605-229-7119
Website: www.greatplainsedfoundation.org
Email: Not publicly listed
Administered by: Dacotah Bank Trust and Wealth Management Department, Aberdeen, SD

Overview

The Great Plains Education Foundation Inc was established in 1999 as an outgrowth of the Student Loan Finance Corporation (SLFC), which was originally formed in 1979 to assist in the delivery of United States Guaranteed Student Loans. In 1998, SLFC reorganized and formed a for-profit subsidiary that was sold in June 1999 under the supervision of the State of South Dakota and the U.S. Department of Education. The proceeds of $83.5 million (after transitional taxes) became the Trust corpus of the Foundation. With current assets of approximately $35.9 million, the Foundation awarded $3.5 million in grants to South Dakota educational institutions in 2023. The Foundation is governed by a five-member Board of Directors who serve without compensation, and its sole purpose is to further and aid education in the State of South Dakota.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates a grant program focused on supporting educational institutions across South Dakota. In 2023, they made 7 awards totaling $3,505,000, with an average grant size of approximately $500,000. Grant frequency varies by year, ranging from 1 to 7 awards annually over the past five years.

Priority Areas

• Higher education institutions in South Dakota (both public and private)
• Educational programs and initiatives that advance education in the state
• Supporting organizations of educational institutions in South Dakota

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the Foundation's mission and tax status indicate they exclusively fund:

• Educational institutions within South Dakota only
• Organizations with educational missions
• No direct scholarships to individuals (grants go to institutions)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors (all from Aberdeen, SD, serving without compensation):

• Harvey C. Jewett IV - Chairman, President, Secretary, and Treasurer
• Jack Thompson - Vice President
• Mike Evans - Director
• Tim Kessler - Director
• Eldon Swingler - Director

Harvey C. Jewett IV, born October 7, 1948, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is an American attorney and former president of the South Dakota Board of Regents. He previously served as CEO of Super 8 Motels and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2005 based on his service to the State. He has devoted much of his life to philanthropy through the Great Plains Educational Foundation. Northern State University honored his contributions by naming the Harvey C. Jewett IV Regional Science Education Center after him, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in September 2019.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation has not published a formal application process or forms. Interested educational institutions should contact the Foundation directly through:

• Phone: 605-229-7119
• Mail: 415 S Main St Ste 301, Aberdeen, SD 57401-4304
• Administration through Dacotah Bank Trust and Wealth Management Department

Decision Timeline

The Foundation does not publish specific decision timelines or board meeting schedules. Applications appear to be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publish success rate information. In recent years:

• 2023: 7 awards
• 2022: 5 awards
• 2021: 3 awards
• 2020: 5 awards
• 2019: 1 award

The total number of applications received is not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is published. Interested organizations should inquire directly about eligibility to reapply if previously unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's structure and mission, successful applicants likely demonstrate:

• Clear Educational Mission: As a supporting organization for educational institutions, the Foundation prioritizes organizations with direct educational impact in South Dakota.

• South Dakota Focus: Exclusive geographic restriction to South Dakota institutions means applicants must be located in and serving South Dakota residents.

• Institutional Capacity: With average grants around $500,000, the Foundation appears to favor substantial projects at established institutions that can effectively manage large grants.

• Higher Education Alignment: The Foundation's history emerging from student loan services and focus on higher education institutions suggests stronger alignment with colleges and universities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Large Grant Potential: With an average grant size of approximately $500,000 based on 2023 data, the Foundation makes substantial investments in South Dakota education.

• Limited Competition Pool: The South Dakota-only restriction creates a smaller applicant pool than national foundations, potentially improving odds for eligible institutions.

• No Public Application Process: The absence of published application forms or deadlines suggests a more relationship-based approach. Contact the Foundation directly to discuss potential funding.

• Variable Award Frequency: The Foundation's grant-making varies significantly year to year (from 1 to 7 awards), suggesting strategic or opportunistic funding rather than routine grant cycles.

• Strong Local Leadership: All board members are from Aberdeen, indicating deep local roots and potentially favoring organizations with regional connections.

• Dacotah Bank Relationship: Since administration is through Dacotah Bank Trust, establishing a relationship with the bank's wealth management team may be beneficial.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Great Plains Education Foundation Inc (EIN 46-0350016) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/460350016 (accessed February 2025)
2. Candid Foundation Directory - Great Plains Education Foundation Inc - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&key=STUD311 (accessed February 2025)
3. The Grantsmanship Center - Great Plains Education Foundation, Inc. - https://www.tgci.com/funder/great-plains-education-foundation-inc (accessed February 2025)
4. Instrumentl 990 Report - Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/great-plains-education-foundation-inc (accessed February 2025)
5. Wikipedia - Harvey C. Jewett IV - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_C._Jewett_IV (accessed February 2025)
6. South Dakota Hall of Fame - Harvey Jewett - https://sdexcellence.org/Harvey_Jewett (accessed February 2025)
7. Great Plains Education Foundation website - www.greatplainsedfoundation.org (accessed February 2025)
8. GuideStar Profile - Great Plains Education Foundation Inc - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-0350016 (accessed February 2025)
9. Cause IQ - Great Plains Education Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/great-plains-education-foundation,460350016/ (accessed February 2025)