About Dakota State University Foundation
The Dakota State University Foundation advances Dakota State University by connecting philanthropy and engagement to elevate the faculty and student experience, support athletics, student clubs, academic success, and research initiatives.
Focus Areas
Higher educationScholarshipsAthleticsCybersecurity researchStudent programs
Who They Fund
college/university studentshigher education institution (Dakota State University)
Funding Style
direct financial aid (scholarships)capital/infrastructure fundingrestricted/institution-directed support
Topics
About Dakota State University Foundation
The largest recent grant went to Dakota State University for scholarships and capital support: $26,504,419 in 2025. That single award captures the foundation’s role as a campus-centered funder that channels philanthropy into student aid, infrastructure, athletics, academic success, and research at Dakota State University. The Dakota State University Foundation advances the university through institution-directed support rather than external grantmaking, with all recent grants landing in Madison, South Dakota. Its active programs show three clear vehicles for that support: the Trojans Athletic Club for athletics and student-athlete scholarships, the Trojans Unite Comprehensive Campaign for strategic campus priorities, and the Champion Scholarship for tuition and related academic expenses. Across recent years, the foundation has continued to back the university directly, including a 2024 scholarship grant and a 2023 institutional grant. The pattern points to a foundation organized around one beneficiary institution, with philanthropy used to strengthen both student experience and campus capacity.
What Dakota State University Foundation Funds
Scholarships are a central part of the foundation’s giving. In 2024, Dakota State University received $12,552,442 for scholarships, and the Champion Scholarship program is described as support for tuition and related academic expenses. The foundation also ties scholarship support to athletics through the Trojans Athletic Club, which provides resources for student-athlete scholarships. Campus infrastructure is another clear priority. In 2025, Dakota State University received $26,504,419 for scholarships and capital support, linking student aid with physical or programmatic campus needs. Research also appears in the foundation’s campaign structure through the Cyber-Research Initiative, one of the three strategic pillars in Trojans Unite Comprehensive Campaign. Academic success sits alongside that work as a named campaign priority.
How Dakota State University Foundation Gives
The foundation’s grant sizes are substantial: the 25th percentile is $7,230,340, the median is $12,552,442, and the 75th percentile is $19,528,430. Recent awards show repeat support to Dakota State University across multiple years, including 2025, 2024, and 2023, which indicates an ongoing institutional funding pattern rather than isolated grants. The foundation is a university foundation, and the listed programs are all restricted to campus priorities. It does not accept unsolicited applications through the active programs listed.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$26.5M
Total Assets
$102.2M
Total Revenue
$10.2M
Total Expenses
$28M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $7.2M and $19.5M, with a median of $12.6M.
25th Percentile
$7.2M
Median
$12.6M
75th Percentile
$19.5M
Geographic Reach
Local1 state funded
About 100% of grants go to recipients in SD.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
MIKE MCKELVEY
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