About University of South Dakota Foundation
To strengthen the University of South Dakota by fostering lifelong connections and inspiring generosity that helps every Coyote, creating lasting impact.
Focus Areas
scholarshipsstudent supportacademic programsathleticsplanned and estate givinghealth scienceslawarts & sciences
Who They Fund
college/university studentsacademic departments/programs (higher education)
Funding Style
direct financial support to individuals (scholarships)capital/facilities funding
About University of South Dakota Foundation
The University of South Dakota Foundation’s largest recent grants all went to the University of South Dakota itself, with support in 2025 reaching $26,522,121 after $24,715,989 in 2024 and $18,907,283 in 2023. Those awards were split across scholarships, facilities, and other departmental support, which shows a funding model centered on sustaining the university’s core operations rather than isolated projects. That pattern carries into the foundation’s active funds. It supports the Physician Assistant Program Current Fund for general program support, the Center for Disabilities Current Fund for community education, clinical services, training, technical assistance, research, information dissemination, and policy and advocacy work, and the School of Medicine Annual Scholarship Fund for medical student scholarships. It also backs student-facing support such as the Student Counseling Center and the Sanford School of Medicine Stethoscope Fund. The foundation’s portfolio also reaches athletics and law through the Howling Pack Scholarship Fund and the 1901 Fund, while maintaining current and endowed support for alumni band activities and fraternity-linked scholarships. Overall, the grants and funds point to an institution-oriented funder focused on scholarships, student support, academic programs, and campus needs at the University of South Dakota.
What University of South Dakota Foundation Funds
Scholarships are a major theme. The foundation supported the University of South Dakota in 2025 with $12,348,296 for scholarships, and it also maintains scholarship-specific funds such as the 1901 Fund for students in the Knudson School of Law and the Coyote Beginnings Scholarship Fund, which seeks to bridge gaps in students’ financial aid needs. Health sciences appear prominently as well. The Physician Assistant Program Current Fund provides general support for the program as determined by the department chair, while the Sanford School of Medicine Stethoscope Fund supplies stethoscopes to first-year medical students. The School of Medicine Annual Scholarship Fund adds scholarship support for Sanford School of Medicine students. Student well-being is another clear area of support. The Student Counseling Center fund promotes emotional well-being, personal growth, and academic achievement through confidential mental health services. Athletics and campus life also receive support through the Howling Pack Scholarship Fund and The Sound of USD Alumni Band Current Fund.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$70.3M
Total Assets
$367.5M
Total Revenue
$38.2M
Total Expenses
$33.9M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $15K and $27K, with a median of $18K.
25th Percentile
$15K
Median
$18K
75th Percentile
$27K
Geographic Reach
Local1 state funded
About 100% of grants go to recipients in SD.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
NOAH SHEPARD
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