Access for All Board Discusses Sioux Falls School District Scholarship Funding Strategy

The Sioux Falls School District's recent meeting on August 25, 2025, focused on the district's scholarship funding and future fundraising efforts. A key discussion point was the current status of the district's fundraising goals and the financial resources available for scholarships.

The district has not been actively fundraising due to a significant gift received a few years ago, which is expected to sustain scholarship funding for the next five to seven years. This gift has allowed the district to allocate approximately $1.6 million in scholarship funds last year. For the current year, the district has requested an additional $200,000 to cover the anticipated shortfall from expiring grants, bringing the total expected scholarship funding to around $2.2 million.

In addition to the initial gift, the district also receives support from United Way, which contributes to the overall scholarship funding pool. While the district plans to engage in fundraising efforts in the future, they are currently utilizing existing resources before reaching out for additional donations.

For potential donors interested in contributing, the district encourages them to connect through the Sioux Falls Community Foundation, specifically the Access for All fund, or to make direct donations to the Sioux Falls School District or community learning centers.

The meeting underscored the importance of community support in sustaining educational opportunities for students, highlighting the district's proactive approach to managing its scholarship resources while preparing for future fundraising initiatives.