South Dakota Community Foundation

How it makes and monitors grants (Schedule I, Part IV)

The Foundation reviews the tax status of prospective grantees by using IRS Publication 78 data, which is integrated with grantmaking software on a continual basis. For 501c3 organizations, governmental entities, and religious organizations, verification is conducted prior to grant issuance. If the organization cannot be verified, no grant is awarded. The monitoring procedures used vary based on the grantee's tax status, fund type of distribution, and grant purpose. Donor advised funds can only make grants to 170(B)(1)(A) organizations or to other donor advised funds and are done through written recommendation with certification the purpose of the grant is only for a charitable purpose. Unrestricted grantmaking requires a due diligence form prior to grant verifying the proceeds will be used only for the purpose stated in the application. In addition, a full program evaluation is required upon completion of the grant/program. Future grants will be denied to grantee if not received. Scholarship distributions are approved only after being recommended by independent selection committee with predetermined criteria, with both committee and criteria having previously been disclosed and approved by the Foundation's Board of Directors. Scholarship distributions are paid directly to the educational institution. Finally, charitable organizations receiving distributions from designated funds certify that funds will be used only for the designated and charitable purpose.