RAPID CITY, S.D. – At Tuesday night’s City Hall meeting, Rapid City’s Youth City Council bestowed Youth Philanthropy Grants upon three local organizations.

A total of $5,000 was distributed among non-profits benefiting Rapid City’s youth. Abbott House received $2,500, Friends of the Children-He Sapa obtained $1,500, and the SunCatcher Riding Academy was granted $1,000.

The Youth Philanthropy Group collaborates with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation for this program. They engage with local philanthropists, manage grant applications, and oversee the review process. This marks the third year of grant distribution by the Youth City Council.

Here’s how the grants will be utilized:

•ABBOTT HOUSE: The $2,500 grant will fund the creation of hygiene baskets for children entering the therapeutic foster home. Abbott House offers therapeutic support services for South Dakota youth dealing with trauma, abuse, neglect, and behavioral disorders.

•FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN-HE SAPA: With $1,500, the organization will provide clothing, shoes, and food for participants in their mentoring program. They aim for generational change by connecting youth with professional mentors for long-term stability.

•SUNCATCHER RIDING ACADEMY: The $1,000 grant will support 12 weekly educational sessions for their summer therapeutic horsemanship program. SunCatcher Riding Academy empowers people with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.

The Youth City Council plans to continue their partnership with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation for future grant issuance during the 2024-25 school year.

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