Realizing Rural

08/08/2026

Beach babe ☀️🌊

We’re soaking up every last bit of summer before the backpacks come out, the alarms get earlier and the school-year routine begins. For now, we’ll be right here with sandy toes and nowhere else to be!

08/05/2026

A strong grant application is more than a good idea and a deadline.

It takes research, strategy, clear writing and a plan that makes sense long after the funding decision is made. We help rural organizations turn big ideas into competitive applications that are practical, persuasive and ready to move forward.

Have a project in mind but not sure where to begin? Let’s talk! 🙌

07/13/2026

Recently hired a new coworker.. She takes way too many potty breaks, sleeps on the job, and is not at all productive. 🙄🤣

07/09/2026

Check out this new grant opportunity! 👀

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 & 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬!

Arts South Dakota is proud to announce the 𝐷𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝐾𝑎ℎ𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 — a new grant program providing targeted funding for both individual artists and arts organizations across South Dakota.

The Deonne Kahler grant programs are designed to support specific creative projects and initiatives that invest in artistic excellence, professional and organizational capacity, and work that creates meaningful, lasting community impact.
Applications open July 1 - October 1.

Two grant tracks are available:
*𝐃𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 — a one-time, $5,000 unrestricted award for individual artists
*𝐃𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 — a one-time, $10,000 unrestricted award for arts organizations

Link in comments.

📸 "Pointing the Way" courtesy Deonne Kahler

06/25/2026

Good ideas deserve strong applications.

If your community has a project in mind, now is the time to define the details, gather support and make sure the story is clear before funding opportunities open.

That is where Realizing Rural can help. Reach out today to learn more! 🙌

06/23/2026

There is something special about the way small towns dream.

Not always loudly. Not always with everything figured out.

But with enough hope, grit and people willing to show up, even a simple idea can become something bigger. 🖤

06/21/2026

The dads behind Realizing Rural deserve a little extra love today. 🤍

They support the big ideas, the late nights, the busy seasons and the little people who remind us why rural life matters so much.

We are also thinking of our own Dad, who gave us a deep love for small-town living and taught us to appreciate the people, places and communities that feel like home.

Happy Father’s Day!

06/20/2026

A good project still needs a good message.

Grant writing and project management may help move the work forward, but marketing helps people understand why it matters.

Realizing Rural helps organizations clarify their story, connect with the right audience and make sure the message matches the mission.

06/18/2026

Not everyone gets to build a business with their built-in best friend. 🥰

Realizing Rural is rooted in a lot of things: small-town life, big ideas, shared history and the belief that rural communities can do amazing things with the right support.

Need a little help bringing a project to life? Message us or visit realizingrural.com!

06/15/2026

What do funders want to know? 🤔

They want to understand the need, the plan, the people behind it and the impact it will have.

A strong application does more than describe a project. It makes the case for why it matters and why it is ready to move forward.

Learn more at realizingrural.com or message us today to get started!