Best Women's Programs in South Dakota — 16 resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services, East River Legal Services, and the South Dakota Coalition Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence provide statewide civil legal aid and safety services for women.

16 Resources

1. YWCA Sioux Falls — Free

Programs empowering women including childcare, domestic violence support, and economic advancement in Sioux Falls. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

605-336-3660 · 300 W 11th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. SD Women's Business Center — Free

SBA-funded center offering business training, mentoring, and loans for women entrepreneurs in South Dakota. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

605-698-7654 · Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. SD Commission on the Status of Women — Free

State advisory body advancing women's issues, equality, and opportunities in Pierre. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

605-773-3101 · 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Working Against Violence Inc. (WAVI) — Sioux Falls — Free

Comprehensive services for women including shelter, advocacy, and empowerment programs in Sioux Falls. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Available 24/7.

605-731-0041 · 2001 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · 24/7 Crisis Line · Visit Website

5. Dress for Success — South Dakota — Free

Professional attire, career development, and workforce readiness for women seeking employment in Sioux Falls. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

605-336-3660 · 300 W 11th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

6. United Way of the Black Hills — Women United — Free

Women's giving circle supporting education and family stability in the Black Hills. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

605-343-5872 · 621 6th St Suite 100, Rapid City, SD 57701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Girls Inc. of Sioux Falls — Free

Programs inspiring girls and young women to be strong, smart, and bold in Sioux Falls. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm.

605-336-4428 · 2808 S Sycamore Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57110 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm

8. Lutheran Social Services — Women's Services — Free

Counseling, refugee support, and family programs for women and girls in Sioux Falls. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

605-357-0100 · 705 E 41st St Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

American Association of University Women advances equity through education, advocacy, and research. Women can join a local branch, apply for fellowships, and access free salary negotiation training at aauw.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

NOW is the largest grassroots feminist organization in the US, advocating for reproductive rights, workplace equity, and an end to violence against women. Local chapters take action nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. League of Women Voters — Free

Nonpartisan organization with chapters in every state encouraging women to register, vote, and engage in civic life. Provides voter guides and candidate forums at lwv.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. YWCA USA — Free

National YWCA works to eliminate racism and empower women through local YWCAs offering emergency housing, childcare, job training, and DV services nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Women's Funding Network — Free

Global coalition of women's foundations and funds investing in programs addressing economic security, safety, and leadership for women and girls. Member directory at womensfundingnetwork.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Junior League — Free

International organization of women committed to voluntarism, leadership development, and community improvement. Local chapters across the US offer training and community projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Soroptimist International — Free

Global volunteer organization of business and professional women that improves lives of women and girls through Live Your Dream Awards and local service projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Zonta International — Free

Zonta International is a global service organization of professionals empowering women through service projects, scholarships, and vocational training grants at zonta.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in South Dakota?
Women's Corner tracks 16 women's programs resources for women in South Dakota.
Are women's programs resources in South Dakota free?
16 of the 16 listed women's programs resources in South Dakota are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in South Dakota have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in South Dakota?
Featured entries include YWCA Sioux Falls, SD Women's Business Center, SD Commission on the Status of Women, Working Against Violence Inc. (WAVI) — Sioux Falls, Dress for Success — South Dakota.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
8 of 16 South Dakota women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.