About The Foundation

The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation is a South Dakota non-profit corporation exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation was organized by the Mary Chilton Chapter NSDAR in 1985. The Foundation was funded primarily by an endowment received from the Estate of Dorothy Day Davenport, one of the charter members of the Chapter.

The legal name of the Foundation is: Mary Chilton DAR Foundation.

The Foundation is dedicated to funding programs that enhance the quality of life in South Dakota. The Foundation has, as its guide, the philosophies of the DAR which include historic preservation, promotion of patriotism and support of education. 

The programs funded by Foundation grants are a tribute to Dorothy Day Davenport's dedication to the Mary Chilton Chapter and to the greater Sioux Falls community. By establishing the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation, the local chapter has striven to perpetuate her pioneering spirit by embarking upon new frontiers of discovery.

The present concerns of the Foundation focus on providing seed money for innovative programs, including action and research projects in South Dakota that:

  • Relate to the purposes of the Mary Chilton Chapter

  • Provide unique educational opportunities not offered in existing programs

  • Promote historical and related studies in high schools and other educational institutions

  • Promote the study and recording of genealogical data and the expansion of genealogical libraries

  • Promote historical interest and preservation of memorabilia and items of historical significance

  • Support historic pageants and re-enactments

  • Promote ideals of patriotism, democratic ideals, such as support for traveling programs, speakers, essay or speaking contests relating to such areas

  • Expand the support for citizen naturalization programs.

The foregoing list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities which may be supported by Foundation grants, nor is it intended that all of these mentioned in the specific forms described, will be undertaken. The Foundation will consider requests like these along with other innovative ideas applicants submit to the Board for funding approval.

The Foundation does not accept applications for student scholarships.

The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors of eleven members drawn from the Sioux Falls community and includes the Regent and Vice-Regent of the Mary Chilton Chapter. The Board of Directors meets on a regular basis, monthly or bi-monthly.

The Grants Committee of the Board of Directors of the Foundation reviews all grant applications and makes recommendations for approval to the full Board who makes recommendations to the Mary Chilton Chapter which determines grant approval

For additional information about the Foundation contact us:

Mailing Address: Mary Chilton DAR Foundation
                           P.O. Box 921
                           Sioux Falls SD 57101

Telephone: (605) 594-8213
(Leave message if no answer.)

E-Mail: Not available at this time

Fax: Not available at this time