STURGIS, S.D. — The Sturgis Buffalo Chip and its rally attendees shattered previous fundraising records in 2025, raising more than $784,000 through charity rides, events, and donations — pushing the venue’s total charitable giving to over $3.6 million since 2007.

Buffalo Chip officials say the funds, raised during last year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, will continue to benefit nonprofit organizations across the Black Hills and beyond, with impacts already visible in local communities.

“‘Blown away’ is an understatement,” said Buffalo Chip CEO Rod Woodruff. “After many years, this level of generosity is what we’ve come to expect from the people who come to the rally. They are givers. They are generous. And we are forever grateful.”

Among the largest contributors in 2025 was the Rusty Wallace Ride, which raised nearly $500,000 for The NASCAR Foundation and Special Olympics South Dakota. Other charity events included the Legends Ride® presented by Progressive, Biker Belles®, Heroes Honor Ride, Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration, and the Flying Piston Breakfast — all of which are scheduled to return during the 2026 rally.

Charitable organizations benefiting from Buffalo Chip fundraising in 2025 included Special Olympics South Dakota, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, Naja Shriners Children’s Transportation Fund, All Kids Bike, Helping with Horsepower, The Jessi Combs Foundation, Real Deal Revolution, The NASCAR Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network through Monument Health’s Golden Guitar Gala, and direct-to-veteran donations through the Freedom Celebration and Heroes Honor Ride.

One of the most visible outcomes of that fundraising can be found in Rapid City, where a bocce ball complex for Special Olympians broke ground in 2023 with support from Buffalo Chip charity rides. Due to strong community use and demand, the facility was expanded in 2025.

On September 19, 2025, Rapid City hosted the South Dakota Special Olympics State Bocce Ball Tournament at the newly expanded complex. The event brought together hundreds of athletes and volunteers from across the state and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, Woodruff, and other community leaders.

More improvements are planned for the bocce complex, and Buffalo Chip officials say they have committed to helping fund the project until it is fully paid for.

“When you take part in a Buffalo Chip charity event, your money doesn’t just disappear into a general fund,” Woodruff said. “It makes a noticeable difference in the community.”

Registration for 2026 Buffalo Chip charity rides is now open, with limited incentives available for early participants. The 2026 Sturgis Buffalo Chip festival runs Aug. 7–16, featuring concerts, charity rides, racing, custom bike shows, stunts, women-focused events, and patriotic celebrations. Artists announced so far include Lainey Wilson, David Lee Roth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Megadeth.

More information on charity events and the 2026 rally can be found at BuffaloChip.com.