Best Community Development Grants in North Dakota

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Office of Legal Immigration Grant Program (ND) aims to support businesses and community organizations in North Dakota that seek to recruit, retain, and integrate New Americans. Funded by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, it addresses the need for improved access to international recruitment and community integration activities, enhancing the workforce and economic inclusion for foreign-born individuals. This program facilitates employer strategies and community-based initiatives, promoting long-term retention and positive experiences for immigrants.

The Dakota Foundation seeks to combine business discipline with charitable intentions to address social issues through grants and program-related investments. With a focus on empowering individuals and fostering sustainable practices, the Foundation supports initiatives that improve economic conditions, particularly in Arizona, North Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, and North Carolina. Organizations that collaborate effectively and demonstrate measurable results are prioritized, while projects involving unlawful discrimination or certain funding types are discouraged.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The John & Elaine Andrist Charitable Trust aims to enhance the quality of life in northwest North Dakota through its grantmaking approach. Funding focuses on arts, community development, economic growth, and innovation, supporting projects that strengthen local communities. Eligible applicants include IRS tax-exempt organizations and government agencies. Priority is given to initiatives in Crosby and Divide County, promoting sustainable growth and creative endeavors to uplift residents.

The AgriBank Rural Community Grant Fund aims to boost infrastructure and community development in western North Dakota, supporting initiatives like housing, health, and safety projects. Grants up to $50,000 are available for local entities, including 501(c)(3) organizations, to foster improvements in areas affected by mineral development. This fund reflects AgriBank's commitment to enhancing community well-being and sustainability in the region.

The Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) in North Dakota aims to empower local solutions to workforce challenges by providing tailored funding mechanisms. This program focuses on addressing the specific workforce needs of various regions, promoting economic stability through collaboration and innovative initiatives. By increasing participation and leveraging existing resources, the RWIP is designed to enhance workforce development, ensuring that both rural and urban communities can thrive. Grant caps vary based on the funding purpose.

The PRISM Fund Grant, offered by PFund Foundation, aims to enhance equity within LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. It focuses on supporting rural LGBTQ+ organizations through grants, training, and collaboration. The program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by discrimination, such as queer people of color, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ residents of North and South Dakota. By addressing unique regional challenges, the PRISM Fund fosters resilience and connectivity among these underserved populations.

PFund Foundation supports LGBTQ+ communities in the Upper Midwest by providing event sponsorship funding for various gatherings, including fundraisers and pride festivals. Organizations eligible for funding must align with the foundation's mission, serve LGBTQ+ individuals, and be registered as 501c3 nonprofit entities. Events must be located within the foundation's service area and be scheduled at least 60 days in advance. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and support.

The Arts in Education Collaboration Grant offers up to $6,000 to support collaborative projects that enhance arts education for K-12 students in North Dakota. It encourages partnerships among schools, arts organizations, and community resources to increase access to quality arts education. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public entities located in North Dakota. The program aims to address barriers to arts education and support sustainable, participatory learning experiences for students.

The Creative Community Solutions Grant Program, launched by the Bush Foundation in partnership with Strengthen ND, seeks innovative solutions to community challenges in North Dakota. Grants up to $300,000 are available for projects that develop, test, and spread impactful ideas. This initiative empowers diverse local voices through a Grantmaking Committee, ensuring funds are allocated to initiatives that enhance community well-being. Importantly, it focuses on collaborative efforts and does not provide operational support for organizations.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

North Dakota Health and Human Services

HHS Mission Statement: HHS fosters positive, comprehensive outcomes by promoting economic, behavioral, and physical health, ensuring a holistic approach to individual and community well-being.

Our mission underscores the incredible work that is already underway across HHS today. It reflects our commitment to keep the well-being of individuals and communities at the forefront of our efforts. 

Rural Health Transformation Funding

As part of Public Law 119-21, Congress established the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to help rural communities reimagine their health care delivery systems and improve health outcomes. This program administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to address longstanding health-care challenges facing rural and Tribal communities. The North Dakota Health and Human Services (ND HHS) developed its RHTP to focus on creating new access points, modernizing care delivery and empowering local providers to meet the needs of their communities through sustainable investments. North Dakota’s plan, as indicated in the RHTP application and supporting documents, includes four initiatives:

• Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again
• Initiative 2: Strengthen and Stabilize Rural Health Workforce
• Initiative 3: Bring High-Quality Health Care Closer to Home
• Initiative 4: Connect Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota

Community Gardens Grant

Funding

This RHTP Community Garden competitive funding opportunity (under Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again) is being made available to leaders of North Dakota’s rural and tribal communities including but not limited to 4-H youth development programs, civic groups, municipalities, tribal councils, tribal colleges, tribal health departments, health care facilities, senior centers, worksites, public health units, schools, Head Start programs, cultural centers, after-school programs, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, communities of faith and nonprofit organizations.

North Dakota Health and Human Services

HHS Mission Statement: HHS fosters positive, comprehensive outcomes by promoting economic, behavioral, and physical health, ensuring a holistic approach to individual and community well-being.

Our mission underscores the incredible work that is already underway across HHS today. It reflects our commitment to keep the well-being of individuals and communities at the forefront of our efforts. 

Rural Health Transformation Funding

As part of Public Law 119-21, Congress established the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to help rural communities reimagine their health care delivery systems and improve health outcomes. This program administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to address longstanding health-care challenges facing rural and Tribal communities. The North Dakota Health and Human Services (ND HHS) developed its RHTP to focus on creating new access points, modernizing care delivery and empowering local providers to meet the needs of their communities through sustainable investments. North Dakota’s plan, as indicated in the RHTP application and supporting documents, includes four initiatives:

• Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again
• Initiative 2: Strengthen and Stabilize Rural Health Workforce
• Initiative 3: Bring High-Quality Health Care Closer to Home
• Initiative 4: Connect Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota

Community-Based Walking Program Grant

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity is positioned under Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again and is specifically targeted toward providing leaders of North Dakota’s rural and tribal communities with the opportunity to develop and deliver a community-based walking program. This is the time it takes for behavior to become habit.

Because walking is a highly effective, low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health, manages weight, strengthens bones, boosts immunity, enhances mental wellbeing, and improves social connection, we are making funds available to develop and deliver 20 community-based walking programs in North Dakota’s rural and tribal communities.

North Dakota Health and Human Services

HHS Mission Statement: HHS fosters positive, comprehensive outcomes by promoting economic, behavioral, and physical health, ensuring a holistic approach to individual and community well-being.

Our mission underscores the incredible work that is already underway across HHS today. It reflects our commitment to keep the well-being of individuals and communities at the forefront of our efforts. 

Rural Health Transformation Funding

As part of Public Law 119-21, Congress established the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to help rural communities reimagine their health care delivery systems and improve health outcomes. This program administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to address longstanding health-care challenges facing rural and Tribal communities. The North Dakota Health and Human Services (ND HHS) developed its RHTP to focus on creating new access points, modernizing care delivery and empowering local providers to meet the needs of their communities through sustainable investments. North Dakota’s plan, as indicated in the RHTP application and supporting documents, includes four initiatives:

• Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again
• Initiative 2: Strengthen and Stabilize Rural Health Workforce
• Initiative 3: Bring High-Quality Health Care Closer to Home
• Initiative 4: Connect Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota

Zero-Hour Physical Education (PE) Initiative

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity is positioned under Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again and is specifically targeted toward providing leaders of North Dakota’s rural and tribal, public and private schools, regional education associations and/or school consortiums with the opportunity to develop and deliver a Zero-Hour Physical Education (PE) Initiative.

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services' vision is focused on North Dakota becoming the healthiest state in the nation. HHS Mission Statement: HHS fosters positive, comprehensive outcomes by promoting economic, behavioral, and physical health, ensuring a holistic approach to individual and community well-being. Our mission underscores the incredible work that is already underway across HHS today. It reflects our commitment to keep the well-being of individuals and communities at the forefront of our efforts. 

Ensuring Safety Net Service Delivery Grant

The Ensuring Safety Net Service Delivery funding opportunity aims to fill gaps in the health and behavioral health service delivery systems. This will improve North Dakota’s health care safety net, the system of providers and programs ensuring health care access for vulnerable populations, including those living in rural areas and needing specialized care. This is identified in Initiative 3: Bring High-Quality Health Care Closer to Home of North Dakota’s RHTP. Proposed projects eligible for this funding opportunity are:

• Technical assistance, training, planning and infrastructure development or equipment and remodeling for providers aiming to fill a gap in the current continuum of care. Examples may include:
  • medically managed withdrawal management services
  • youth and adult partial hospitalization/day treatment programs
  • behavioral health crisis response
  • pediatric and ventilator beds
  • obstetric care
  • home-based services
• Technical assistance, training, equipment and remodeling for providers expanding outreach and telehealth supports for underserved communities. Examples may include:
  • telehealth equipment
  • development of outreach models
  • mobile clinics
  • virtual care rooms for telehealth visits 

About Us

Welcome to www.ndda.nd.gov, the website of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture is the dominant sector of our state's economy. Our 26,000 farmers and ranchers lead the nation in the production of more than a dozen important commodities, among them wheat, durum, barley, flax, canola, pulse crops and more.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and the Department staff are committed to promoting a healthy economic, environmental and social climate for agriculture and the rural community through leadership, advocacy, education, regulation and other services. We believe that a strong agricultural economy is vital to the long-term well-being of North Dakota, our country and the world.

Specialty Crop Community Orchard Grants

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) has a grant opportunity to support the creation of permanent community orchards in underserved regions to increase community access to and consumer education of specialty crops. The funds for these grants come from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program.

Eligible organizations can ask for $40,000 or more to establish a new community orchard.

The Rural Business Development Grants in North Dakota aim to provide essential technical assistance and training to small rural businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue. Funding is prioritized for smaller requests, with two grant types available: Opportunity and Enterprise. These grants support various projects, from training and technical assistance to community and technology-based economic development, ultimately fostering growth in rural areas.

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to empower grassroots and Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. This initiative provides responsive grants of $50,000 and $100,000 to support community leadership, healing, and cultural revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the program seeks to address the unique needs of Native communities while promoting accessible philanthropy and sustainable growth.

GoodInND Foundation Grants

At GoodInND Foundation, our mission is to drive positive change and support sustainable development across North Dakota. We achieve this by funding projects that empower individuals and enrich communities through strategic support and partnerships.

Our Funding Areas

Education

At GoodInND Foundation, we are committed to enhancing educational opportunities for North Dakotans of all ages. Our grants and strategic partnerships support innovative programs that improve access to quality education, foster lifelong learning, and help students achieve their full potential.

Heath, Wellness & Human Services

Promoting comprehensive health and wellness is crucial for thriving communities. We fund initiatives that address physical, mental, and emotional health, including preventive care, wellness education, and support services in North Dakota.

Civic & Community Development

Building strong, resilient communities is at the heart of our work. GoodInND Foundation invests in projects that strengthen local infrastructure, encourage civic engagement, and foster community spirit and leadership.

Culture & Arts

The arts and humanities enrich our lives and reflect our shared cultural heritage. We support projects that promote artistic expression, cultural understanding, and the preservation of our collective history and traditions, with a special focus on North Dakota's unique culture.

The Tom and Frances Leach Foundation is dedicated to fostering healthy, thriving communities by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations. Their focus areas include education, health, human services, and arts & humanities, particularly in the Bismarck-Mandan and Western North Dakota regions. The foundation aims to support initiatives that promote educational opportunities, enhance healthcare access, improve quality of life, and preserve artistic endeavors, ensuring transformative impacts on local populations.

The Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in communities across Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Priorities include early childhood education, health services for families in need, community development, and environmental sustainability. While the 2025 budget is fully allocated, they encourage applications for 2026, emphasizing collaborative projects that create measurable impacts.

The R-COOL-Health Scrubs Camp Grant Program, initiated by the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota, aims to enhance awareness and interest in health careers among rural students in grades 5-12. With funding up to $25,000 available, the program emphasizes creative, interactive learning experiences. The grant application deadline is August 15, 2024, for projects running from September 3, 2024, to April 30, 2025, promoting collaboration between educational and healthcare entities in North Dakota.

The Destination Development Grant (ND) provides $15 million in funding to enhance tourism in North Dakota for the 2025-2027 biennium. It aims to develop new visitor experiences aligned with the state's identity, focusing on infrastructure for attractions that stimulate economic growth. Eligible projects include unique lodging, culinary experiences, and outdoor recreational venues. This program is designed to support projects that are ready for implementation, not for early-stage development.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in North Dakota supports rural development by providing essential funding for community facilities. Eligible areas include rural communities with populations under 20,000. The program prioritizes projects that serve low-income areas and offers varying grant assistance based on the community's income level. Funding can be used for construction, equipment purchases, and project expenses, ensuring that vital services such as healthcare, education, and public safety are accessible to rural residents.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in North Dakota support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that affect safe drinking water access. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants cater to various disasters, including floods, droughts, and chemical spills. Grant amounts range from $150,000 for waterline repairs to $1,000,000 for constructing new water sources. This initiative aims to restore access to clean water and bolster rural resilience following natural disasters.

The Bisexual+ Fund Grant, offered by the PFund Foundation, supports organizations that promote equity for bisexual+ individuals in the upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Grants range from $1,500 to $3,000 for general operating support, aiming to empower bisexual-led initiatives. Applications will open in late fall 2025, and eligible organizations must primarily serve LGBTQ+ populations and demonstrate commitment to bisexual+ communities.