Best Grants for After School Programs in North Dakota

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

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 Community Innovation Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to support transformative ideas that enhance the lives of people in Minnesota and surrounding areas. These grants foster collaboration among organizations and leaders to develop and spread effective solutions to community challenges. By removing funding caps and focusing on the needs of communities, the program empowers individuals and organizations to create lasting change, ensuring that innovative ideas reach their full potential.

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 BCBSND Health Innovation Grants support innovative projects aimed at improving health outcomes in North Dakota. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal entities, or school systems. Projects may focus on expanding access to fresh foods, behavioral health services, or recovery education programs. The grants are not intended for existing programs or operational costs, and restrictions apply to funding for employee positions and capital campaigns. Successful proposals should demonstrate replicable models for community health improvement.

The Cultural Heritage Grant Program, funded by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, supports local museums and nonprofits with grants for projects like capital improvements, collections, and education. With $400,000 allocated for 2023-2025, priority is given to organizations with a strategic plan or that have completed the North Dakota Museum Assessment. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $50,000, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match in funding.

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 Alex Stern Family Foundation Grant provides funding to nonprofits in the Fargo-Moorhead area, focusing on arts, education, social welfare, youth recreation, civic projects, and health issues. Established by Alex Stern, a notable community figure, the foundation aims to support initiatives that enhance the local quality of life. Organizations seeking assistance should confirm their eligibility with the Program Manager before applying, ensuring alignment with the foundation's mission.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant, initiated by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, aims to enhance food accessibility in rural areas. This program supports the sustainability of grocery services and the development of food co-ops, addressing challenges related to food access and economic growth. With a 20% non-state match requirement, it fosters collaboration among local entities to improve food supply and quality. Projects must be completed within 18 months, ensuring long-term sustainability and community development.

The NWND Fund for Girls, established by the Minot Area Community Foundation, aims to empower young women in Northwest North Dakota. This grant supports programs that foster leadership, life skills, and strong values among girls. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and schools serving specific counties, ensuring that the next generation of capable young women is nurtured and supported in their growth and development.

The GIG Fund, managed by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to support public arts projects in Midwestern communities. This initiative aims to enhance access to arts for underserved audiences, including rural and economically disadvantaged groups. Eligible activities include performances and art festivals, with a focus on engaging professional artists. The funding period extends from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and requires a 1:1 match.

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 John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The Neel Family Fund Grant Program, established by Joe K. Neel, Jr., supports music education for children under 18 in Grand Forks County, ND. Grants can fund school music programs, youth bands, and purchases of instruments. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility, operate in the area, and be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public agency. Note that funds cannot be used for salaries or capital expenditures, ensuring resources enhance rather than replace existing music education.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The FM Area Foundation's Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN, addressing diverse community needs. Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 are available for projects in areas like arts, education, and basic human needs. Applications are reviewed based on community impact, collaboration, and capacity. Nonprofits must be IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities, with one application accepted per year.

The NDPRD Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a state-administered program providing 50/50 matching grants for outdoor recreation projects. Funded federally, it supports initiatives like parks, ball fields, and campgrounds, ensuring public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity. Eligible applicants include local governments, park districts, school districts, and federally-recognized tribes. This program aims to enhance recreational opportunities while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

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.

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

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.

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.