Best Grants for Preschools in North Dakota

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

About the department

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is the state agency charged with administering selected parks and recreation areas that are deemed to have state-wide or regional significance.

In addition, the department has responsibility for the following functions:

• Off-highway vehicle planning and safety program
• Snowmobile safety programs and trails
• Nature Preserves Act
• Outdoor recreation grants and statewide recreation planning

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

The Recreational Trails Program is an 80/20 matching grant program that provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. Examples of eligible projects include the construction of new recreation trails, restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment, land acquisition/easements, trail accessibility assessment.

The RTP is administered at the state level through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD), and federally through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Applicants may request grant amounts ranging from a minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum of $250,000.

RTP Project Selection

Applicants must register in WebGrants to submit applications; see the manual for instructions. Apply on the WebGrants Site.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) reviews all applications for eligibility before sending them to be scored and ranked by the Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee (RTPAC). The committee, which consists of trail users who represent a broad range of motorized and non-motorized trails and associations, meets each spring to evaluate the projects.

Once projects are ranked by the RTPAC, they are reviewed by state and federal agencies for environmental and historical clearance. The NDPRD then submits projects to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.

RTP Funding Source

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federal-aid assistance program to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized trail use. The program provides funds for all kinds of recreational trail uses, such as pedestrian uses (hiking, running and wheelchair use), bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, canoe/kayak trails, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.

The RTP funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use: fuel used for off-highway recreation by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-highway light trucks.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (USDOT/FHWA) administers the RTP program. The Governor of the state of North Dakota has designated the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) as the agency responsible for administering apportionments made to the state. RTP funds represent a portion of the federal gasoline tax attributed to recreation on non-gasoline tax-supported roads. The federal government prescribes many of the regulations governing this program.

The North Dakota NPS Section 319 grant aims to combat nonpoint source pollution through voluntary, incentive-based initiatives. By coordinating with local partners, the program assesses priority watersheds, implements restoration plans, and raises public awareness about water quality issues. This funding supports diverse projects, including assessments and educational outreach, to ensure the protection of North Dakota's water resources and promote best management practices among agricultural landowners.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund, overseen by the North Dakota Industrial Commission, provides grants to enhance conservation practices statewide. Established in 2013, it supports projects that improve access to lands for sportsmen, restore water quality, and develop wildlife habitats. Priority is given to initiatives that foster stewardship of natural resources, ensuring sustainable farming and recreation. The fund aims to preserve North Dakota's natural heritage while promoting environmental responsibility among state and tribal organizations.

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.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

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 NDU Foundation Ethnic Minority Scholarship supports minority students pursuing post-secondary education in trade, vocational, or undergraduate programs. Special consideration is given to students attending tribal colleges. This scholarship, administered by North Dakota United, is open to members and their dependents, with applications accepted annually from December to March. Award notifications typically occur in mid-May, providing an opportunity for deserving students to further their education and empower their communities.

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation strengthens LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest through strategic grantmaking, scholarships, leadership development, and inspiring giving.

Community Grants

PFund Community Grants are for LGBTQ+ serving nonprofits in the Upper Midwest. These grants range from $1,000-$20,000+ and include organizational membership to the PFund Leadership Institute, a monthly cohort based learning and networking opportunity.

North Dakota Council on the Arts

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is a service and program agency of the state, established in 1967 by State Legislature “to ensure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and will play an evermore significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens.” Our purpose is to bring that commitment to life. NDCA operates with an annual budget of over $2 million through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts and an appropriation from the North Dakota State Legislature. The majority of NDCA’s budget is awarded to organizations and individuals through various grant programs.

We strengthen the creative capacity of North Dakota for all who live and visit here, honoring our cultural traditions, empowering excellence and innovation, inspiring arts and culture opportunities for all.

Institutional Support Grant Program

Institutional Support (IS) is a three-year grant program that provides general operating support for arts nonprofits with an established record of high-quality programmatic service and administrative stability. This includes arts organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art, artist service organizations, art councils, and community art schools, as well as cultural arts organizations.

The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.

Graduate students conducting field-based ecological research on native mammals in North Dakota grasslands can apply for the Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award, offering US $2,500. Members of the American Society of Mammalogists working in Great Plains states or Canada Prairie Provinces, especially on rodents or shrews, may be eligible.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation's Building Healthier Rural Community (BUILD) Grants Program aims to enhance the health and well-being of rural communities in North Dakota. Focusing on economic stability, education access, healthcare quality, and community context, the program seeks to fund six to eight grants ranging from $5,000 to $7,500. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating strong community collaboration and sustainable impact.

Local government entities in North Dakota seeking funding for community development, public facilities, housing rehabilitation, or economic development projects can apply for the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant program, with awards of More than US $75,000. Projects must primarily benefit very low- and low-income residents and meet federal CDBG objectives. Preschools may benefit through eligible facility or community improvements led by their municipality or county.

The BCBSND Maternal Health Grants offer $5,000 to nonprofit or community-based organizations in North Dakota aiming to reduce maternal health disparities. These grants support initiatives that improve care access before, during, and after pregnancy, including prenatal and postpartum services. With a focus on enhancing health outcomes for women and their families, the program reflects a commitment to fostering healthier communities throughout the state.

The Encouraging Tomorrow's Hunters Grant, offered by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, supports organizations conducting educational shooting and hunting activities. With a maximum grant of $3,000, it aims to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters and shooters. Eligible nonprofit organizations can utilize funds for various expenses related to events that promote lifelong participation in hunting traditions. This initiative helps approximately 40 clubs, ensuring a robust community of responsible hunters.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The BCBSND Impact Grants aim to enhance the health and well-being of North Dakotans by supporting innovative community initiatives. Funded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation, these grants focus on whole-person health, emphasizing behavioral health and social determinants of health. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 to implement projects that promote healthier lifestyles and address critical health issues, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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 Workforce Retention Funding program, managed by North Dakota Health and Human Services, aims to bolster the rural healthcare workforce by providing grants to critical access hospitals and their clinics. With approximately $10 million in funding, the initiative supports retention strategies such as employee incentives, childcare partnerships, and professional development. By enhancing workforce sustainability, this program addresses healthcare access challenges in rural communities, aligning with the state's goal to improve overall health outcomes.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The ND 2025-26 AmeriCorps Formula Fund supports community service initiatives through grants provided by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. Eligible organizations, including nonprofits and government entities, can apply for funding to enhance civic engagement in areas like education and disaster services. Participants may receive benefits such as living allowances and education awards, with a required grantee match that escalates over time, fostering long-term community investment.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.