Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in North Dakota

CSA Midwest Region: Beth Dunlap Award

 The Midwestern Region presents The Beth Dunlap Award at the Regional Symposium. The award will be offered to a person who has made contributions worthy of the highest commendation and the achievements will have continued importance. Beth Dunlap was one of the founding members of the Midwestern Region. A fashion illustrator and artist, she passed away in 2009.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

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 Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each 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 RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

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.

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 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 NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

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 Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

Oil and Gas Research Program Grant 

North Dakota's Oil and Gas Research Program (OGRP) is a state/industry program designed to demonstrate to the general public the importance of the state oil and gas exploration and production industry, to encourage and promote the wise and efficient use of energy, to promote environmentally sound exploration and production methods and technologies, to develop the state's oil and gas resources, and to support research and educational activities concerning the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. The Oil and Gas Research Council (OGRC), among other powers, has the authority to make grants or loans and enter into contracts for the purpose of promoting the growth of the oil and gas industry through research and education. 

North Dakota's Oil and Gas Research Program (OGRP), established by the Legislature in 2003, is a state/industry program designed to demonstrate to the general public the importance of the state oil and gas exploration and production industry, to encourage and promote the wise and efficient use of energy, to promote environmentally sound exploration and production methods and technologies, to develop the state's oil and gas resources, and to support research and educational activities concerning the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. The Program is funded from the state's share of the oil and gas production tax and oil extraction tax. Two percent of the state's share of the oil and gas gross production tax and oil extraction tax revenues, up to $10 million, is available to the OGRP each biennium.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

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.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.