Best Grants for Community Service Projects in North Dakota

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 Energy Conservation Grant in North Dakota supports energy efficiency improvements in public buildings owned by political subdivisions. Eligible projects include insulation installation, efficient lighting, HVAC upgrades, and weather sealing, with awards up to $100,000 requiring a 50% cash match. Projects must achieve a payback period of 10 years or less, and all energy savings calculations will be reviewed by Community Services. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis.

The North Dakota Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds program supports applications for the reinvestment of CMP funds aimed at enhancing the quality of care and life for nursing home residents. Eligible organizations include consumer advocacy groups, nursing home associations, and state agencies. Funds can be used for resident support, facility improvements, and community-based relocations. However, they cannot be utilized for compliance issues or exceed three years in duration, ensuring focused and effective use of resources.

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 North Dakota Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides essential financial support to local governments for public facilities, housing rehabilitation, and economic development projects aimed at assisting very low and low-income individuals. Projects funded may include housing rehabilitation, public facility improvements, and economic initiatives that create job opportunities. Ensuring compliance with national objectives, the program promotes community development and addresses urgent needs while enhancing the living conditions of residents.

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 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 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 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.

St. Joseph's Community Health Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of residents in Northcentral North Dakota. Established by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1914, the foundation emphasizes sustainable community health through financial gifts and collaborative efforts. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, ensuring impactful projects across counties such as Bottineau, Burke, and McLean. The foundation aims to foster healthier communities while promoting voluntary financial support.

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 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 Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

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 GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

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.

Project Apis m. is dedicated to enhancing honey bee health and crop production through research funding. With over $10 million allocated since 2006, the organization supports innovative projects addressing bee health, nutrition, and pest management. Proposals are confidential and evaluated based on their scientific rigor and relevance to industry needs. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $200,000, with a focus on sustainable solutions that benefit beekeepers and agriculture in North America.

The Bush Fellowship empowers individuals across various sectors to amplify their leadership and drive community change. Offering up to $150,000 over two years, it supports personal growth and networking for selected Fellows. Applicants must be at least 24 years old and residents of specific states or Native nations. The program is competitive, with over 600 applications in recent years. It emphasizes equitable leadership and a commitment to making impactful changes within communities.

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 Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, promotes the importance of trees in campus environments. By fostering community forests, this program not only enhances the beauty and livability of college campuses but also addresses critical environmental issues. Schools can gain national recognition by meeting five key standards, thereby encouraging student involvement in tree-related projects while benefiting mental health and reducing energy needs.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

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 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 Media Partnerships Program, funded by the Bush Foundation, supports nonprofit media organizations in Minnesota and surrounding areas. It provides three-year operating grants to enhance news coverage, foster community engagement, and ensure diverse voices are represented. By promoting transparency and editorial independence, the program aims to amplify storytelling that addresses local issues, ultimately strengthening the region's informational landscape. Eligible organizations can receive up to $150,000 in support to further their mission while collaborating with the Foundation.