Best Grants for Rural Development in North Dakota

Nonprofits, public entities, tribes, cooperatives, and educational institutions in rural North Dakota can access funding for rural business development projects through USDA Rural Development, with awards from US $10,000 - US $500,000. Grants support technical assistance, infrastructure, incubators, revolving loan funds, and broader community and technology-based economic development benefiting small rural businesses.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural North Dakota can use this funding to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and related equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites applicants from communities under 20,000 residents, with higher grant percentages available for smaller, lower-income areas.

Rural public transportation providers in North Dakota can seek funding for small capital projects, operating costs, maintenance, and project administration through this program, with awards up to US $5,000. With a mission to support rural transit, North Dakota Department of Transportation offers formula-based assistance, including planning and intercity bus projects that improve connectivity and access to jobs.

North Dakota nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions focused on rural development can access funding through the United States Department of Agriculture to serve rural microenterprises. Grants and loans up to US $500,000 support rural microloan revolving funds plus training and technical assistance for very small businesses in eligible rural areas with 10 or fewer employees.

North Dakota critical access hospitals and their owned or operated clinics can access funding through North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to support rural healthcare workforce retention initiatives. Grants of approximately US $270,000 can fund incentives, childcare partnerships, wellness and burnout prevention, flexible staffing, housing or transportation assistance, and related strategies that help stabilize rural healthcare and strengthen rural development.

Grants from Rob-See-Co help North Dakota rural development organizations, specifically rural libraries, expand collections, programs, and technology. Eligible libraries in ND and other listed states can apply for US $500 to support educational programming, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, and related library services that benefit their local rural communities.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and coalitions in North Dakota can seek funding to develop, test, and spread community-focused ideas that improve quality of life. Focused on community services, Bush Foundation invites rural and other local changemakers to propose innovative solutions that can be shared across communities and Native nations in the region.

Nonprofits, public agencies, religious organizations, and tribal governments working on rural climate and development initiatives in North Dakota can access funding through the Rural Climate Partnership; awards US $20,000 - US $150,000 for project or general operating support. Eligible applicants must be rural-led or rural-serving and focused on communities under 50,000 people across the U.S.

Nonprofit institutions establishing rural cooperative development centers and providing technical assistance to cooperatives and mutually owned rural businesses may be eligible for up to US $1,000,000 in North Dakota and nationwide. Grants from USDA NIFA help rural development organizations create jobs through new cooperatives, value-added processing, and expanded rural enterprises.

North Dakota rural development and community organizations working with state or local REALTOR associations can access funding for rural studies, events, and public outreach initiatives. North Dakota rural development groups can access funding through National Association Of Realtors’ Level 2 Rural Outreach Grant, offering up to US $7,500 for instructor fees, venues, refreshments, and outreach materials.

Rural development organizations and REALTOR associations in North Dakota can use this grant to educate REALTORS about rural issues through trainings or outreach events. Focused on rural development, the National Association of Realtors invites state and local REALTOR associations to apply for up to US $3,000 on a reimbursement basis for eligible program costs.

The Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program, managed by the Rural Utilities Service, seeks Letters of Interest for loan applications to fund renewable energy generation and energy storage projects. With approximately $410 million available from the Inflation Reduction Act, the program offers up to 75% financing for project costs, along with potential loan forgiveness options. This initiative aims to enhance energy infrastructure in rural areas, promoting sustainable energy solutions.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) - Community Systems Development aims to enhance behavioral health systems in rural areas by providing funding for the development and expansion of services. This initiative supports the establishment of formalized networks to boost operational and clinical capacity, ensuring effective implementation of evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services tailored to community needs.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of behavioral health strategies in rural settings. By developing evaluation tools and resources, this initiative seeks to empower local communities in their health initiatives, ensuring that future programs are informed by comprehensive evaluations. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program highlights the importance of tailored approaches to address opioid-related challenges in rural areas.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Overdose Response aims to enhance healthcare access in rural areas by addressing urgent needs related to substance use disorder services. This initiative focuses on reducing overdose risks through targeted interventions and support, ensuring that rural communities receive necessary assistance. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, this program is crucial for mitigating the opioid crisis in underserved regions, improving health outcomes, and promoting overall community well-being.

The Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027) initiative, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to empower small museums across various disciplines. This program focuses on project-based funding to enhance public service through educational programs, exhibits, and community partnerships. By supporting small, often underfunded institutions, Inspire seeks to strengthen their capacity to engage communities and improve collections management, fostering experiential learning and discovery.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

The Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program aims to support Agriculture Innovation Centers by providing grants that facilitate technical assistance to agricultural producers. This initiative focuses on enhancing the marketing of value-added agricultural products, ultimately fostering growth in the agricultural sector. Funded by the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, this program is designed to empower producers and promote innovation in agricultural practices.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, invites applications for FY 2027 funding. This initiative aims to enhance solid waste management in rural communities through technical assistance and training. Eligible organizations can receive grants to develop sustainable waste management practices, addressing critical issues like water pollution and emerging contaminants, while promoting hazardous waste collection. This program supports operational improvements and capital financing applications to ensure long-term environmental health.

The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program provides competitive funding for eligible applicants to deliver technical assistance to local governments serving economically distressed communities of 50,000 or fewer residents. Selected awardees collaborate closely with HUD to enhance the capabilities of UGLG officials and staff, ensuring they effectively address community needs. Applicants may focus on broad HUD jurisdictions or specific areas as specified in the program's NOFO.

Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites very small, financially distressed rural communities in North Dakota to seek funding for predevelopment planning of water and waste disposal projects. Eligible state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes can cover feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance for proposed infrastructure improvements.

OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural organizations, fostering the development of affordable housing and community initiatives. This program offers tailored support, helping organizations enhance their operational capabilities and drive impactful change. By accessing expert resources and training, participants can effectively navigate challenges, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative targets nonprofits and tribal entities, ensuring that rural communities receive the guidance needed for sustainable growth and development.

The FRS Community Grant Program supports rural communities served by NTCA members, offering grants up to $5,000 for various local initiatives. Priority is given to projects that promote economic development, education, health, and public service. Eligible applicants must secure a 10% match of the grant amount requested. Ineligible projects include overhead expenses, individuals, and those without secured funding. FRS aims to foster sustainable and engaged rural communities through these efforts.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 in startup funding for community-driven groups in small towns to adopt the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month, with funding decisions made the following month. This initiative aims to empower residents to engage in local development and foster community connections.