Best Grants for Rural Development in North Dakota

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Rural Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program, administered by the USDA's Rural Housing Service, offers funding to support very low- and low-income homeowners in rural areas. This program also assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in making necessary repairs and renovations, ensuring that housing remains accessible to those in need. Preapplications must be submitted by September 8, 2026, to comply with regulatory requirements.

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.

Nonprofits and local governments working on rural community engagement and development, including those in North Dakota, can apply for funding from Montana Community Foundation’s Community Heart & Soul Program. Awards up to US $20,000 support a two-year, resident-driven process to identify community priorities, build local leadership, and guide economic and community development projects.

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.

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.

North Dakota rural development organizations working with forestry, conservation, or wood-based economic projects can access funding through the Richard King Mellon Foundation to advance innovative wood products and value chains. Eligible projects may include product development, commercialization, market and value chain strengthening, demonstration projects, and other scalable efforts that support rural economies and conserved landscapes across the U.S.

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 Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, aims to provide funding for water infrastructure repairs in areas affected by federally declared disasters during 2022. Eligible applicants include public bodies, non-profit organizations, and tribes, all required to demonstrate capacity and legal authority. The grants support not only repairs but also the enhancement of system resilience to mitigate future risks.

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

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.

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 Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant, part of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, aims to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved regions. With a budget of $60 million over five years, the initiative supports innovative fresh food retail projects, offering grants and loans to address barriers in food access. This funding is crucial for catalyzing sustainable food enterprises and improving local food systems, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Community Connect Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants aiming to deliver broadband services in rural areas where access is limited. This initiative fosters economic growth and enhances educational, healthcare, and public safety benefits, improving the quality of life in underserved communities. By supporting projects that create better market opportunities and promote equitable access, the program plays a vital role in advancing rural development and addressing environmental justice.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.