Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in North Dakota

The Halstenson Family Music Scholarship Fund Grant, offered by the North Dakota United Foundation, supports NDU members with a music teaching license pursuing graduate degrees. Eligible applicants must have at least one year of full-time teaching experience and a commitment to continuing music education in North Dakota. The scholarship can be used for educational opportunities enhancing K-12 music skills, helping educators improve their teaching abilities.

The Horace Mann ND Agents Graduate Education Scholarship, offered by the North Dakota United Foundation, supports NDU members in enhancing their qualifications through summer school or graduate-level courses. Applications are accepted annually from December to March, and recipients are notified in mid-May. This initiative aims to empower educators and public servants in their professional development, ensuring they have access to necessary resources for continued learning and growth.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students with epilepsy. This scholarship is open to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, who are high school seniors or current college students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in accredited institutions. The program reflects a commitment to accessibility and support for underrepresented students.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The ND Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, aims to protect agricultural land and wetlands by providing financial assistance to eligible partners. This program safeguards the nation's food supply, enhances environmental quality, and offers public benefits such as wildlife habitat and historic preservation. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for 2025 funding approaching soon. Join now to contribute to sustainable land conservation.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

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 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.

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 California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

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.

The Mary Cripps Special Education Scholarship, offered by the North Dakota United Foundation, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing special education training. Applications are accepted annually from December through March, with notifications typically in mid-May. This scholarship is available to members of ND United and their dependents, fostering educational advancements in special education.

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 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 North Dakota United Member/Dependent Scholarship, offered by the North Dakota United Foundation, provides financial support to active NDU members and their dependents pursuing post-secondary education in various fields. Applications are accepted annually from December to March, with awards announced in mid-May. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for individuals dedicated to public service and education, ensuring they can advance their skills and knowledge effectively.

The Ron & Ann Anstrom Scholarship, offered by the North Dakota United Foundation, aims to support English, math, or science instructors in enhancing their qualifications through summer school, graduate-level courses, or online education. This scholarship is available to ND United members and their dependents, with applications accepted annually from December to March. Awardees are notified in mid-May, promoting the professional development of educators in North Dakota.

The MRC/SOT Early Career Toxicologist Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes an outstanding Midwest toxicologist with up to 10 years of experience. This prestigious award honors candidates actively contributing to the field or recently retired, showcasing their unique research achievements and teaching proficiency. Winners receive an engraved plaque and an honorarium, celebrating their commitment to advancing toxicology and enhancing human, animal, and environmental health.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

The Harris & Arlyce Widmer Family Business Education Scholarship, offered by the North Dakota United Foundation, supports active members and their dependents pursuing education in business. This scholarship aims to enhance skills in business education for both undergraduate and graduate students. Applications are accepted annually from December to March, providing vital financial assistance to those committed to advancing their careers in business education.

The NDU Workplace Innovation Grant, offered by the North Dakota United Foundation, supports individual members or groups in implementing innovative service delivery improvements in public education and services. This initiative aims to enhance educational excellence and public service quality across North Dakota, ensuring that educators, public servants, and students can achieve greater success and impact in their communities.

Arts educators and North Dakota nonprofit arts organizations can seek up to US $1,000 in reimbursement funding for workshops, classes, conferences, coaching, or consultants that build artistic, teaching, or business skills. Focused on professional development, North Dakota Council on the Arts supports continuing education activities in person or online, in the U.S. or internationally.

North Dakota groups and individual artists planning arts events can apply for reimbursement grants up to US $1,500 to support projects in any artistic discipline. Special Projects Grants from North Dakota Council on the Arts may benefit educators leading community arts programs or professional development activities connected to teaching in North Dakota.

Arts and non-arts organizations and unincorporated groups in North Dakota can apply for North Dakota Council on the Arts’ Community Arts Access Tier 1 & 2 grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $4,000 for arts activities. Funding can support festivals, exhibitions, performance series, touring performances, and single or multidisciplinary arts projects, including education-focused initiatives.

Grants from North Dakota Council on the Arts help North Dakota K-12 schools, districts, arts nonprofits, and public entities build collaborations that expand sustained arts education, with awards up to US $6,000. Eligible North Dakota-based applicants can fund teaching artist fees, arts education consultants, project coordination, materials, and related administrative and professional development activities.

State Historical Society of North Dakota

About Us

Our Mission: Empower Through History

The Society is under the supervision of the 12-member State Historical Board. The board appoints the Director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota to administer the agency and carry out policies and directives.

Historic Preservation Fund Grants

The State Historic Preservation Office of North Dakota receives federal funds annually from the Historic Preservation Fund to assist in the identification, evaluation, and preservation of cultural resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NPS).

As part of the annual appropriation, the Society is obligating $150,000 toward preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of projects for the National Register listed properties.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.