Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in North Dakota

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 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.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

HOLES FORE HOPE/Minnesota PGA Associate Scholarship Program

The HOLES FORE HOPE/Minnesota PGA Associate Scholarship program is designed to award scholarships to Associates of the Minnesota Section of the PGA. Holes Fore Hope has committed funds to help our Section Associates offset the cost of the PGA of America Associate Program. The amount of the scholarship(s) is/are determined by the availability of funds. Payments will be made to the Associate upon completion of the Level they are completing. The funds designated for scholarships are managed by the HOLES FORE HOPE FOUNDATION.

The Minnesota Section PGA, which covers the areas of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and a small portion of Wisconsin, consists of over 100 Associate members annually. The Minnesota Section PGA is mandated not to discriminate according to federal and state statutes. The final selection process will be made by the Minnesota Section PGA Board of Directors. No announcements will be made before the applicants receive notification from the Minnesota Section PGA. If additional funds become available, the Board may grant additional scholarships to worthy applicants.

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.

Dr. James C. Schmulbach Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support for a scholarship as recommended by the Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

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 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 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.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

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.

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.

Library Vision Grant Guidelines

General Grant

Libraries provide essential services to communities by providing access to information, fostering literacy, and supporting lifelong learning and personal enrichment. The Library Vision grant program supports libraries of all types in the development of essential services and programs and increasing access to valuable collections. Through funding creative and impactful projects, the program strengthens the role of libraries as vital community hubs.

Grant applications must describe the purpose of the project, the activities required to complete the project, the impact that the project will have on the community, and a clear evaluation plan with measurable goals. The project must be aligned with a Library Vision goal and the application must clearly articulate how the project aligns with the specific goal selected. The grant will not be funded if the project and the selected Library Vision goal are not aligned. Applicants are encouraged to review the Library Vision Strategic Plan for more information on the goals.

• small grant: $500–$1,999
• large grant: $2,000–$10,000

Library Vision Grant Guidelines

Tribal College Library

Libraries are essential to communities, providing access to information, resources, and programming for people of all ages. The North Dakota State Library (NDSL) and the North Dakota Library Coordinating Council (NDLCC) are committed to supporting Tribal College Libraries with meeting the needs of their communities. The local library is best able to determine the needs of the community that they serve. The goal of this grant is to support local tribal libraries with meeting the needs of the community by providing funds to support resources, programming, spaces, and library operations.

Grant applications should indicate the purpose of the project, the funds required to complete the project, the impact that the project will have on the community, and a clear evaluation plan with measurable goals. Goals should follow the SMART goals framework. SMART goals are a framework for setting objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

The project must be aligned with a Library Vision goal and the application must clearly articulate how and why the project aligns with the specific goal selected. The grant will not be funded if the project and selected Library Vision goal are not aligned. Please review the Library Vision Strategic Plan for more information on the goals.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Bush Prize: Native Nations honors Native-led organizations committed to innovative solutions in their communities. Grants can reach up to $500,000, covering 25% of the organization’s previous fiscal year expenses. This annual award emphasizes collaboration and resourcefulness, supporting entities that are deeply valued in their communities and have proven success in addressing challenges. The program, a partnership with four community grant partners, aims to empower organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native Nations.

The PFund Foundation offers a Sponsorship Fund for events primarily serving LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. With sponsorship amounts ranging from $500 to $1,000, organizations can apply once per calendar year. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event and include information on the event's impact and how funds will be used. PFund aims to foster equity and strengthen networks within its focus areas.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

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.

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 GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

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.

The NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program provides critical funding for farmers and ranchers seeking sustainable agricultural solutions. Launched in 1992, this competitive program supports innovative on-farm research and education projects, allowing individuals to apply for grants up to $15,000 or collaborate for up to $30,000. By empowering farmers with resources, NCR-SARE encourages practices that enhance livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The NCR-SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports agricultural educators through competitive grants aimed at enhancing training in sustainable agriculture. This initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration, utilizing farmers as educators to address pressing issues within the farming community. Projects funded are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering knowledge and behavioral changes that lead to sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems. The program encourages diverse participation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to professional development.