Best Job Creation Grants in North Dakota

The North Dakota Department of Commerce leads the efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth and talent in North Dakota.

Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program

The Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program is administered by the Workforce Development Division of the Department of Commerce. 

Background

The #1 recruitment challenge for employers, identified in the 2025 ND Workforce Ecosystem Assessment, is “not enough workers.” With the 3rd lowest unemployment rate across the country, but over 16,000 open jobs, North Dakota must look outside its borders to fill our workforce needs. People can learn about jobs without seeing them, but they cannot understand the lifestyle that North Dakota has to offer without seeing and feeling it. By hosting fly-in events across the state for qualified candidates identified from the Find The Good Life pipeline, we can capitalize on the inviting nature of North Dakota and showcase the good life people can have here while highlighting real career opportunities.

In 2023, a pilot Fly-in was conducted in Grand Forks with 7 participants. 

The goal of the program is to have successful conversions from fly-in participants to North Dakota residents. Consequently, successful awardees must commit to continued follow-up with fly-in events for up to a year post-event.

Purpose

The Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program is designed to connect candidates with public and private sector employers who are hiring out-of-state job seekers while providing an experience of the “good life” in North Dakota. 

A minimum 1:1 match is required. State agencies are not eligible to apply.

North Dakota agriculture and value-added agribusinesses seeking to expand operations or launch new ventures that create jobs can access funding through the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund; awards range from US $100,000 - US $500,000. Administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, this program supports financially feasible projects that enhance farm and ranch profitability and grow the state’s economy.

Nonprofit organizations building pathways out of poverty through education, job training, or job creation programs in North Dakota can access funding through Arbor Brothers. Grants provide US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year in flexible, multi-year support plus intensive consulting to strengthen strategy, financial management, data, and leadership capacity for second-stage 501(c)(3) organizations.

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.

Tribal governments and Alaska Native villages in North Dakota seeking to improve housing, community facilities, or economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents can apply for the Community Development Block Grant Program, with awards from US $500,000 - US $2,000,000. Grants from US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) support projects that can include job creation and business development.

North Dakota job creation and workforce programs run by eligible organizations can access funding to engage AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers in community-based service. Volunteer Mississippi’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity offers up to US $75,000 to support volunteer-driven efforts that help older adults re-enter the workforce, build strong families, reduce homelessness, and support behavioral health initiatives.

City governments working on municipal workforce and job creation efforts in North Dakota and nationwide can apply for the Municipal Workforce Learning Lab. Focused on workforce preparation and public-sector job pipelines, Georgia Municipal Association and partners invite cities to join an eight-month action-planning cohort with coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning.

Nonprofit institutions across the U.S., including North Dakota, can access funding to establish and operate rural cooperative development centers that create and retain jobs. Grants from USDA: National Institute of Food and Agriculture help organizations provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned rural businesses, strengthening local economies and employment.

North Dakota job creation and workforce development nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, entrepreneurship, youth leadership, public health, arts, and community development, with awards up to US $10,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes and job-creating or economic multiplier impacts may be eligible.

Leaders working on job creation and economic mobility initiatives in North Dakota and across the U.S. can receive a US $5,000 stipend through the Big Bets Fellowship, a five-month leadership development program. Rockefeller Foundation supports fellows with integrative curriculum, impact acceleration, cohort community, and access to a global network to advance scalable solutions.

Dental students, residents, and early-career dentists seeking leadership training that supports oral health careers and job pathways can apply for the Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award in North Dakota. With a mission to recognize emerging oral health leaders, American Dental Association Foundation provides US $5,000 for approved leadership courses and related travel, meals, and lodging.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Dakota with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to expand proven social service programs that advance job creation and economic independence. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports direct-service efforts such as workforce preparation, job training, youth development, and related services that help people move out of chronic poverty.

Organizations creating jobs in impoverished communities in North Dakota can apply for the Fish Family Foundation of Maine’s support for small-business and employment initiatives. Faith-based groups, ministries, and nonprofits working on job creation, education, or related community services may be eligible; applications must be mailed and are reviewed monthly.

North Dakota job creation organizations can access funding through Grand Rapids Community Foundation to support workforce development, economic mobility, and related equity-focused initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, or groups with a fiscal sponsor; programs that also advance education, health, housing, environment, or arts and culture engagement may be competitive.

North Dakota nonprofits and community organizations working on job creation, small business development, or broader economic and community development can seek funding to expand their programs. Regions Bank supports initiatives that promote affordable housing, workforce readiness, and financial wellness, which may benefit job creation efforts and related services in communities it serves.

Nonprofit organizations in North Dakota focused on economic and community development, workforce readiness, or related priorities may be eligible for matching donations made by full-time Regions Bank associates. This national program matches individual employee gifts to qualifying 501(c) or 170(c) organizations within the Regions footprint, which includes North Dakota, and can strengthen local job creation and workforce initiatives.

The Sustainable Forests and Communities Grant aims to foster environmentally and economically sustainable forest communities in the U.S., particularly where the Weyerhaeuser Family has interests. It prioritizes projects enhancing the environment, economy, and community through sustainable practices. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating in forested areas, focusing on integrated approaches that value forest ecosystem services. This initiative encourages local job creation, sustainable economic activities, and innovative partnerships to achieve sustainability goals.