Best Public Policy Grants in North Dakota

Sophomore and junior undergraduates in the U.S. studying environmental issues, Tribal public policy, or Native health care can receive up to US $7,500 for academic expenses and leadership development, including students in North Dakota. With a mission to support future policy and environmental leaders, the Udall Foundation provides scholarships plus access to its national alumni network and Scholar Orientation.

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, established in 1992, supports charitable organizations that enhance society, focusing on democracy and civil liberties. The fund prioritizes projects that ensure equal citizen participation in the democratic process and protect civil liberties, especially those implemented nationally or across multiple states. It operates by invitation only and emphasizes flexible, informed grantmaking to qualified projects that align with its mission and values.

Ph.D. candidates researching public policy, politics, law, or related fields, including those based in North Dakota, can apply for Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s National Fellowship Program to support dissertation completion and professional development. Fellows receive mentoring, a dedicated budget for research network activities, and attend conferences and short residential visits at the University of Virginia or Hagley Library.

Graduate students in Earth system sciences attending universities in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico can receive US $40,000 over two years for research, policy, workplace culture, or convergence projects through the UCAR Next Generation Fellowship. Public policy–focused students from North Dakota institutions may be eligible if they meet the citizenship and academic requirements.

Researchers conducting randomized controlled trials on social programs and public policy in North Dakota and nationwide can seek funding to rigorously evaluate effectiveness. Arnold Ventures supports RCTs that build evidence on what works across areas like criminal justice, health care, democracy, and other pressing social policy domains.

Researchers evaluating social programs and public policies using rigorous quasi-experimental designs can apply for funding to study key policy areas that affect North Dakota and the broader U.S. Grants from Arnold Ventures help build causal evidence on interventions in higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, contraceptive access, public finance, and related public policy fields.

PhD-level scientists in agronomy, crop, soil, or related fields seeking a year-long public policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., including those from North Dakota, can apply for this Congressional Science Fellowship. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help fellows work on Capitol Hill while receiving a stipend, relocation support, and specialized policy orientations.

North Dakota public policy and early childhood organizations can access funding through Ohio Childrens Foundation to support programs for at-risk children ages 0–5. Grants up to US $20,000 back early learning, literacy, and advocacy initiatives that boost school readiness, strengthen families, and promote high-quality early childhood education policies.

North Dakota public policy and international affairs nonprofits can access funding through the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission to run U.S.-Japan research, education, exchange, or public affairs projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) and Japanese NPOs focusing on arts and culture, exchanges and scholarship, education and public affairs, or global challenges may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, research institutions, and universities working on pollinator-related public policy and advocacy in North Dakota can seek up to US $75,000 for eligible projects. With a mission to promote pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture, One Hive Foundation supports research, education, policy initiatives, and general operating support across the U.S. and Canada.

Research institutions and scholars studying public policy and behavioral impacts of legalized sports betting in North Dakota and other U.S. states can apply for Arnold Ventures’ support. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides funding for rigorous causal studies, including RCTs and quasi-experimental designs, that inform regulators and policymakers.

Law students focused on public interest and access to justice in North Dakota can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for tuition support through the ISF Law Scholarship Program. With a mission to increase American Muslim representation in public policy and law, Islamic Scholarship Fund supports U.S.-based undergraduates (seniors) and law students meeting its academic and citizenship criteria.

Law students in the U.S. interested in public policy and judicial internships can receive US $3,000 stipends to support unpaid placements with district, state, or federal judges. Islamic Scholarship Fund provides North Dakota public policy and law students with funding to gain courtroom and chambers experience, especially American Muslim students preparing for public interest law careers.

Muslim undergraduate or graduate students in film, television, acting, or theater at accredited U.S. universities can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s film scholarship awards of US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support their studies. Students from North Dakota pursuing ISF-supported majors related to media and public policy may be eligible.

Nonprofits and educational institutions working on food-system public policy and farmed animal issues, including those in North Dakota, can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups advancing food system transformation, justice, and sustainability may benefit.

Graduate students focused on public policy, science, and technology who wish to study at Harvard Kennedy School and expand the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program may be eligible for this fellowship. Grants from Harvard Kennedy School help North Dakota public policy students and practitioners pursue advanced education and research in these fields.

Harvard Kennedy School provides North Dakota public policy students with fellowship support for Master in Public Policy study. The John Berger Fellowship is for Harvard College graduates entering the MPP program who plan careers in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs, and may benefit those aiming to influence public policy globally or domestically.

Individuals pursuing public policy or related graduate study who are admitted to Harvard Kennedy School, including applicants from North Dakota, can apply for Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships to support higher education. These awards are merit- and need-based, with some funding tied to area of study or region, and amounts varying by financial need.

Public policy and higher education graduate students interested in LGBT+ issues can receive fellowship support for study at Harvard Kennedy School, including applicants from North Dakota. Harvard Kennedy School scholarships and fellowships, including the Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, are merit- and need-based and support work on public policy and leadership.

Individuals pursuing graduate studies in public policy or international affairs, including those from North Dakota, can apply for Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship if they are alumni of a PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This merit- and need-based award supports both U.S. and international students committed to public service leadership.

Graduate students focused on science, technology, and public policy can receive fellowship support for advanced study and leadership development, including those from or serving North Dakota. Harvard Kennedy School provides public policy students with funding based on merit and financial need to deepen research or management skills at the technology–policy intersection.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for students to engage in marine policy through a fellowship funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With anticipated funding for at least 35 applications, each receiving $97,200, this program encourages applicants to connect with their local Sea Grant program for support. Early registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is crucial for eligibility.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?