Best Social Justice Grants in North Dakota

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored projects with national or broad multi-region reach can seek support for empathy-building work, including storytelling, animal connection, and related exploration. Acton Family Giving provides introductions, not direct applications, and North Dakota social justice and human rights organizations may be considered if they align with its Empathy Building Initiative priorities.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting social science dissertation research on social justice, inequality, work, race, or immigration that focuses on the U.S., including North Dakota, can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation; awards up to US $15,000 support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing. Projects must align with RSF priority areas and use rigorous methods.

Early-career social science faculty researching social justice and inequality in the U.S., including those based in North Dakota, can seek US $35,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focus areas include economic mobility, structural barriers, criminal justice, education, labor markets, immigration, climate impacts, and racial, gender, and civic equity, with priority for underrepresented scholars and under-resourced institutions.

North Dakota local governments, public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support student-led activities promoting activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and walking, biking, or rolling to school on or around November 14, 2026.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working on education or social justice in North Dakota may be eligible for this funding to support forward-thinking programs. Baskin Family Foundation supports U.S.-based initiatives, so North Dakota social justice and human rights groups can consider this opportunity for mission-aligned projects.

Kauai graduate students pursuing degrees in social justice, public or human service, education, or health can receive scholarship support from Hawai'i Community Foundation. Applicants must be Hawaii residents, full-time master’s or doctoral students with financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA; North Dakota programs may benefit if serving eligible Kauai students studying on the mainland.

State and local education affiliates working on racial and social justice in schools, including in North Dakota, can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $75,000. Grants support awareness, capacity-building, and action to advance racial equity, leadership of people of color, and organizational transformation.

State and local education affiliates working on K–12 student achievement and racial justice in education, including in North Dakota, can apply for partnership funding to build community advocacy and engagement. With a mission to strengthen education and social justice, National Education Association provides support to mobilize community partners, engage trained union members, and create new parent and community engagement roles.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in North Dakota can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects. Funding supports educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that strengthen AE programs and partnerships, with submission deadlines three times each year.

Education union affiliates designing student-centered bargaining or advocacy initiatives in North Dakota can use these grants to advance social justice, improve learning conditions, and support educator working conditions. National Education Association offers up to US $50,000 for projects that engage communities, influence board policies, and promote equity, safe schools, and mental health supports.

Recent humanities or interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S. can receive more than US $142,000 in fellowship support for social justice work, including in North Dakota. American Council of Learned Societies places fellows with nonprofit organizations for 24 months, providing salary, benefits, relocation assistance for in-person roles, and professional development funding.

North Dakota social justice and human rights nonprofits can access funding through the American Electric Power Foundation to advance equity, basic human needs, and STEM education. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities or qualifying public entities within AEP’s multistate service territory or with national or regional programs that benefit the broader public.

North Dakota social justice and legal services nonprofits can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program to support fair justice initiatives, rehabilitation, and anti-recidivism efforts. Organizations working on civic engagement or educating future attorneys and social justice workers may also be considered, with primary funding typically focused on Colorado and the Bay Area.

North Dakota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with budgets under $500,000 can access incubator training and up to US $4,000 in funding to strengthen organizational capacity. Mockingbird Incubator supports emerging founders nationwide, and social justice or human rights organizations may especially benefit from this cohort-based management and fundraising program.

Nonprofit organizations working on social justice and human rights in North Dakota can access funding through the B.W. Bastian Foundation, with typical awards of US $100 - US $15,000 for general operating or project support. Eligible 501(c)(3) groups that affirm equality, including for the LGBTQIA+ community, may also receive support for advocacy and capacity building.

Researchers studying community-led development and social justice issues in Latin America and the Caribbean can receive US $20,000 fellowships to conduct rigorous field-based research. Social Science Research Council and the Inter-American Foundation support work on topics like economic opportunity, migration, violence prevention, and inclusion; North Dakota-based scholars may be eligible if they meet citizenship and degree requirements.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects focused on transformative organizing for systemic change can apply for Arch Community Fund’s Transformative Organizing Grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $30,000 in general operating support. North Dakota social justice and human rights groups with budgets under $1,000,000 may be eligible if resistance, community leadership, and anti-capitalist, intersectional solutions are central to their work.

U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and fiscally sponsored projects using pop culture strategies for social justice can apply for Pop Culture Collaborative’s Infrastructure Grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $200,000. North Dakota social justice and human rights initiatives centering marginalized communities and aiming for mass audiences may be eligible for narrative change, field-building, or research support.

Humanities scholars at U.S. higher education institutions developing digital justice projects can use this funding for equipment, software, digitization, and technical expertise. Grants from American Council of Learned Societies help North Dakota social justice and human rights projects advance digital scholarship, center marginalized communities, and expand public understanding of racial and social justice issues, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $100,000.

With a mission to advance racial, gender, queer, and disability justice, Proteus Fund provides U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and fiscally sponsored projects up to US $25,000 in general operating support. North Dakota organizations rooted in BAMEMSA communities and building community power, civic engagement, or civil and human rights protections may be eligible.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Theresa Earenfight Scholarship

The purpose of the Theresa Earenfight Scholarship is to support undergrad or graduate students who are passionate about the intersection of social justice and animal welfare within a historical context. Applicants should be studying history, in particular how history intersects with animal activism, animal rights, animal liberation, and other related topics. Preference will be given to students with strong financial need, students of color and those from historically marginalized communities, and/or students who may face barriers to receiving other scholarships. This is a $10,000 annual scholarship renewable through the completion of the student’s degree, assuming the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship may be applied to tuition and fees, or other academic expenses payable to the college or university.

Deb & John Quirk Memorial Scholarship

The Hastings Community Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Deb and John Quirk Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $10,000 annual scholarship and is renewable for a total award of up to $40,000. One scholarship will be awarded each year. This scholarship is only available to graduating seniors from Hastings High, Adams Central, or Hastings Catholic Schools. Applicants must be focused on impacting social justice through their education and future employment, as illustrated through an essay submitted to the scholarship committee.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.

Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship

The yearlong Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship offers training and mentorship for early-career and mid-career faculty with a focus on developing scholarly writing skills for academic advancement and leadership.

Mid-Career Fellows

Mid-career fellows will benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance to reach the next milestone in their careers, including:

• Receive 1:1 mentorship specific to their challenges or roadblocks to promotion or leadership
• Participate in a detailed CV review to determine edits for promotion
• Work as a group with mentor faculty on challenges in scholarship to move forward with stuck projects
• Learn how to navigate mid-career leadership challenges

The tuition cost for fellows is $1200. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the fellowship tuition due to a generous gift from Drs Marjorie Bowman and Robert Choplin.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Duane Roberts Scholarship

The Duane Roberts Scholarship was established in memory of Duane Roberts, a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate, community activist, and KPS Board of Education member, to provide scholarship support to KPS minority students.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.