James R. Stephens & Sylvia J. Stephens Foundation Grant

The James R. Stephens & Sylvia J. Stephens Foundation was established in 2023 through the James and Sylvia Stephens Trust to support nonprofit and community initiatives in Garrison, North Dakota. The Foundation operates under the fiscal and administrative umbrella of the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated under North Dakota law. The Foundation’s purpose is to fund worthwhile projects and services that benefit the Garrison area. The Foundation is guided by a Local Advisory Committee composed of Sundi Lagge, Keith Thelen, and Shannon Jeffers. This committee meets once annually to review all submitted applications and provide funding recommendations. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations as well as entities with formal relationships to city or state governments, such as schools and park districts. Organizations lacking these designations may apply with a fiscal sponsor. Grants are awarded annually, and each organization may submit one application per cycle. Although multi-year grant pledges are not allowed, previous grantees are welcome to reapply each year as long as they have completed all required reporting from prior awards. The Foundation prioritizes projects that broadly serve the Garrison community and benefit all residents. Religious organizations are only eligible for funding if the proposed activity is non-denominational and community-serving. The application deadline for this cycle is September 15. Applications must be submitted online through the North Dakota Community Foundation’s grant portal. New users must create an account, which requires entering organizational, personal, and executive officer information. Once registered, applicants can view open opportunities and submit their proposal. For assistance with the application process, applicants can refer to the NDCF’s online grant instructions or contact the foundation’s Development Director, Kara Geiger, at 701-222-8349 or via email at Kara@NDCF.net.

Applicants must register through the grant portal and are advised to gather all required information before beginning. Applications cannot be submitted if required questions are incomplete.