Grant County Community Foundation Grant Program in North Dakota

The Grant County Community Foundation (GCCF), a component fund of the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF), is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Grant County, North Dakota. Formed by local residents, the foundation serves as a mechanism for accepting charitable donations and distributing grants to nonprofit and community-based projects. NDCF is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and has over 40 years of experience supporting charitable efforts throughout North Dakota. NDCF provides backend support for GCCF, including fiduciary, accounting, audit, and donor services, allowing local volunteers to focus on storytelling, community engagement, and fund development. The GCCF receives a major portion of its funding through a significant contribution from Grid United, an independent transmission company specializing in long-distance, interregional grid infrastructure. Grid United’s support launched two grant rounds in 2023, with continued funding planned through 2024 and 2025. These funds are used to support a variety of projects that contribute to community vitality, with a special emphasis on equitable distribution across the county. Additionally, the foundation is working to establish a qualified endowment fund that will generate perpetual annual grant funding. Contributions to this endowment may qualify donors for a 40% North Dakota tax credit. In 2025, GCCF will administer two rounds of grant funding. The Spring Round has an application deadline of March 31, 2025, with $83,000 available for distribution. The Fall Round closes on October 13, 2025, with $64,500 in available funding. Applications open on July 1, 2025, and can be submitted through the GCCF Grant Portal. Funding is available to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government agencies operating within Grant County. Fiscal sponsorship is available upon request, and applicants are encouraged to contact John@NDCF.net for guidance. Grant funds are intended for general community needs, with an emphasis on projects that impact a larger number of Grant County residents. Projects that are primarily the responsibility of government entities or which should be funded by tax revenue are considered low priority. Similarly, national organizations, operational expenses, and religious activities not open to the broader community will not be prioritized. The foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals, political campaigns, or projects likely to cause controversy. The grant review process is overseen by a local advisory committee composed of residents and professionals who live and work in the region. Funding requests may be approved in full or in part, and extensions or supplemental deadlines may be considered at the committee’s discretion. Priority is given to applicants with limited access to alternative funding streams. Suggested project types include community play areas, tree planting, educational technology, food assistance programs, and emergency services support for fire and ambulance departments. For additional assistance, applicants may contact Ryan Roth, the committee chair, at ryanroth@dakotacommunitybank.com or reach out to the general foundation email at grantcounty@ndcf.net. For anonymous giving or estate planning, contact John Heinen, NDCF Western ND Regional Director, at (701) 590-4614 or via email at John@NDCF.net. Applications must be submitted through the online portal, and detailed user instructions are available to guide applicants through the registration and submission process.

Review eligibility first, register in portal, and contact office if desired grant is missing from portal.