The Grant County Community Foundation (GCCF), a component fund of the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF), is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of Grant County, North Dakota. As a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under IRS code 501(c)(3), GCCF provides a mechanism for receiving donations and distributing grants to support projects and nonprofit organizations within the county. This aligns directly with its mission to foster community well-being through strategic grantmaking. The foundation's operations are supported by NDCF, which offers comprehensive charitable services, including donor gift planning, bequest planning, and fiduciary services, allowing local committees to concentrate on community impact.
The grants provided by GCCF are primarily aimed at addressing the general needs of the Grant County region, with a strong emphasis on equitable distribution across the county. Target beneficiaries include any organizations designated as 501(c)3 nonprofit tax-exempt groups or government agencies. The foundation's initial funding boost came from Grid United, an independent transmission company, with donations planned for distribution in multiple grant rounds. The overarching impact goal is to support projects and programs that enhance the overall quality of life for Grant County residents, creating lasting positive change within the community.
A key strategic priority for the GCCF is building sustainability through a Qualified Endowment fund. This permanent fund will be invested to generate grantable dollars perpetually, ensuring ongoing support for community projects and programs. This long-term approach reflects a theory of change focused on creating a self-sustaining funding source that will continuously benefit the county. In addition to general needs, the foundation has identified low priorities, which include projects substantially supported by government, grants to national organizations, requests for operating funds or day-to-day expenses, and religious organizations (unless activities are non-sectarian and serve the entire community, such as a food pantry).
With $64,000 currently available for funding, the GCCF anticipates awarding grants that directly address identified community needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general improvement of quality of life, the emphasis on equitable distribution and supporting projects that benefit the region broadly suggests an outcome of widespread community benefit. The grant duration is not specified, but the continuous funding into 2024 and 2025, alongside the establishment of an endowment, indicates a commitment to sustained impact and ongoing support for the community. The foundation's strategic framework relies on leveraging external support while simultaneously building internal capacity for long-term community investment.
