Quality of Life in Ransom County

The Lisbon Community Endowment Fund (LCEF) aims to enhance the quality of life for residents within Ransom County, North Dakota. This grant program is aligned with the LCEF's mission of using income generated from a permanent pool of investments to provide financial support to local organizations and projects. The fund operates on an annual grant cycle, making decisions based on applications received by April 1 and October 1, with applicants notified within 30 days of these deadlines. The strategic priority is to foster community well-being through direct financial support to initiatives that address local needs. The primary beneficiaries of the LCEF grants are organizations and projects operating within Ransom County, with a specific priority given to projects that directly serve the community of Lisbon. Eligible entities include organizations recognized under IRS Code 501(c)3, those with an official relationship with local government (such as schools, park districts, or cities), or organizations with a fiscal sponsor meeting these qualifications. The impact goal is to improve the overall quality of life for residents by funding initiatives that provide tangible benefits to the community. The LCEF focuses on ensuring that grants are awarded to complete applications, and organizations that have previously received funding must have submitted their post-grant reports to be considered for new grants. Grants to municipalities require a letter of support from their governing board. Religious organizations can receive grants, but only for activities that are non-denominational and serve the entire community. This structured approach ensures responsible allocation of funds and maximizes the potential for positive community outcomes. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of various community-enhancing projects across Ransom County, particularly in Lisbon. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the requirement for post-grant reports for previous recipients, the fund's theory of change posits that by providing consistent financial backing to local, eligible organizations and projects, the LCEF can directly contribute to sustained improvements in community services, infrastructure, and overall resident well-being. The annual consideration of grants and the prohibition of multi-year commitments suggest an adaptive strategy, allowing the fund to respond to evolving community needs and demonstrate ongoing impact through diverse projects.