Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant Program

The Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant is a funding initiative administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. This program targets the pressing issues of food access and economic vitality in rural regions of North Dakota. It is part of the Department’s broader mission to attract, retain, and expand wealth while improving the quality of life for state residents. The 2025 application period is currently open, with applications due by Wednesday, September 3 at 5 PM CDT. Award notifications will be sent by Wednesday, September 17. Applicants must apply through an online portal, which became available on July 9 at 3 PM CDT. The grant program is designed to support the sustainability and expansion of rural grocery services, with particular emphasis on food co-ops and other collaborative food systems. Food co-ops, defined here as centralized nonprofit or facility-based systems for aggregating, storing, processing, and distributing food, are recognized for their critical role in serving rural communities. The program encourages initiatives that enhance access to food, improve supply chain quality and safety, foster community revitalization, and create cooperative networks with institutions such as schools and restaurants. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions, regional councils, and tribal entities. The program limits eligibility to applicants located in communities with a population of 4,500 or fewer. Up to $150,000 in grant funding is available per eligible applicant. A required 20 percent non-state-funded match must be provided, which may include contributions from public or private sources, nonprofit support, or in-kind donations. Applicants must demonstrate financial sustainability by submitting profit and loss statements and backup materials that verify the long-term viability of the project. Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate regional cooperation, with five additional points awarded during evaluation for such collaboration. The scope of fundable activities is narrowly focused. Grants may support the transition, expansion, or creation of rural grocery projects that improve access and sustainability. This can include infrastructure expansion, equipment upgrades that improve cost-efficiency or automation, and projects that enhance service offerings. However, funding cannot be used for standard maintenance, inventory purchases, financing costs, or any initiative lacking a sustainable business or profit-loss model. Applications that do not clearly outline long-term viability or affordability for the local population will be declined. Projects funded under this program must be completed within 18 months of award notification. This timeline is designed to ensure timely implementation and measurable outcomes that address urgent food access issues in rural areas. No pre-application or Q&A deadlines are noted. However, all applications must be submitted online and no paper or email submissions will be accepted. Award notifications will be distributed promptly after the submission deadline, offering applicants clarity on funding status within two weeks of the final application date. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact the grant administrator, Nicolette Blumler, at 701-328-7924. Additional general inquiries can be directed to the North Dakota Department of Commerce, located at 1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 6, Bismarck, ND 58503, or by calling 701-328-5300. The program is part of North Dakota’s ongoing efforts to support rural prosperity, particularly through food system resilience and local economic development.

Demonstrating regional cooperation will earn five additional points in evaluation.