The John & Elaine Andrist Charitable Trust, administered by the Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering positive change within the communities of northwest North Dakota. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support various community assets and initiatives, particularly in Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, Ward, and Williams Counties. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through strategic investments in key areas.
The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including non-profit organizations (501(c)(3)), government agencies, and religious institutions engaging in non-religious activities. The program does not make grants to individuals. The impact goals are to initiate, support, and expand regional arts, culture, and creative communities; enhance community assets such as recreation facilities, healthcare, and safety services for vulnerable populations; stimulate economic development through studies, leadership, and workforce initiatives; and foster innovation that broadly improves residents' quality of life.
The grant program has four primary focus areas: Arts, Culture, and Creativity; Community Development; Economic Development; and Innovation. The Innovation category is particularly broad, allowing for creative solutions and potentially larger grant amounts. Funding priorities are given to projects addressing both specific community needs and broader regional needs. For evaluation, projects directly impacting Crosby receive the highest priority, followed by projects in Divide County.
Expected outcomes include a more vibrant arts and culture scene, improved community assets and services, a stronger economic climate, and innovative solutions to enhance residents' quality of life. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the focus areas, the emphasis on initiating, supporting, and expanding indicates a desire for tangible growth and improvement in these sectors. Grant awards are limited to a minimum of $500 per proposal, suggesting a focus on supporting a variety of impactful projects within the region. The foundation's strategic approach is to empower local organizations and initiatives that demonstrate a clear potential to make a difference in their communities.
