Rural Community Grant Program

The Rural Community Grant Program is administered by Williams County to support small, rural communities within the county through targeted investments in public infrastructure that enhances quality of life. The program is funded through the Williams County 1% Sales Tax under its Quality of Life funding stream and is designed to provide financial assistance for community gathering spaces, sports facilities, and recreational infrastructure. The initiative focuses on communities with populations under 5,000 residents, as determined by the most recent U.S. Census, ensuring that smaller municipalities and underserved areas receive dedicated support for local development projects. The program’s initial funding cycle spans 2026 and 2027, with a total of up to $2,350,000 allocated for distribution. Of this amount, up to $350,000 is designated for projects with expenditures planned in 2026, while up to $2,000,000 is allocated for projects anticipated in 2027. Funding is structured to support both immediate and longer-term development needs. Individual grant requests are capped at $100,000 for 2026 projects and $500,000 for 2027 projects, with the condition that grant funds may not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. Applicants are required to provide the remaining 20 percent through cash, bonds, in-kind contributions, or other eligible funding sources. Eligible applicants include cities, townships, and city park districts within Williams County that meet the population requirement and own and operate the proposed facility. For the 2027 funding allocation, eligibility expands to include community service-based nonprofit organizations that meet specific compliance criteria, including registration with the North Dakota Secretary of State, valid IRS nonprofit status, tax compliance, and adherence to zoning regulations. Nonprofits must also demonstrate that their mission is not political in nature and must maintain good standing throughout the grant period. Funded projects must serve a clear public purpose, promoting health, safety, welfare, and community well-being. Eligible projects include the construction, expansion, renovation, or improvement of community gathering facilities and recreational spaces such as parks, trails, sports facilities, and similar infrastructure. All funded facilities must be open and accessible to the general public on a shared basis and cannot be restricted to exclusive or membership-only use. Allowable expenses include planning, design, engineering, site work, construction materials, and labor. However, costs such as travel, furnishings, unattached equipment, and pre-award expenses are not eligible for reimbursement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning April 13, 2026, and are reviewed in scheduled cycles aligned with Finance Committee and County Commission meetings. Each application undergoes an administrative completeness review before being evaluated by the Finance Committee, which provides funding recommendations to the County Commission for final approval. Applicants may submit only one application per cycle and must clearly define project timelines and funding needs, particularly for multi-year projects. Awardees are required to enter into a formal agreement with Williams County and comply with reporting and accountability requirements, including progress reports with each payment request and two post-project impact statements. Payments are issued either as reimbursements or direct payments to vendors. The program is expected to continue with additional funding cycles through the duration of the sales tax, which is set to expire on March 31, 2035, indicating a recurring funding opportunity for eligible communities.

Clearly define project timeline and funding needs ensure compliance with eligibility rules and demonstrate strong public benefit