Historic Theater Improvement Grant

The Historic Theater Improvement Grant is administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, which has allocated a total of $250,000 to support projects that restore and enhance historic theaters within the state. The program is designed for theaters built prior to 1930 that historically served as community entertainment hubs. Funding is intended to improve the physical infrastructure of these venues to enable expanded public use, ensuring they continue to serve as cultural and social gathering places. The grant is available during the biennium from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. CDT on September 1, 2025, and must be submitted electronically to the Department of Commerce’s Tourism & Marketing division. Interested applicants must prepare a concise application letter that includes the applicant’s identity, point of contact and contact information, the amount of funding requested, the intended uses for the funds, information on current and upcoming events, and a statement of the desired outcomes. Proposals will be evaluated by the Department of Commerce, which will notify applicants of funding decisions after the review process. Award funds will be issued to successful applicants, who must use them strictly for physical improvements to the theater. Administrative expenses are not eligible for coverage under this program. Eligible projects should aim to increase the theater’s functionality and accessibility to the public, contributing to the venue’s long-term vitality. Recipients are responsible for maintaining thorough documentation of all expenditures, ensuring these records are accessible for auditing purposes. Grantees must provide written progress reports every six months using a format supplied by the Department. These interim reports are part of legislative reporting requirements and help track the grant’s impact. A final report is due by June 30, 2027, summarizing how funds were spent, detailing progress toward the project’s intended goals, identifying any unspent funds, and including photographic or video evidence of the improvements. The grant’s point of contact is McKenzie Clayburgh of the Tourism & Marketing Division, who can be reached at clayburghmckenzie@nd.gov. The Department’s main office is located at 1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 6, Bismarck, ND 58503, with a general phone line at 701-328-5300. This contact information should be used for all inquiries and submissions. Through this funding, the North Dakota Department of Commerce seeks to preserve important cultural landmarks and foster community engagement. By investing in historic theaters, the program aims to strengthen local identity, enhance cultural offerings, and create opportunities for public gatherings in venues that are both functional and historically significant.