Rural Community Grant Fund

The Rural Community Grant Fund is a regional funding initiative established by AgriBank in collaboration with AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit Services of Mandan. It is designed to support the economic and social resilience of communities in western North Dakota that have been affected by mineral development activities in the Bakken region. The fund is part of AgriBank’s broader commitment to rural development and is sustained through income earned on mineral interests in western North Dakota, assets that the organization acquired through loan activity dating back to the Great Depression. This fund reflects the long-term investment and stewardship philosophy of AgriBank and its partners in supporting rural America. The core objective of the Rural Community Grant Fund is to support infrastructure improvement and development projects that contribute to the long-term sustainability and quality of life in rural communities. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for a range of eligible initiatives, including but not limited to housing projects, health, safety, and environmental programs, construction or enhancement of medical facilities, and educational programs. The fund prioritizes projects that deliver tangible community benefits and address critical needs that may arise due to the pressures of mineral resource development in the region. The grant program is not open to individuals or projects that serve a primarily personal or religious purpose. However, faith-based organizations may still apply for funding if the proposed project serves a secular community need, such as medical or housing infrastructure. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status receive preference, while applications from local governmental entities—excluding federal, state, and county-level governments—are also considered. The program emphasizes support for nonprofit and mission-driven entities that operate at the local level within the designated geography of western North Dakota. Applications for the Rural Community Grant Fund are accepted electronically and must be submitted via the designated online portal. Applicants are required to either create an account or log in through the system to begin the submission process. All applications must be received by one of the two annual deadlines: April 30 or October 31. These biannual review cycles ensure that the fund can provide timely and responsive support to emerging needs in the community. Applicants are notified following the conclusion of each review period. The review and evaluation process is managed by the fund administrators, who assess proposals based on alignment with fund objectives, community impact, feasibility, and overall merit. While specific evaluation criteria are not publicly itemized, the fund’s focus on infrastructure, health, housing, and education signals its priorities in terms of both issue areas and outcome orientation. The fund does not publish award timelines, but notifications are made following each of the two annual review windows. The Rural Community Grant Fund does not have a rolling application process; instead, it adheres to fixed biannual cycles. The upcoming deadline is April 30, 2026, with the next expected deadline to follow on October 31, 2026, assuming the fund maintains its established cadence. This recurrence pattern allows prospective applicants to plan ahead and prepare compelling proposals that align with the fund's mission and impact framework. Contact information for AgriBank is provided for general inquiries, with a mailing address in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and a main phone line. However, no specific contact person or email address is designated for the grant fund itself.