MDU Resources Foundation Grant

The MDU Resources Foundation, established in 1983, serves as the philanthropic arm of MDU Resources Group, a company with a long-standing history of providing regulated energy delivery services since its founding in 1924. Headquartered in North Dakota and operating across eight states in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, MDU Resources is one of the oldest publicly traded companies in the region. Through its foundation, the organization aims to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the communities where its member companies operate, investing over $46 million in charitable grants and $1.179 million in scholarships over more than four decades of giving. The foundation's grantmaking is centered around enhancing quality of life in local communities, with a strong emphasis on community development, cultural enrichment, education, environmental stewardship, recreation, and human services. It seeks to fund initiatives that align with these focus areas and create tangible impacts within the geographic footprint of MDU Resources operations. Grants typically support new programming needs rather than ongoing operating expenses, hospital equipment, or endowments, which are given low priority. Moreover, the foundation does not fund 100% of a project's cost and expects applicants to secure support from additional sources. Eligible applicants include organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental entities described under Section 170(c)(1), provided contributions are used for public purposes. Primary consideration is given to local charitable institutions and programs directly serving the communities in which MDU Resources companies do business. The foundation generally excludes funding for individuals, athletic or labor organizations, political or lobbying efforts, and national organizations without a local presence. The application process requires all requests to be submitted in writing through a completed online application form. This form must include the organization’s name and address, a contact person’s information (name, email, address, phone number), proof of tax-exempt status, a clear description of the grant’s intended purpose, and supporting materials such as budget documents, program brochures, and a list of the organization’s leadership. Applications must be submitted no later than October 1 of the year prior to the requested funding year. All submitted applications are reviewed annually by the MDU Resources Foundation’s Board of Directors. Applicants are notified of their status following the board’s annual meeting. Because the foundation prioritizes community alignment, applicants are encouraged to consider how their program or initiative contributes to long-term local development. There are no recurring submission windows stated, but the consistent annual October 1 deadline implies a regular grant cycle. The foundation does not list a specific contact name, email, or phone number for grant inquiries. All communication is handled through the online application portal provided by MDU Resources Foundation. Interested applicants are advised to begin the application process well in advance of the October deadline to ensure all necessary documentation is collected and submitted properly.

Applicants are encouraged to secure co-funding and focus on new programs unmet by standard budgets.