Base Enhancement Grant Program

The Base Enhancement Grant Program, administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, was established under Senate Bill 2018 of the Sixty-Ninth Legislative Assembly to strengthen North Dakota’s strategic military infrastructure and its surrounding communities. With a focus on enhancing the missions of Minot Air Force Base, Grand Forks Air Force Base, and the Fargo Air National Guard facilities, the program supports initiatives that reinforce military readiness, promote community integration, and ensure long-term mission sustainability. This effort reflects the state’s commitment to preserving and expanding its military footprint and the economic and strategic benefits it brings to local communities. For the current biennium spanning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, a total of $1,000,000 has been appropriated and earmarked for organizations operating in direct support of the three primary military locations. Of this total, $600,000 is designated for eligible entities in Minot, $250,000 for Grand Forks, and $150,000 for Fargo. Funding may be used for a broad range of mission enhancement efforts, including installation advocacy, Sentinel preparation, community programming for military families, infrastructure readiness, recruitment and retention efforts, and strategic assessments. The overarching goal is to bolster the resilience, integration, and future viability of these military installations within their respective communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, economic development bodies, chambers of commerce, and political subdivisions that align with the mission support criteria outlined in the program. To apply, organizations must electronically submit a proposal letter detailing the project, the requested funding amount, a description of the initiative, its impact on military mission advancement, outcomes and performance measures, and the project timeline. Applicants are encouraged to identify any leveraged funds or partnerships as part of their submission. All proposals must be sent to the Deputy Director of Economic Development and Finance, Shayden Akason, at [email protected] by the firm deadline of January 21, 2026. Applications will be evaluated through a structured scoring rubric that emphasizes mission alignment (22 points), impact and outcomes (18 points), organizational capacity (15 points), financial stewardship and budget (13 points), strategic value and sustainability (12 points), leverage and community benefit (10 points), and veteran transition and retention (10 points). This comprehensive evaluation framework ensures that funds are awarded to projects that not only align with the state’s strategic goals but also demonstrate measurable community and military impact. Grant recipients are required to maintain rigorous accountability and reporting standards. This includes tracking all expenditures, retaining audit-ready documentation, submitting biannual progress reports, and participating in legislative testimony if requested. A final report summarizing all outcomes, expenditures, and any unspent balances must be submitted no later than June 30, 2027. These measures are designed to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the ongoing effectiveness of funded initiatives in advancing North Dakota's military mission support objectives. The Base Enhancement Grant Program does not specify whether it will recur beyond the current biennium; therefore, applicants should treat the current cycle as non-recurring unless future extensions are announced. While the program offers substantial opportunity to support community and military integration efforts, the timeline, funding structure, and eligibility constraints must be carefully followed to ensure successful application and project execution.