The Mott-Regent Community Foundation operates as a permanent endowment fund dedicated to enhancing the community and quality of life in the Mott-Regent, North Dakota area. The foundation's core mission aligns with its grant-making activities by supporting nonprofit projects and programs that serve the local residents. Earnings generated from this endowment are distributed as grants, ensuring a sustainable funding source for community-driven initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate a broad benefit to a significant number of residents, reflecting a strategic focus on widespread community impact and engagement.
The primary beneficiaries of these grants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organizations, government agencies, or entities with a fiscal sponsor holding one of these designations. To be eligible, applicants must provide services within Mott, Regent, or the surrounding areas. The impact goal is to foster successful projects that address community needs and improve the quality of life for local residents. The foundation strategically supports local involvement and considers the organizational management and integrity of applicants, ensuring that funds are directed towards capable and well-run initiatives.
In terms of priorities, the foundation highly values projects or programs that benefit a greater number of residents, aiming for broad community reach and engagement. Additionally, applicants who can demonstrate that they are seeking or have secured other funding sources are given high priority, indicating a desire to support well-rounded and sustainable projects. Conversely, requests for multiple-year funding and operating funds or day-to-day expenses are considered low priority, suggesting a focus on project-specific funding rather than ongoing operational support. This strategic allocation of funds aims to maximize the impact of each grant round.
The grant program features two annual rounds: a Spring Round with applications due April 27th and a Fall Round with applications due September 29th. In 2024, the foundation announced additional grant dollars available through Grid United’s Community Investment Program (CIP), significantly increasing the potential for funded projects. The board's funding decisions are guided by several considerations, including the level of local involvement and support, the number of people to be served, and the anticipated impact of the grant on the project's success. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that grants are awarded to projects with the greatest potential for positive, measurable outcomes within the Mott-Regent community.
