Youth and Community Projects in North Dakota

The Clarence Johnson & Eunice Iwen Community Endowment Fund was established in 2005 through a generous estate gift from Clarence Johnson and Eunice Iwen. This fund is a component of the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF), a nonprofit organization recognized under IRS code 501(c)(3) and North Dakota law. The fund is specifically dedicated to supporting youth and community-based initiatives within the Arthur, North Dakota area. It is managed locally by a volunteer advisory committee whose responsibilities include fundraising to build the endowment and recommending grants on an annual basis. The objective of the fund is to support projects and programs that provide tangible benefits to the Arthur area community. Grants are intended for efforts that improve quality of life, enhance community engagement, or serve youth through educational, recreational, or social services. The fund does not provide grants to individuals and maintains a policy of only supporting organizations designated as governmental entities or nonprofit, tax-exempt groups under IRS code 501(c)(3). Religious organizations may apply, but only for non-denominational projects that serve the broader community. The foundation prioritizes projects with significant community impact, measurable benefits, and a wide reach among local residents. Advisory board members evaluate each application based on several criteria, including the project’s anticipated success, the size and inclusiveness of its beneficiary population, the degree of local support (both financial and in-kind), and the management capabilities of the applicant organization. Lower priority is given to requests aimed at covering an organization’s daily operations. Multi-year commitments are limited to five years in general. Applications are accepted twice a year. The two annual grant cycles open from February 1 to April 1, and from July 1 to October 1. The final submission deadlines for these cycles are April 1 and October 1, respectively. Interested organizations must register through the NDCF’s online Grants Portal, requiring their organization’s name, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and executive officer’s name. Once registered, applicants can access and complete the application form directly through the system. Detailed guidance on using the portal is available on the NDCF website. If needed, applicants may be invited to present their proposals in person to the advisory committee to clarify details or respond to questions. For more information or assistance, organizations can contact the current committee chair, Nichol Sorvaag, at 701-866-5789 or via the address 16387 25th St SE, Argusville, ND 58005. Alternatively, they can reach out to Amy Stromsodt, NDCF Development Director, at 701-795-1531. Grants are awarded twice annually, and the process is structured to provide equal opportunity and fair consideration for all qualified applicants. This recurring funding opportunity reflects the long-term commitment of Clarence Johnson and Eunice Iwen to their hometown and continues to support the vitality and development of Arthur, ND through strategic and community-oriented grantmaking.

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