Creative Community Solutions Grant Program

The Creative Community Solutions grant program is administered by Strengthen ND in partnership with the Bush Foundation. This initiative began in 2022, when Strengthen ND was selected as one of four regional partners to pilot a new community-based grantmaking approach aligned with the Bush Foundation’s broader vision to enhance problem-solving capacity across North Dakota and the Native Nations that share its geography. The Creative Community Solutions program embodies a philosophy of local empowerment, entrusting a diverse Grantmaking Committee composed of North Dakotans with decision-making authority over funding allocations. This grant program is designed to support the development, testing, and dissemination of innovative, community-based solutions that challenge the status quo. It is not intended to fund general operating support or the expansion of existing programs. Instead, it encourages organizations to introduce new strategies or partnerships aimed at solving persistent problems. These may include cross-sector collaborations or unique approaches that have not been previously attempted in the applicant’s community. The goal is to identify promising ideas that can later be adapted and scaled across other communities within the state. Grants awarded through Creative Community Solutions can be up to $300,000 and support projects lasting up to six years. The funding is flexible and responsive, allowing for shorter timelines and lower request amounts based on project needs. However, the grant does not cover costs associated with activities outside North Dakota or its Native Nations, religious education or proselytization, K–12 in-school curricula, infrastructure equipment, sporting events, debt service, one-time experiences, or compliance upgrades. The funding is also not available to any project that discriminates on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or national origin. The application process starts with a conversation between interested applicants and a Strengthen ND team member. This step ensures alignment with program objectives and provides tailored technical assistance. Applicants then submit a two-page proposal or a 3–5 minute video, outlining the problem, the proposed innovative solution, and the stage of development—whether the idea is being developed, tested, or ready to scale. No additional attachments are allowed. A due diligence follow-up call is scheduled upon submission to capture additional information using a standardized set of questions, and both the proposal and call summary are presented to the Grantmaking Committee for final decision-making. Applications are accepted twice annually, with deadlines on April 30 and September 30. No introductory calls are held during the week leading up to each deadline, so applicants are encouraged to initiate contact early. Proposals must be received by midnight on the respective deadline date. While there is no pre-application deadline formally listed, the initial conversation is a key component of the process. The next cycle is expected to close on September 30, 2025, and based on its recurring nature, the following cycle will likely open again in early 2026. The primary contact for the program is Megan Laudenschlager, reachable via email at megan@strengthennd.com or by phone at (701) 303-0840. Physical correspondence can be directed to Strengthen ND at 101 Main Street, PO Box 166, Souris, ND 58783. For complete application guidelines, prospective applicants can refer to the official documentation available on Strengthen ND’s website. The program's collaborative approach and its emphasis on local solutions make it a compelling opportunity for organizations and communities invested in sustainable change within North Dakota.

Prepare for the initial call by reading program materials and formulating a well-structured problem/solution. Attend the due diligence call to ensure documentation is complete for review.