North Dakota Workforce Development Grants

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

The First Nations’ Young Natural Resource Professionals Cohort is a 12-month enrichment opportunity designed to enhance the knowledge and networks of young natural resource professionals in the Northern Great Plains. This program directly aligns with the First Nations Development Institute's mission to support Native American communities, particularly in areas of natural resource management and tribal sovereignty. The grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aims to foster professional development and community-led conservation efforts within tribal lands. The primary beneficiaries of this program are 15 early-career natural resource professionals, aged 18-30, who are tribally-affiliated and employed by tribal natural resource and/or environmental departments in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The program's impact goals are to develop professional, leadership, and technical skills among these individuals, enabling them to effectively employ tribal and community conservation priorities. The cohort prioritizes a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, specialized project management training, and the ability to communicate the importance of upholding tribal sovereignty, cultural grounding, and connection to ancestral lands in resource management. Participants will gain access to a $5,000 stipend for their hosting Tribe, travel support for professional development, a $50,000 tribal grant to lead a conservation-focused project, and a supportive network with mentorship opportunities. Expected outcomes include participants gaining a deeper understanding of traditional stewardship practices, receiving specialized training in project management, and becoming adept at communicating the importance of tribal sovereignty and cultural connection in resource management. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of conservation-focused projects and the sustained professional growth of the cohort members within their tribal communities. The project period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

The Statewide Health Strategies Grant (SHSG) is designed to enhance the health and well-being of North Dakotans by activating the ND State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). This grant aims to improve health outcomes across the state through collaborative action, innovation, and evidence-based practices. The grant focuses on addressing North Dakota’s health priorities, such as strengthening the healthcare workforce, expanding access to healthcare services, promoting holistic wellness, and building community resilience. Funded by the North Dakota State Legislature, it offers a competitive application process with projects needing to align with at least one SHIP priority. A total of $3 million is available with a maximum award of $400,000 per project. Applications are due by May 20, 2024, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofits, public-private partnerships, and industry consortia in North Dakota to develop and implement innovative autonomous agriculture projects that enhance technology, infrastructure, and workforce systems in the state.

Our grantees work to build on the entrepreneurial spirit, strong community ties, and untapped potential within Native nations, communities of color, rural communities, and other resilient communities who have fewer opportunities to thrive on their own terms. We envision strong, vibrant communities where people are connected to good jobs and have the financial capability to build their assets and provide a secure future for their families and communities. A Need to Close the Opportunity Gaps Our economic system doesn’t work for everyone. It widens income and opportunity gaps, restrains economic mobility, and traps people and communities in a cycle of poverty and injustice. A disproportionate number of Native Americans, people of color, refugees, immigrants, and rural Americans are living in crisis—or just a paycheck away from it. Nationally, six in 10 families of color don’t have the cash on hand to cover basic expenses—like rent, medical emergencies, or the need to fix a car—for three months.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in northwest North Dakota to support projects in arts, community development, economic development, and innovative initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the region.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) is implementing new grantmaking approaches to effectively invest in people, places, and opportunities in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The new model includes Strategic Grants and Community Responsive Fund grants. Strategic Grants are awarded directly by OBT to organizations with at least $500,000 in expenses from the previous year, aligning with OBT's objectives. Community Responsive Fund grants are managed by intermediary partners, focusing on organizations with less than $500,000 in expenses.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides funding to North Dakota organizations for tailored workforce initiatives that address regional employment challenges, including talent attraction, retention, and infrastructure investments.

This program provides financial assistance to North Dakota employers to help cover relocation costs for out-of-state talent hired for in-demand jobs.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in North Dakota to improve education and community well-being in rural areas through programs focused on curriculum development, educator training, and behavioral health services in schools.

This program provides free, intensive support and mentorship to early-stage startups in North Dakota, helping them prepare for investment and growth without requiring equity or fees.

This grant provides funding to North Dakota nonprofit art organizations, educational institutions, individual artists, and arts educators for engaging in arts-related learning activities that promote professional growth.

This program provides financial support to North Dakota-based entrepreneurs for validating business ideas and conducting market research, helping them grow scalable businesses in the state.

This funding initiative provides up to $6,000 to schools, nonprofits, and government agencies in North Dakota to enhance access to high-quality arts education for K-12 students through collaborative projects.