Grants to Improve Quality of Life of Rural Communities in North Dakota

The Burgum Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in rural communities across North Dakota through targeted support for education and enrichment initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that contribute to the educational landscape and overall community well-being in rural areas, fostering long-term development and sustainability. Grants from the Burgum Foundation primarily focus on general education opportunities in rural settings, providing funding for curriculum development, professional growth of educators, and enrichment programs for both students and teachers. Another key area of support includes behavioral health services within rural schools, facilitated through collaborations between school systems and selected health care providers. The foundation also supports Teacher Leadership Academies, where North Dakota universities collaborate with local school districts to offer Master’s degrees in Leadership to educators. Grant funding is directed specifically toward program support and capacity building, emphasizing sustainable, high-impact outcomes. The foundation explicitly excludes funding for capital campaigns or capital expenditures, lobbying or political initiatives, sports events or athletic programs, direct individual support, and organizations lacking confirmed 501(c)(3) status. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Proposals are evaluated through written applications and, when possible, site visits. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating strong organizational management, financial health, and program effectiveness. The Burgum Foundation operates two grant rounds annually. The spring round has an application deadline of April 30th, and the fall round deadline is September 30th. Applications may still be submitted past these deadlines, but they will be considered for the subsequent funding round. Time-sensitive applications may be expedited upon review, provided an explanation is included. A reporting and feedback form is required annually by September 30th after the award year and each year thereafter until the funded project is completed. Additional application pathways exist for universities seeking grants to cover teacher tuition. General inquiries can be directed to the foundation's office in Fargo, North Dakota, or via email at [email protected].