Foundations
226
Total Assets
$1.3B
Total Giving
$869.1M
Active Grants
317
National Rank
#50
North Dakota Grants: State Programs Fueling Rural Innovation, Workforce Development, and Community Vitality
North Dakota's grant landscape reflects the state's unique economic priorities: supporting agriculture and energy industries, strengthening rural communities, developing a competitive workforce, and fostering entrepreneurial innovation across a state where vast distances and small population centers create both challenges and opportunities. The North Dakota Department of Commerce serves as the central hub, administering nearly 50 programs and services that span business development, workforce training, community investment, and tourism. With the 69th Legislative Assembly appropriating $15 million for the Tourism Destination Development Grant Program alone for the 2025-2027 biennium, the state continues to make strategic investments in economic diversification and quality of life. Entrepreneurs and small businesses benefit from a suite of targeted Commerce Department programs.
The Innovate ND program operates as a voucher-based reimbursement offering up to $50,000 in two phases to support customer and market research for early-stage businesses. The Automate ND Grant Program addresses the state's acute workforce shortage by providing grants of up to $500,000 to Primary Sector Certified businesses for automation projects, with $5 million recently awarded across 13 communities. The Native American Small Business Support Program allocates $600,000 to maximize the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of Native American-owned enterprises. For businesses looking to expand, PACE financing programs buy down interest rates on loans, while the Regional Workforce Impact Program funds innovative plans to address regional workforce challenges.
Rural communities across North Dakota receive dedicated support through programs like the Rural Catalyst Grant, which has awarded $2.5 million to nine communities for locally driven projects that strengthen community vitality and long-term economic development. The Community Development Block Grant program provides federal funding for housing, public facilities, and economic development in eligible communities. The North Dakota Council on the Arts has invested over $1 million in FY2026 through nearly 200 grants supporting accessibility, artist development, and special arts projects statewide. Additionally, the Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program offers $7.5 million to advance agricultural technology innovation, reflecting North Dakota's position at the intersection of traditional agriculture and cutting-edge technology.
Key State Programs
Innovate ND Grant Program
A state-funded voucher reimbursement program offering up to $50,000 in two $25,000 phases to help North Dakota entrepreneurs further their businesses through customer and market research. Applications for the current round were due February 26, 2026.
Automate ND Grant Program
Grants of up to $500,000 for North Dakota Primary Sector Certified businesses (manufacturing, ag processing, etc.) to implement automation projects addressing the state's workforce shortage. The program has awarded $5 million across 13 communities in recent rounds.
Tourism Destination Development Grant Program
A $15 million program for the 2025-2027 biennium supporting new or expanded tourism experiences and attractions. The current round offers $4 million with applications accepted February 10 through March 10, 2026, and awards announced April 30, 2026.
Rural Catalyst Grant
Grants supporting locally driven projects that strengthen community vitality and long-term economic development in rural North Dakota communities. Nine communities received a combined $2.5 million in the most recent round for quality-of-life and economic development initiatives.
Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program
A $7.5 million program advancing autonomous agricultural technology in North Dakota, with expanded eligibility and a dedicated Q&A section. Supports projects that integrate automation and emerging technologies into the state's agricultural sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grant programs does the North Dakota Department of Commerce offer for small businesses?
The Department of Commerce administers nearly 50 programs and services for businesses. Key grant programs include Innovate ND (up to $50,000 for market research), Automate ND (up to $500,000 for automation projects), the Native American Small Business Support Program ($600,000 fund), and various PACE financing programs that buy down interest rates on business loans. The Regional Workforce Impact Program also supports businesses indirectly by funding innovative workforce development plans.
How can rural North Dakota communities access state grant funding?
Rural communities can apply for the Rural Catalyst Grant, which has awarded $2.5 million to nine communities for locally driven projects. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding through the state for housing rehabilitation, public facilities, and economic development. The Tourism Destination Development Grant also supports rural communities developing tourism experiences for economic diversification and workforce recruitment.
Are there North Dakota grants for agricultural businesses and innovation?
Yes, North Dakota offers significant agricultural grant funding. The Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program provides $7.5 million to advance autonomous agricultural technology. The Automate ND program supports ag processing businesses with automation grants up to $500,000. PACE financing programs, including Biofuels PACE, buy down interest rates for biodiesel, ethanol, and livestock operations. These programs reflect North Dakota's commitment to maintaining agricultural competitiveness through technology adoption.
What arts and cultural grants are available in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) invested over $1 million through nearly 200 grants in FY2026. Available programs include Accessibility Grants (up to $2,000) for projects increasing arts accessibility, Artist Growth & Development grants ($5,000) for individual artists' creative projects, and Special Projects grants (up to $1,500) for arts initiatives and events in all disciplines. Applications are accepted through the NDCA's grant portal.
What is the Innovate ND program and who is eligible?
Innovate ND is a state-funded voucher-based reimbursement program designed to help North Dakota entrepreneurs further their businesses by supporting customer and market research. The program offers up to $50,000 in reimbursable expenses divided into two phases of $25,000 each. Entrepreneurs across the state are eligible to apply, and the program is administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. Application deadlines are announced periodically, with the most recent round closing February 26, 2026.
Explore
North Dakota Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in North Dakota
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Offutt Family Foundation | $380.7M |
| 2 | Native American Agriculture Fund | $180.1M |
| 3 | Centurion Foundation | $157.9M |
| 4 | The Barry Foundation | $54.9M |
| 5 | Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation | $50.6M |
Active Grants