OUR MISSION
Strengthen ND is a dynamic, multi-faceted and well-connected organization that works across North Dakota (ND) to elevate nonprofits and rural communities to support a high quality of life and resources for vulnerable populations through community development.
OUR VALUES
Strengthen ND’s staff encompasses more than 75 years of experience in rural capacity building, planning, development, and placemaking. Through their experience, candor, and “let’s get it done” attitude, Strengthen ND’s team has had the privilege of learning and exercising the “ND Way” of problem solving. We’ve learned from communities that it is imperative to exercise a bottom-up approach, prioritize listening, facilitate community buy-in, and that nearly every disagreement can be resolved through a robust conversation over a shared plate of hotdish. In short, our experience has shaped our values and approach – the actual HOW of Strengthen ND’s work. The way in which we approach our mission is in line with our organizational values:
Meeting Communities & People Where They Are
We believe that every community is different, every organization is different, and every individual is different; therefore, a blanket approach does not best support ND. We “meet them where they are” in terms of attitudes, beliefs, skills, capacity, and available resources
Deploying a Pragmatic Approach
Our approach to supporting communities, organizations, and leaders focuses on inspiring them to think bigger and differently, while also cheerleading small, incremental victories achieved through practical tools and strategies.
Being Resourceful
Strengthen ND’s resources are limited. It is imperative that we are resourceful and leverage all of the other great service providers and assets within ND to create a web of resources and providers that can support organizations and communities to deepen the level of impact made.
Meeting People & Communities Where They Are
Change Network
North Dakota Change Network is a year-long program that will help you build the techniques and networks you need to make the places you live and work more inclusive.
Community Succession Planning
Strengthen ND’s community succession planning process is designed and facilitated around developing five-year reasonable and achievable plans for communities through a focused process including assessing and goal-setting around Community Amenities & Engagement, Creative Placemaking, Economic Status & Growth, and Forward-Thinking Leadership
Community-Centered AmeriCorps
Through the support of AmeriCorps, Strengthen ND assists North Dakota communities to access the people-power they need to undertake community projects by providing individuals to build their community’s capacity
OUR FOCUS
Strengthen rural North Dakota.
Communities with Opportunities
Communities with Opportunities is about fostering the relationship between rural North Dakotan, small communities, and prospective newcomers. By showcasing things that make each community great along with each unique and exciting opportunity, Strengthen ND’s goal is to keep rural communities thriving by encouraging growth!
Strengthen ND’s technical assistance is delivered through customized engagements to accomplish organizational and program-oriented objectives. In each project, we begin with a discovery period to work closely with the organization to design a process that is well-timed and suited to the people within the community, how the community functions, and the objectives of the work.
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OUR SERVICES
Board and Staff Development
Strengthen ND places a high priority on being connected to leadership in key issues and practices for maximizing the talents, strengths and efforts of an organization’s most valuable resource – the people who govern, lead and support programs to produce effective, meaningful and measurable impact: the board and staff. We work to do this through customized board and staff development projects, designed to leverage and build effectiveness and teamwork.
Executive Search
Since our inception, Strengthen ND has prided itself on meeting people and organizations where they are; meaning, we are skilled at assessing and understanding organizational and individual capacity. It is with this value that we approach executive search processes. Below is the typical process our organization follows to identify qualified candidates to best support your organization.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
* We understand what it takes to live and work in North Dakota;
* We understand what it takes to lead and progress in North Dakota;
* Hiring committee experience specific to higher-level directors and management to fully understand what North Dakota organizations need.
To learn more, contact Megan Langley at megan@strengthennd.com.
Program Design and Evaluation
Strengthen ND will work with your organization to develop customized evaluation processes to illustrate the value and impact of your programs for the purposes of informing program design and future development, as well as to share information more effectively with boards, funders and others closely connected to the organization. Conversely, Strengthen ND is skilled at working with private family foundations, trusts, corporations, and community foundations to design grantmaking strategies, mechanisms, and collateral to support targeted charitable investments.
Grant Making and Charitable Investments
Strengthen ND believes investing primarily in North Dakota’s rural communities, and through our the Creative Community Solutions grant making program, established in 2022, our organization is able to support a variety of programs and projects across the state. This is unlike any other grant making program, we want to hear why your project is needed in your community and how it can be sustained.
Strategic and Organizational Action Planning
Strategic planning is the architecture of successful organizations. Strengthen ND’s approach to strategic planning involves a collaborative process of internal and external review and strategic thinking to generate a realistic and practical guide for board and staff in achieving their visionary and operational goals. As you transition from strategic planning to implementation, your first task is to get specific about the work that needs to be done. Practically speaking, this means going through the process of translating the multi-year, high-level strategic goals articulated in your plan into specific initiatives that your organization will undertake in the coming 12- to 18-month period. Breaking down your long-term goals into timely, digestible and definable segments that align with your day-to-day activities is something that Strengthen ND is equipped to help you undertake.
Community Succession Planning
One of the most important responsibilities for community leaders is to help plan for the community’s future, including anticipating and identifying key leadership transitions, economic trends, quality of life shifts, and growth opportunities. Strengthen ND’s community succession planning process is designed and facilitated around developing five-year reasonable and achievable plans for communities through a focused process including assessing and goal-setting around Community Amenities & Engagement, Creative Placemaking, Economic Status & Growth, and Forward-Thinking Leadership.
Economic Development & Community Planning
Strengthen ND works with your community organizations such as Chambers and EDC’s to determine appropraite solutions to community needs. Strengthen ND’s approach will allow all opinions to be heard and considered.
Meeting Facilitation
Strengthen ND works with organizations to develop and implement meetings, retreats, and other forums for specific planning, problem solving, strategizing, or decision-making purposes. Strengthen ND’s approach involves thoughtful planning and preparation and developing agendas to encourage participation and generate useful plans for next steps.
Organizational Succession Planning
One of the most important responsibilities for nonprofit boards is selecting the organization’s next executive director. The search and transition can be complex, and both require careful planning, well before a planned – or unplanned – departure occurs. Strengthen ND can help your organization with succession planning to ensure that this is a smooth, cohesive transition.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Learn more about how we could help!
USDA Tribal Toolkit
With this great toolkit, Tribal Governments can learn more about USDA’s programs and grants.
PESTEL Analysis
A PESTEL Analysis is an important planning tool used for understanding the external macro-level external factors that impact the working of an organization.
Funding Opportunity Database
Utilize this resource to access funding opportunities relevant to rural North Dakota!
Prioritization Exercises
Do you need an exercise to help prioritize your organization’s activities? This one is for you!
Developing a Case Statement
The questions in this tool can help guide the creation of an organization’s Case Statement.
Key Responsibilities Audit
A Key Responsibilities Audit is a simple tool that can be utilized to estimate how much time you spend working on a specific area of operations.
IN THE MEDIA
Learn more about our community outreach!
Celebrating and Supporting Diversity in North Dakota with Strengthen ND
North Dakota is known for its vast landscapes, rich history, and tight-knit communities. But there's another story unfolding here—one of diversity and inclusion. As Strengthen ND, we are proud to be part of this movement, championing efforts to celebrate and support...
6 Ways to Get Involved in the AmeriCorps Impact Makers Program
Are you a young adult eager to make a difference in your community while gaining valuable skills and experience? The AmeriCorps Impact Makers (AIM) program is an incredible opportunity to do just that. Designed for individuals aged 18-22, AIM allows participants to...
Collaboration Between Government and Non-Profits: Key to Community Resilience
In a world increasingly marked by unpredictability and fast-paced change, building community resilience has never been more crucial. From natural disasters to economic disruptions, resilient communities can withstand shocks and emerge stronger. A key component in...
7 Powerful Strategies for Strengthening Rural Infrastructure in North Dakota
Rural infrastructure is the backbone of thriving communities across North Dakota. From roads and bridges to broadband internet and energy grids, these foundational elements are crucial for agriculture, commerce, and daily life. As rural needs change, strategies to...
Strengthening North Dakota’s Agricultural Future: 6 Ways Strengthen ND Supports Local Food Producers
Agriculture is the backbone of North Dakota’s economy, and the need for sustainable and innovative practices has never been greater. Farmers, agricultural innovators, and local community leaders are at the forefront of this movement. Strengthen ND is here to support...
AARP Awards Grants to Seven Organizations in North Dakota as Part of Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT:Marnie Piehl, Communications Director, AARP North Dakota 701-391-6534 or mpiehl@aarp.org AARP Awards Grants to Seven Organizations in North Dakota as Part of Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable ...
Future Prospects: The Role of Bitcoin Mining in Agriculture
Bitcoin mining and sustainable agriculture might sound like an odd pairing, but they have the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector. Here's how: 1. Energy Utilization Bitcoin mining operations can be energy-intensive, but they also have the flexibility to...
Top 10 Resources for Nonprofits in North Dakota
Running a nonprofit organization can be incredibly rewarding yet challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help nonprofits in North Dakota thrive. Here’s a list of the top 10 resources that nonprofits in North Dakota should know about: 1....
A Guide to Sustainable Development for Local Businesses
1. Understand the Importance of Sustainability Sustainability is an essential practice for future-proofing your business and community. By adopting eco-friendly practices, you're contributing to a healthier planet and gaining a competitive edge. Customers are...
Top 10 Tips for Successful Grant Writing
Grant writing can be a challenging experience, but with the right approach, it can significantly boost your chances of securing the funding you need. Whether you're a nonprofit, researcher, or entrepreneur, these top 10 tips will guide you through the process and help...
