Empowering Rural Communities

Free Assistance for Nonprofits and Rural Areas

Strengthen ND provides expert guidance and support to help rural communities and nonprofits thrive. Our services include nonprofit incorporation, startup assistance, funding source identification, and proposal review.

Cher Hersrud

With 40 years of experience working in North Dakota’s rural communities, Cher Hersrud is a seasoned expert in nonprofit incorporation, startup assistance, funding strategies, and proposal review. Her extensive background ensures that rural communities and nonprofits receive the support they need to succeed.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Book an appointment with Cher Hersrud to receive personalized assistance for your rural community or nonprofit organization. Fill out the form below to get started.

Rural Community Resources

The Art of Reopening: A Guide to Current Practices Among Arts Organizations During COVID-19

Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities

Embrace the Naysayers: Strengthen ND's Rural Short Stories Series

A Rural Community Opportunity: Beautify Your Community While Helping the Bees and Butterflies

Urban Agriculture Toolkit

USDA Food Supply Chain Funding

Strengthen ND Succession Road Map

Shared Kitchen Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Planning, Launching, and Managing a Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen

A Perspective on Rural Community Success

Rural Community Project Planning:
Six Steps to Make Projects More Successful

USDA Rural Workforce Guide for Rural Workforce Development

Wilton Public School District: A Full Service Community School Example

Rural Community Survey

Future Prospects: The Role of Bitcoin Mining in Agriculture

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

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

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

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...

5 Sustainable Eating Habits You Can Start Today

5 Sustainable Eating Habits You Can Start Today

Sustainable eating isn't just a trend, it also benefits your health and the planet. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a frequent visitor to farmer's markets, an eco-conscious consumer, or a home cook, these tips will help you make more sustainable food choices. 1....

7 Ways to Get Involved with Strengthen ND and Empower Your Community

7 Ways to Get Involved with Strengthen ND and Empower Your Community

Have you been looking for a meaningful way to get engaged with community development efforts in North Dakota? At Strengthen ND we offer a diverse range of programs that are designed to empower local communities and foster growth and stability in the region. If you're...

Redefining Community Through Our Creative Solutions Grants

Redefining Community Through Our Creative Solutions Grants

Innovation is not always about the latest gadgets or scientific breakthroughs. For communities, innovation represents progress, adaptation, and growth. Recognizing this, we decided to empower our neighbors to use their creativity and strength to help grow our rural...