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
Rural Futures Endowment Case Statement
Learn more about the Rural Futures Endowment Case Statement! Click below to view our PDF of the Rural Futures Endowment Case Statement! [pvfw-link viewer_id="372855" text="Click Here to Open the PDF" open_type="link" target="_parent"...
What We’ve Really Been Investing In
As Creative Community Solutions moves into its fifth year, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what we’ve actually been funding across North Dakota. Not just the projects themselves. Not just the grant totals. Not just the reports or outcomes. But what sits...
Creative Community Solutions: Moving into Year Five
In 2021, the Bush Foundation offered something North Dakota had not really seen before. They asked organizations across the region to step forward and help design how community innovation funding would work on the ground. The opportunity was significant, multi-year,...
Cher Rural Community Report
Introduction During this past fall, I had the opportunity to travel and visit a number of rural communities across the state. It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to go out and see what I fondly call “my people.” I have spent most of my 40+ year...
Strengthen ND Awards $897,500 to Innovative Community Projects Across North Dakota
Souris, ND – Strengthen ND, through its Creative Community Solutions (CCS) Grantmaking Program, has announced $897,500 in funding for nine impactful projects designed to address critical community needs across North Dakota. These investments highlight creative...
Season of Giving: 7 Ways to Support North Dakota’s Nonprofits This Holiday Season
The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters—community, connection, and generosity. North Dakota is filled with incredible nonprofits working tirelessly to make our state a better place. This season, why not join in and lend a hand? Here are...
Celebrating the 2025 Bush Prize Winners!
Inspiring change and fostering leadership within communities takes commitment, vision, and dedication. This year, the Bush Prize for Community Innovation recognizes two outstanding organizations that exemplify these values and are making significant strides in their...
Empowering Rural Communities: 5 Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Sustainable growth is important for growing communities and is attainable with the right strategies and commitment. Understanding how to empower rural communities is vital for fostering economic and social advancement. By implementing these proven strategies, you'll...
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...