Strengthen ND Awards $897,500 to Innovative Community Projects Across North Dakota

February 3, 2025

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 approaches to tackling challenges in health, education, food security, arts, and cultural integration.

“We are thrilled to support such a diverse array of projects that reflect the resilience, creativity, and collaboration of North Dakota’s communities,” said Megan Langley, Executive Director of Strengthen ND. “These initiatives exemplify the spirit of innovation and community-driven solutions we aim to promote.”

The projects selected for funding in this round include:

  • 31:8 Project ($30,000): Launching the “Finding New Colors” program, a therapeutic arts initiative supporting survivors of human trafficking in North Dakota.
  • Junior Achievement North ($75,000): Developing a video library to enhance mentorship opportunities for rural students.
  • South Sudanese Foundation ($150,000): Creating a series of African cultural events to promote community cohesion and cultural exchange.
  • Aurora Nights (Minot Commission on Aging) ($81,000): Hosting quarterly events that connect local food, arts, and culture in Minot.
  • Drake Community Foods ($28,000): Establishing a hybrid grocery model to restore access to essential food services in rural Drake.
  • Minot Commission on Aging ($130,000): Expanding meal delivery services and intergenerational programs to combat senior isolation in rural areas.
  • Northern Cass Community Health & Wellness Center ($50,000): Developing a multi-service wellness center to provide essential health and childcare services.
  • Sacred Pipe Resource Center ($150,000): Piloting a culturally adapted group care model to improve Indigenous health outcomes.
  • Arts Center Jamestown ($203,500): Expanding art therapy programs for youth to address mental health challenges.

This funding reflects Strengthen ND’s commitment to addressing disparities, fostering inclusivity, and supporting community-led initiatives. Each project will serve as a model for potential replication across the state, ensuring broader impact and sustainability.

For more information about these projects and the Creative Community Solutions Grantmaking Program, visit www.StrengthenND.com.

About Strengthen ND:


Strengthen ND is a dynamic, multi-faceted organization focused on empowering rural and tribal communities across North Dakota. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and community resilience, Strengthen ND serves as a catalyst for sustainable development and equitable access to resources.

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