Creative Community Solutions
Funds innovative, community-driven projects in North Dakota and Native Nations to develop, test, and spread new solutions to local challenges, with support for scaling and peer learning.
Funder: Bush Foundation
Due Dates: April 30, 2026 (Spring) | September 30, 2026 (Fall)
Funding Amounts: Up to $300,000 per project for 1–6 years; smaller requests and shorter durations allowed.
Summary: Supports innovative, community-driven projects to address challenges and spread solutions across North Dakota and the Native Nations sharing its geography.
Key Information: Only new solutions (not operating support or program expansion) are eligible; pre-application discussion required.
Description
This grant program, managed by Strengthen ND in partnership with the Bush Foundation, funds innovative projects that develop, test, and spread solutions to community challenges in North Dakota and the Native Nations within its borders. The aim is to support ideas that can be replicated or scaled, improving opportunities and addressing pressing local issues. Funding decisions are made by a diverse committee of North Dakotans, and recipients benefit from non-monetary support such as access to subject-matter experts, peer learning, and annual gatherings to share results and lessons learned. The program emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and resourcefulness, seeking projects that go beyond the status quo.
