Outdoor Heritage Fund
Outdoor Heritage Fund supports North Dakota communities through conservation and recreation projects that expand land access, strengthen agricultural stewardship, and conserve fish and wildlife habitat.
Funder: North Dakota Industrial Commission
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Grant Round 29 application) | November 17, 2026 (Technical Committee meeting)
Funding Amounts: Matching grants; program receives up to $40 million per biennium
Summary: Supports conservation and outdoor recreation projects in North Dakota, including land access, agricultural stewardship, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted online, with a $100 fee collected immediately upon submission.
Description
The Outdoor Heritage Fund is a North Dakota conservation and outdoor recreation grant program administered by the North Dakota Industrial Commission. Established in 2013 and funded through oil and gas production taxes, it provides matching grants to state agencies, tribal governments, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations for projects benefiting North Dakotans.
The program gives higher priority to projects that enhance conservation practices through one or more statutory directives. These cover access to public and private lands for sportsmen and women, stewardship practices that support farming and ranching, preservation and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat, and conservation of natural areas and development of parks and recreation areas. The Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Board recommends grants to the Commission, which approves funding.
