ROOT Grant Program
The ROOT Grant Program by the North Dakota Department of Commerce funds employer efforts to recruit out-of-state professionals for in-demand roles by supporting relocation expenses.
Funder: North Dakota Department of Commerce
Due Dates: June 20, 2027 (final deadline; applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are obligated and spent)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per candidate (1:1 employer match required); additional $500 per candidate available via Find the Good Life Marketplace; awards are for six months and may be renewed.
Summary: Supports North Dakota employers in filling critical in-demand roles by providing matching funds for relocation expenses to attract out-of-state talent.
Key Information: Only North Dakota-registered employers hiring for full-time, in-demand positions are eligible; applications reviewed in order received until funds are depleted.
Description
The ROOT Grant Program, administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, is a workforce initiative designed to help employers address talent shortages by offering matching funds to offset relocation costs for out-of-state hires. The program aims to reduce financial barriers for qualified professionals moving to North Dakota to fill in-demand, full-time, permanent positions. Employers can use these funds to cover a wide range of relocation expenses, including moving services, transportation, temporary housing, licensure transfer, and other costs directly related to the move. The program is especially targeted at sectors and communities facing workforce gaps, and it seeks to foster stronger connections between new hires and their North Dakota communities.
