North Dakota Community Foundation

09/04/2026

FOUNDATION FOCUS: COURTENAY

This week’s Foundation Focus takes us to Courtenay!

Established in 2017 by Geronimo Energy, the Courtenay Community Fund benefits communities near the Courtenay Wind Farm.

The fund has been a strong supporter of the Courtenay Community Center, providing $25,000 in each of the past four years. That’s $100,000 in support since 2023!

In 2026, the fund awarded five grants totaling $40,000. In addition to the Community Center, grants supported:

• A shed to house the City of Courtenay’s mower
• Private-room improvements at SMP Health-Ave Maria
• Kid Scoop News
• The St. Boniface Wimbledon CYO program

The fund is guided by local advisory committee members Marcia Bollingberg, Keith Mitchell, Darold Soupir, Terry Schoeler and Jonah Dick, who make grant recommendations for projects and programs benefiting the area.

Thank you to these volunteers for helping direct funding to projects that make a difference in Courtenay and the surrounding communities!

Learn more about the Courtenay Community Fund:
https://www.ndcf.net/learn/community-endowment-funds/c-d/courtenay.html

09/02/2026

Helping fill the gaps for North Dakota schools

School foundations can provide additional resources to local school districts, helping fill funding gaps for needs that may fall outside the school's regular budget.

Those needs can take many forms, from supplies and playground equipment to musical instruments, special projects, new buildings, and even teacher housing.

Local committees raise funds for their school foundations and help determine how those resources can best support their schools and students.

NDCF currently manages 65 school funds across North Dakota, including school foundations as well as other funds established to benefit local schools.

Learn more about school foundations and how NDCF supports them:

School Foundations Overview The Grenora Public School Foundation used some of its funds to construct teacher housing, which was in short supply in western…

08/31/2026

Making a Difference Monday: Connecting Students with Technology

Reliable technology is an important part of learning in today’s classrooms.

A grant from the Oliver County Community Foundation helped the Center-Stanton Public School upgrade technology for students in grades 7-12, including the purchase of 18 new desktop computers for the school’s computer lab and five additional student laptops.

The new computers replaced aging equipment and give students access to faster, more reliable technology for classroom work and online courses. The additional laptops also help ensure more students have access to the technology they need throughout the school day.

“This purchase has allowed our students to have up-to-date technology, with faster and more robust devices. Without these purchases our students’ lab would not be functioning as well as it is currently.”

“Thank you. It is greatly appreciated how often this group has supported our school in various ways. It means a lot to our students and faculty.”

— Jacob Erhardt, Business Manager/Tech Coordinator, Center-Stanton Public School

08/28/2026

This week’s Foundation Focus takes us to Hankinson!

Established in 2017, the Hankinson Community Endowment Fund is a permanent resource dedicated to supporting charitable projects in the Hankinson area.

The fund has awarded 11 grants totaling $9,910 since its inception. In 2025, the fund awarded $3,000 to four local projects:

• Hankinson Park Board for improvements to the Hankinson Ball Complex concession stand
• Hankinson Public School to bring Missoula Children’s Theatre to the community
• Community Connection for the launch of the Community Closet Thrift Store
• Hillside Cemetery Association of Hankinson for the Saving Hillside project

The fund is guided by local advisory committee members Robert Wurl, Jared Falk, Randy Wieser, Loren Hovel, DeeAnn Bilben, Tom Mauer, Kelly Hubrig, Lydia Wollschlager and Anna Heley.

The committee is currently working to continue growing the fund and has invited agricultural producers in the area to consider giving a portion of their harvest.

Thank you to the volunteers, donors and community members helping build a permanent resource for Hankinson!

Learn more: https://www.ndcf.net/hankinson

08/26/2026

Welcome to Shawn McKenna, our new Communications and Marketing Associate at NDCF! Shawn brings experience in journalism, communications, marketing, and the nonprofit sector. He'll be working out of our Bismarck office. We're glad to have him on board!

https://www.ndcf.net/learn/news-reports.html

08/24/2026

Making a Difference Monday: Building Leadership in Stanley

Students in Stanley are showing their FBLA pride with a new look!

A grant from the Stanley Area Community Foundation helped the Stanley Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter purchase matching, officially branded sweaters for its members. The new gear gives students a unified, professional look while making FBLA members more recognizable at school, community events, volunteer projects and competitions.

Stanley FBLA students are active both in and outside their community, developing leadership and career skills, volunteering, hosting events and representing Stanley at state and national competitions.

The new sweaters have also given students another reason to take pride in being part of the organization.

“The impact of this grant was huge to our chapter and school. We are able to promote FBLA in our school and stand out together as members of FBLA.”

“Thank you!! I am truly touched and honored that you chose our FBLA chapter.”

— Mrs. Kendra Evensvold, Stanley Community Schools FBLA

08/21/2026

FOUNDATION FOCUS: STANLEY AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

This week’s Foundation Focus takes us west to Stanley!

Established in 2008, the Stanley Area Community Foundation supports projects and programs that improve the quality of life in Stanley and the surrounding area.

In 2025, the Foundation awarded $95,910 through eight grants supporting recreation, healthcare, education, community programs, and other local needs. Recipients included Blue Jay Boosters, Mountrail Bethel Home Health Foundation, Prairie Rose Golf Course, The Difference, Domestic Violence Program NW ND/Action Resource Center, ND Newspaper Association Education Foundation, BIO Girls, and Stanley Community Schools FBLA.

And the Foundation is ready to make another impact in 2026! More than $100,000 is available during this year's grant round, with applications open through September 28.

The Stanley Area Community Foundation is guided by a local advisory committee that helps build the fund and recommend grants to meet needs in the Stanley area.

Learn more or apply for a grant: www.NDCF.net/Stanley

08/19/2026

Don’t give cash, give grain.

A farmer or rancher who actively engages in their business can have significant tax savings by donating grain, livestock or other agricultural commodities directly to charity.

Gifts of agricultural commodities to the North Dakota Community Foundation do not have to be claimed as income by the self-employed farmer, while expenses for growing and harvesting the commodity can still be deducted.

The proceeds from the donated commodity can support the charitable fund of the farmer’s choosing.

Learn more about gifting agricultural commodities and how the process works:

There are significant tax benefits to farmers and ranchers who gift agricultural commodities instead of straight cash to the North Dakota Community Foundation or one of its component funds.

08/17/2026

Today, in celebration of National Nonprofit Day, we recognize the organizations and people working every day to make North Dakota communities stronger.

From meeting basic needs and enriching our communities to creating opportunities for future generations, nonprofits make an incredible difference across our state.

We're proud to play a part in supporting their work through charitable giving and grantmaking.

To all of the nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and supporters across North Dakota, thank you for all you do!

Learn more about grant opportunities available through NDCF: https://www.ndcf.net/receive/

08/14/2026

Foundation Focus: Towner County Community Foundation

This week’s Foundation Focus takes us to Towner County!

Established in 2008, the Towner County Community Foundation was created to provide a permanent source of support for charitable programs and projects that improve the quality of life throughout Towner County.

The foundation is led by a local advisory committee of volunteers who work to grow the fund and recommend grants to organizations serving the area. The committee held a Blue Jean Ball in June to raise awareness of the foundation and its potential.

In 2025, the Towner County Community Foundation awarded a $910 grant to the City of Cando to support restoration of the historic Towner County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Built in 1919, the pavilion is being brought back to life by local volunteers, with restoration work continuing in 2026.

Local Advisory Committee:
Mindy Reimer, Chair
Mel Wahl
Brad Bergdahl
David Lagein
JoAnn Rodenbiker
Lana Nicholas
Lavonne Haugen
Mark Fox
Mark Brehm
Nancy Farbo

The Towner County Community Foundation is one of NDCF’s local community foundations working to ensure charitable dollars are available to meet local needs today and well into the future.

Learn more about the Towner County Community Foundation:
NDCF.net/TownerCounty

Founded in 1976, the North Dakota Community Foundation manages more than 1,000 charitable funds for the betterment of North Dakota citizens and their communities, including 73 local community funds, scholarships, and donor-advised funds.