The North Dakota Department of Commerce is seeking applications for its Relocation Opportunity for Outstanding Talent Grant Program.
Donor Name: North Dakota Department of Commerce
State: North Dakota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/30/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The cost of moving can be a significant barrier to relocating for work, often deterring individuals from pursuing new job opportunities. Expenses associated with relocation, such as hiring movers, transportation, temporary housing, and even utility connection fees, can add up quickly. Employers that offer relocation assistance can provide it either in advance or upon arrival, depending on company policies and the nature of the relocation package. Some employers offer upfront assistance, covering expenses like moving services, travel costs, and temporary housing directly, or providing a lump sum payment to help cover costs before the move. This approach is particularly helpful for employees who need financial support to manage the immediate expenses of relocation.
Relocation assistance can be a highly effective tool for employers to fill in-demand jobs, especially in industries facing talent shortages. By offering financial support to cover moving expenses, companies can widen their candidate pool to include qualified workers who may otherwise be unable or unwilling to relocate due to the high costs associated with moving. This incentive can be particularly appealing for positions in fields like tech, healthcare, and engineering, where specific skills are in high-demand but the local talent supply may be limited, according to the Society for Human Resource Management Employee Relocation Toolkit.
This is especially important in rural or lower-income regions where it might be harder to attract qualified professionals due to lower wages, fewer amenities, or limited housing options. Relocation assistance not only makes the move more feasible but also signals that the employer or community values their contribution and is willing to invest in their well-being. For educators, in particular, relocation packages can help districts struggling to fill teaching positions, ensuring that students have access to quality education. In both sectors, relocation support can lead to better staffing outcomes, improved services, and a stronger connection between professionals and the communities they serve.
The purpose of this workforce solution strategy is to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of relocation assistance in filling critical roles in the North Dakota workforce.
Funding Information
Employers can access up to $5,000 of matching funds for each candidate the business is eligible for. A 1:1 match is required. An additional $500 per candidate is available if the applicant is identified in the Find the Good Life Candidate Marketplace. The additional $500 for candidates identified through the Marketplace is not subject to match.
Business Eligibility
Employers must be located and registered in North Dakota. Out-of-state candidates must be relocating to North Dakota and cannot currently live within 100 miles of the job site. Relocation assistance can be used for airfare, moving vehicles, securing rental housing, transfer of licensure, exams or other costs related to relocation and requirements to fill the role for which they have been hired.
- Employers with 5-20 employees are eligible to apply for up to 5 individuals.
- Employers with 20-50 employees are eligible to apply for up to 10 individuals.
- Employers with 50-100 employees are eligible to apply for up to 15 individuals.
- Employers with 100 or more employees are eligible to apply for up to 20 individuals.
Business Requirements
- Positions must be considered in-demand occupations. Businesses must be able to demonstrate relocation to be possible in the community or within a reasonable commuting distance. The position must be located in North Dakota with the position’s work must be performed in North Dakota.
- Business must include a one-year employment requirement for any position being included in the request for grant funding.
Commerce Recommends the Candidates
- Be a United States citizen or have permanent legal immigration status,
- Meet all requirements to be licensed and practice in North Dakota based on any occupational licensure requirements for the positions.
For more information, visit NDDC.
