The Rural Catalyst Grant program is designed to support quality of life improvement and economic development projects for rural communities in the state.
Donor Name: North Dakota Department of Commerce
State: North Dakota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 01/07/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This is a reimbursable grant. Reimbursements will not be provided for any purchases made before a grant agreement is signed. The Department of Commerce leads the efforts to attract, retain, and expand wealth and improve the quality of life for the people of North Dakota.
Program Objectives
- Strengthen rural communities addressing critical needs in the areas of community and economic development, health and wellness or for the purpose of preserving or reopening rural grocery stores.
- Support quality of life improvement such as improving access to healthcare, essential services, education, housing or transportation within the community.
- Encourage partnerships and collaboration between local organizations, businesses, and government entities.
- Support innovative approaches to address unique challenges faced by rural areas.
- Foster community development and revitalization efforts in rural regions.
Funding Information
Up to $500,000.
Eligible Uses of Funds
The total project cost may include the direct costs associated with:
- Slum/blight removal and/ or remediation
- Community health and wellness project
- Expansion or new business project that addresses a critical need in the area of: quality of life improvement, economic development projects, education, or health/wellness
- Preserving or opening a rural grocery store
- Libraries
- Placemaking, vibrancy, and downtown improvement area projects
- Museums
- Recreation-related projects
- Transportation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a municipality, county, tribe, job development authority, regional council or political subdivision of the state of North Dakota to apply.
- Must be a rural community with a population of 4,500 or fewer.
- At least 50% of the grant funds must be allocated to communities with populations of fewer than 1,500.
- Submit a complete application for RCG funding to North Dakota Department of Commerce (Commerce).
- Comply with the requirements, conditions, restrictions, and limitations imposed by SB 2390.
For more information, visit North Dakota Department of Commerce.
