Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Commerce is reminding organizations that the deadline to apply for the 2025 Destination Development Grant Program is approaching. The application portal will close at 5 p.m. CDT on September 2, 2025.

This program offers $15 million in funding, allocated by the 69th Legislative Assembly, with the goal of boosting North Dakota’s tourism sector by supporting new or expanded attractions intended to drive economic activity and improve residents’ quality of life.

Applicants can choose from three funding options. The first option provides $5 million with a required one-to-one match through cash or in-kind support, reimbursing up to half of invoiced costs tied to cash matches. The second option also offers $5 million but waives the matching requirement for projects unable to raise such funds; a Match Waiver Request must be submitted for consideration. The third option allocates up to $500,000 per project—also requiring a one-to-one match—and prioritizes initiatives in rural communities with fewer than 20,000 people.

Qualifying projects include those involving construction or expansion of tourism-related facilities, such as recreational sites, entertainment venues, historic landmarks, cultural attractions, or related infrastructure directly benefiting tourism. State- or government-owned facilities generally do not qualify for this grant. Funding cannot be used for staffing needs, strategic planning activities, marketing efforts, or recurring operational costs.

Applicants are required to provide a comprehensive description of their project along with a budget and letters of support via an online submission process. According to guidance from the department: "Strong proposals will demonstrate a clear vision, alignment with tourism goals, and long-term impact."

More details about the grant and how to apply can be found at https://ndgov.link/DestinationDevelopment.