Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications for the Rural Catalyst Grant on Tuesday, October 28. The grant program aims to support quality of life improvements and economic development in rural areas throughout North Dakota.

The grant is available to political subdivisions, Tribal entities, and Regional Councils that serve communities with populations of 4,500 or fewer. At least half of the funding will go to communities with 1,500 or fewer residents.

Maria Effertz, Commerce Community Services Director, said, “The legislature approved a $2.5 million Catalyst Grant that rural communities can apply for to support quality of life, economic development and workforce development. These grants are designed to help communities address their most pressing needs and create meaningful, lasting change.”

Projects eligible for funding may focus on community and economic development initiatives such as health and wellness programs or efforts to preserve or reopen critical businesses like rural grocery stores. Other priorities include improving access to healthcare services, education opportunities, housing options, transportation infrastructure, and other essential services. Projects must show collaboration among local organizations, businesses, and government agencies while offering innovative solutions for challenges faced by rural communities.

Applicants can request up to $500,000 per project but must match the amount requested through non-state sources such as public funds from local governments or private sector contributions including in-kind support. All projects must be finished within 18 months after receiving an award; reimbursement requests need to be submitted by June 30, 2027.

Applications open at 3 p.m. CDT on October 28 through an online portal (https://ndgov.link/RuralCatalystGrant). The deadline for submissions is January 7, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST; notifications about awards will be sent out by February 6, 2026. If funds remain after this first round of applications is complete, a second application window will begin March 2, 2026.

More details about eligibility requirements and the application process are available at https://ndgov.link/RuralCatalystGrant.