CROSBY — The trustees of the John & Elaine Andrist Charitable Trust have awarded eight grants totaling $192,000 to worthwhile organizations seeking to improve the quality of life in northwest North Dakota. These grants mark the inaugural community investments to come from the trust since its establishment in 2018.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue John and Elaine’s legacy in the communities of the greater Divide County area through the investments made by the Andrist Trust,” said Steve Andrist, trustee.

Successful grant applicants were selected because of their demonstrated and predicted future impact on the area by supporting community and economic development, arts and culture and innovation. The organizations receiving funds include:

– Divide County Quarterback Club, $150,000 toward construction of a new gymnasium for youth in Crosby;

– Upper Missouri Ministries, $10,000 to support children of all abilities to attend Bible Camp;

– Crosby Kids Daycare, $10,000 for exterior beautification of the facility;

– Divide County Food Pantry, $10,000 to purchase food for distribution to people in need;

– Divide County Public Library, $5,000 to support the growth of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library;

– Divide County Fair Board, $5,000 toward the purchase of new bleachers;

– Crosby Blue Line Club, $1,000 to purchase skate sharpening equipment;

– Prairie Tumbleweeds Association, $1,000 to support the installation of a new air conditioning unit and doors.

“The response we received from community organizations seeking assistance was overwhelming,” said Levi Andrist, trustee. “For the inaugural grant cycle, sixteen organizations submitted applications totaling $571,464.28.”

The John & Elaine Andrist Charitable Trust’s community investments are administered through the support of the Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation. The next opportunity to request funds from the charitable trust is this fall, with an application deadline of Oct. 31. Successful applications will align with the trust’s focus areas, which include arts, culture, & creativity; community development; economic development; and innovation.