WILLISTON — The Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation (NWNDCF) announces the availability of grants to support the communities of northwest North Dakota to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, area individuals, businesses and others donated thousands of dollars to the NWNDCF’s Relief Fund, and through nearly $90,000 in grants, NWNDCF supported communities, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, daycares, and food efforts within the region. The remaining funds within the Relief Fund are being pivoted from direct relief projects to community recovery efforts.

The maximum grant award is $2,500 for specific projects, and eligible recipients of grant funds are nonprofits (501c3, 501c4); governmental agencies; and unincorporated community groups with an appropriate fiscal sponsor. The mini-grants might provide project support for shopping local initiatives, outdoor enhancements like seating or other amenities, artistic enhancement of community spaces, a specific community event, and more. The focus is explicitly on Community Recovery. The application deadline is May 14, and projects need to be completed before Dec. 31.

More information about the Foundation, including the Community Recovery Mini-Grant application, can be found at www.NWNDCommunityFoundation.org.