Introduction
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is requesting proposals for base retention grants. The department has been appropriated funds available in the amount of $850,000 to eligible organizations in Minot, $250,000 to eligible organizations in Grand Forks, and $250,000 to eligible organizations in Fargo.
Timeframe
Grants shall be available during the current biennium: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.
Eligible Applicants
Must be an organization which has a focus on supporting the retention and strengthening of the missions of the Air Force and Air National Guard in Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo.
Application Process
Eligible organizations shall submit a concise application letter to the Department of Commerce. Applications shall identify the applicant, preferred point of contact and associated contact information, amount requested, intended uses for the funds requested, and desired outcomes.
Applications shall be submitted electronically by September 22, 2023 at 5:00pm CST to the Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development & Finance division:
Shayden Akason
sakason@nd.gov
Review Process
The Department of Commerce will evaluate applications submitted to the base retention grant program. It may seek input from the Governor’s Office and/or Office of the Adjutant General and request the concurrence of the Military Issues in North Dakota Task Force (TF MIND) when evaluating applications. Upon completion of the review process, the Department of Commerce shall notify applicants of funding decisions and issue award funds to successful applicants within 45 days.
Intended Use of Award Funds
Successful applicant proposals will focus on maintaining North Dakota military excellence and increase North Dakota’s competitive advantage for the North Dakota National Guard while maintaining missions for Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base. Base Retention Grants will support:
- Advocacy and Awareness
- Sentinel Preparation
- Quality of Life
- Strategic Advising
- Advancement of Personnel Recruitment
- Community-Based Programming and Support
All award funds must be spent in accordance with all laws and regulations applicable to the use of state funds.
Accountability
Successful applicants must track all expenditures of award funds using the provided format and retain documentation that is readily accessible for auditing purposes. Successful applicants must fulfill reporting requirements by providing a written report to the Department of Commerce every 6 months, to fulfill legislative reporting requirements (format provided by the Department of Commerce). Successful applicants should be prepared to provide, or contribute to, testimony relating to base retention grants during legislative sessions and interim committee hearings.
Successful applicants must submit a written report using the provided format to the Department of Commerce by June 30, 2025 summarizing how award funds were spent and describing progress toward the desired outcomes identified in their respective applications (format provided by the Department of Commerce). The written reports shall also identify any unspent award funds, if applicable, and describe how the unspent award funds will be used in the future. The report shall be submitted to the Director of the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Division.