<< All News Thursday, December 15, 2022 - 10:00am

The North Dakota Department of Commerce today announced that 20 North Dakota communities received a total of $28,985 of funding from round four of the Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant.

The Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant Program seeks to assist in adding a spark of activity and energy to communities across North Dakota. This program helps provide small investments to community projects or events that encourage public art, activate underutilized space, or promote walking and biking.

“The incentive for winter placemaking projects that was offered this round was well received,” Commerce Community Development Director Maria Effertz said. “A great number of communities across North Dakota presented creative projects and events that will enhance and encourage community engagement and vibrancy during the winter season.”

Grant funding supports nonprofit organizations and/or local governments in vibrancy projects such as public events, public art, cultural celebrations, activating underutilized space, community gathering spaces, promoting active transportation, mitigating impacts of vacant or deteriorated infrastructure and more.

Out of the 21 Vibrancy Grant recipients, four received an award for being a recipient of the 2022 Main Street Awards, and Crosby received an award for hosting the first Main Street Visit of 2022.

MSI Vibrancy Grant recipients:

  • Medina County Economic Development Corporation received $1,500 for the Sunday Skate Days event.
  • Kulm Public School received $1,485 for a community ice skating rink.
  • The Grand Forks Downtown Development Association received $1,500 for winter wellness and community building in the town square.
  • New Rockford received $1,500 for updates to the New Rockford skating rink.
  • Fordville Parks and Recreation received $1,500 for a warming shack and ice rink.
  • Morton Mandan Public Library received $1,500 for a jigsaw puzzle competition and public art mosaic.
  • The Long X Arts Foundation received $1,500 for a public art installation in Watford City.
  • Grafton Economic Development received $1,500 for pole banners and the Light the Night event.
  • Kindred Parks Team received $1,500 for the Cocoa and Cider Crawl.
  • The Hazen Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau received $1,500 for a public art mural repair at the Paul Weiser Pocket Park.
  • Sheyenne GRIT received $1,500 for the Sheyenne Ostby Hall Community Center.
  • Watford City received $1,500 for the Watford City Christmas Fest Sledding.
  • Forman received $500 for ice rink warming huts and the Holidays on Ice event
  • Marketplace for Kids received $1,500 for the Marketplace for Kids Valley City Education Day.
  • Amidon received $1,500 for the town square project.
  • Crystal City Council received $1,500 for the Crystal City Square Winter Recreation Hub.
  • Crosby received $1,500 for a skating complex and event.
  • Gilby received $1,500 for community center upgrades. (2022 Main Street Awards recipient).
  • Mandan received $1,500 for the Holiday Lights on Main. (2022 Main Street Awards recipient).
  • Watford City received $1,500 for Christmas tree decorating. (2022 Main Street Awards recipient).
  • Hankinson received $1,500 for the depot project. (2022 Main Street Awards recipient).

For additional details on this grant program, visit: msnd.link/Vibrancy-Grant

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The North Dakota Department of Commerce works to improve the quality of life for North Dakota citizens by leading efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth. Commerce serves businesses and communities statewide through committed people and partners who offer valuable programs and dynamic services.

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