INTRODUCTION
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is requesting proposals for the Base Enhancement Grant Program, established pursuant to Senate Bill 2018 of the Sixty-Ninth Legislative Assembly to support North Dakota communities with an Air Force installation or Air National Guard facilities.
The purpose of the program is to strengthen, enhance, and advance military missions in North Dakota by supporting initiatives that improve installation readiness, community integration, strategic positioning, quality of life, and long-term mission sustainability.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
A total of $1,000,000 has been appropriated for the current biennium and will be allocated as follows:
$600,000 – Eligible organizations in Minot
$250,000 – Eligible organizations in Grand Forks
$150,000 – Eligible organizations in Fargo
PROGRAM TERM
Grant funds are available during the biennium:
July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Applicants must be an organization whose mission, programming, or operations support the enhancement and advancement of military missions associated with:
- Minot Air Force Base
- Grand Forks Air Force Base
- Fargo Air National Guard facilities
Eligible applicants may include:
• Nonprofit organizations
• Economic development organizations
• Chambers of commerce
• Political subdivisions
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit a concise proposal letter that includes:
1. Organization name and contact information
2. Requested funding amount
3. Description of project or initiative
4. Impact on military mission enhancement
5. Outcomes and performance measures
6. Project timeline
7. Identification of leveraged funds or partnerships, if applicable
Applications must be submitted electronically by January 21, 2026 to the Deputy Director of Economic Development and Finance, Shayden Akason at sakason@nd.gov.
PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SCORING CRITERIA
Each proposal will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:
Mission Alignment – 22 points
Evaluates how strongly the proposal enhances installation readiness, mission sustainability, or strategic positioning.
Impact and Outcomes – 18 points
Assesses the tangible benefits to the base and community.
Organizational Capacity – 15 points
Measures applicant’s experience and readiness to deliver.
Financial Stewardship and Budget – 13 points
Assesses fiscal responsibility and soundness of proposal.
Strategic Value and Sustainability – 12 points
Evaluates longevity and institutional value.
Leverage and Community Benefit – 10 points
Measures partnerships and broader impact.
Veteran Transition and Retention – 10 points
Evaluates how effectively the proposal supports transitioning decommissioned or separating military veterans into civilian life, workforce participation, community integration, and long-term residency in North Dakota.
INTENDED USE OF FUNDS
Funds must support mission enhancement, including:
• Mission advocacy and positioning
• Sentinel preparation
• Community integration
• Quality-of-life improvements
• Recruitment and retention programs
• Strategic advising or studies
• Community programming supporting military families and personnel
• Readiness and infrastructure support efforts
REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Grantees must:
• Track expenditures
• Retain documentation for auditing
• Submit biannual progress reports
• Participate in legislative testimony when requested
• Submit a final report by June 30, 2027 summarizing outcomes, expenditures, and remaining balances.