The BisMan Community Foundation is proud to support projects and programs that strengthen the quality of life in Bismarck-Mandan. Through our grant programs, we invest in local ideas, services, and organizations that help our community thrive.

From small projects with immediate impact to larger transformational opportunities, our grants are designed to support the people and nonprofits working every day to make a difference right here at home.

Eligibility

501(c)(3) organizations* or

• Government agencies or

• Tribal government agencies and

• Located in and providing programs and services in Bismarck and/or Mandan, or surrounding communities in Burleigh and Morton counties.

• Only one application per organization is accepted each year.

 *Churches and religious organizations are eligible to apply, but only for programs or projects that are non-sectarian and non-proselytizing, and that serve a broad segment of the community without regard to religious affiliation (or lack of) (example: food pantry or homeless shelter).

Organizations may apply for either a Mini Grant or the SuperGrant each year, but not both.

Mini Grants

Priorities

The BisMan Community Foundation does not have a narrow area of focus. The Advisory Committee looks at each project on its merits and prioritizes requests according to the following:

High Priority Requests

• Applicants with limited access to other sources of funding.

• Specific projects or programs that benefit a large segment of the population.

Low Priority Requests

• Projects or programs already substantially supported by the government, or which, in the opinion of the Advisory Committee, can and should be provided for by taxes.

• Operating funds, except for temporary emergencies or transitional circumstances.

• National organizations with little local presence.

• Applicants that field substantial fundraising each year with paid and volunteer staff.

Ineligible Requests

• Conferences or routine staff training. An exception may be made for one-time training for services that are above and beyond routine services.

• Projects that exist to influence legislation, carry on propaganda, participate in political campaigns, or threaten to cause significant controversy or divisiveness.

This will be a multi-step process. Applicants are required to submit an initial application for consideration. The Advisory Committee will review projects and narrow the list of candidates. Those selected to move on will be asked to provide a full proposal and may be invited to give a short presentation and interview. Below is an approximate timeline of the process.

July 1: Initial application due

Early August: Finalists advanced to next phase

Early September: Presentations by finalists. Grantee selected.

Early October: Grantee announced at community impact awards breakfast

Click here for the full SuperGrant guidelines and instructions.