NDCF celebrates local giving during NCF week

Local News NDCF celebrates local giving during NCF week By MDN STAFF November 10, 2026 3 min read Trending BISMARCK - From equipping firefighters to supporting local libraries and improving community gathering spaces, local community foundations help turn hometown generosity into lasting support. During National Community Foundation Week, Nov. 12-18, the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF) announced, it is recognizing the donors and volunteers who make that work possible. Established in 1976, NDCF is a statewide community foundation that connects charitable giving with community needs. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $141 million in grants benefiting North Dakota citizens and their communities. NDCF also administers community endowment funds for 73 local community foundations across North Dakota. These permanent funds provide ongoing support for organizations, projects and programs in the communities they serve. In north central North Dakota, NDCF's local community funds and their establishment dates include the Minot Community Endowment Fund, 1981; Westhope Area Community Foundation, 1996; Mohall Area Community Foundation, 2007; Kenmare Area Community Foundation, 2009; the Sherwood/Antler Community Foundation, 2010; and the Powers Lake Community Foundation Endowment, 2019. "Our community foundations give people a way to invest in the places they care about," said Steve Lipp, NDCF president and CEO. "Local volunteers help identify where that support can make a difference, and gifts to these endowments keep working for their communities year after year." Additionally, NDCF's Statewide Greatest Needs Fund supports projects and programs across North Dakota, with an emphasis on organizations that have limited access to other funding. The foundation also partners with the Otto Bremer Trust to administer its Community Responsive Fund, supporting organizations that address essential needs such as food, shelter, healthcare and disability services. As of October this year, NDCF has awarded nearly $7.5 million in grants through its various charitable funds. Examples of this year's support from community foundations in north central North Dakota include: - $7,500 grant from the Minot Community Endowment Fund to the Minot Commission on Aging for its nutrition program. - A $3,500 grant from the Kenmare Area Community Foundation to the Kenmare Park District for shaded canopy seating at the splash pad. - A $5,030 grant from the Powers Lake Community Foundation to the Powers Lake Park Board for handicap tables and benches. Each local community foundation has an advisory committee made up of area residents who review grant applications and recommend awards for projects and programs in their communities. Committee members also lead fundraising efforts to help grow their funds for the future. Community endowment funds are designed to provide permanent support. Gifts are invested, and a portion of each fund is available for grants annually, creating a continuing source of funding as community needs change. Community Foundation Week was established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush to recognize the work of community foundations and their partnerships with public, private and nonprofit organizations to address local needs.