Each year, the FM Area Foundation provides grants to many nonprofits that vary in size, mission, and vision. The one connecting factor is we are all working toward creating a community where everyone thrives.
As a community foundation, we look to address needs throughout Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, and promote collaborative efforts to improve lives in these areas.
We also provide funding to charitable organizations through our Donor Advised Funds and Designated Funds. These grants are awarded at the recommendation of the donor and generally support nonprofits’ general operations or core programs. Applications are not accepted for these grants.
The FM Area Foundation considers grant applications covering a wide range of community needs within five primary focus areas. Visit the pages below to read about the positive change we’re making in these areas and stories of the work happening in our community:
Thanks to support from the FM Area Foundation, we completed two major projects. We're very grateful for the Foundation’s generosity as these projects support our mission to preserve and maintain the historic facility.
2023 Community Grant Round
The FM Area Foundation’s community grand round addresses needs throughout Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, and promotes collaborative efforts to improve life in these areas. In 2023, we will have one grant cycle that aligns with our five areas of impact. Organizations will self-select the focus area that best describes the work of their organizations. Please see below for application deadlines.
The FM Area Foundation will consider grant applications covering a wide range of community needs with a focus on:
In response to the ever-changing economic and social environment many of our local nonprofits find themselves in since the pandemic, we will shift our focus to general operating support and existing program support grants. Flexible funding will be key to the resiliency and success for local nonprofits.
One application will be accepted per calendar year. Nonprofits must choose one focus area to apply to once they begin the application: Arts, Culture & Creativity; Basic Human Needs; Community Building; Education; Women & Children.
Applicants must be an IRS-approved tax exempt nonprofit under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue code as described in IRC 501(c)(3), or a church, or a tax-exempt school or other government entity located in Cass County, North Dakota, or Clay County, Minnesota. Fiscal sponsorships are accepted with the completion and submission of your fiscal sponsorship agreement form. Every effort will be made to maintain a reasonable balance in awarding grants to various areas of need.
In reviewing applications, the Foundation will consider the following criteria:
Please Note:
We can do so much more for our communities by working together. If you want to make a difference close to home, you can join like-minded supporters and give to one of our 400+ charitable funds, each with its own unique story and purpose.
“We wanted the scholarship to live on as a legacy for Norman and I in our communities to encourage a young person as they seek their dreams.”
“Serving on the Foundation board enables me to support efforts to strengthen our community.”
“We are thrilled to engage our daughters as future advisors to our fund. Knowing there will always be a family member to guide our charitable intent makes us feel great.”
“Anything that can motivate a child’s love of reading deserves support. Read to Lead can be such a vehicle.”
“Thank you to the Women's Fund for supporting our moms and children.”
“The community foundation is specifically created to encourage and nourish the giving spirit in the community.”
“Thanks to support from the FM Area Foundation, we completed two major projects. We're very grateful for the Foundation’s generosity as these projects support our mission to preserve and maintain the historic facility.”
