MACF Awards $42,230 Through First Annual NWND Fund for Girls Grant Round

Posted: Nov 19 2025

The Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) held a ceremonial check presentation this week to award $42,230 to eight organizations through the first annual grant round of the NWND Fund for Girls.
 
The NWND Fund for Girls is dedicated to supporting programs that help girls build character, confidence, leadership, life skills, and strong values. The fund opened applications earlier this fall, encouraging eligible nonprofits, schools, and charitable groups to submit programs that serve girls or young women within these focus areas. The grant was open to organizations across northwest North Dakota, including the counties of Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McHenry, McKenzie, McLean, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Sheridan, Ward, Wells, and Williams. Many of the grants awarded this year will support new programs in the communities they serve.
 
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

• Bio Girls, for 2026 programming in Stanley & Mountrail County
• Central Middle School, for the CMS Book Club for Girls
• Companions for Children, for the StrongHER pilot program
• Full Steam Ahead, for Girls STEAM Programming
• Local Motives, for Girls Take the Stage: A Citizens Alley Summer Concert in 2026
• Minot Park District, for the empowHER program
• Sunnyside Elementary School, for the Sunnyside Girl Power program
• Tribal Nations Research Group, for the Strong Hearts, Strong Leaders: Women's Leadership Program

Together, these programs represent a wide range of opportunities for girls across the region.
 
“Each of these organizations is creating opportunities that help girls build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging,” says Staci Kenney, MACF Finance & Program Director. “The Fund for Girls allows us to invest in programs that truly change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and we’re proud to help amplify that impact in local communities.”
 
Applications for the next NWND Fund for Girls grant round will open in 2026, and organizations are invited to start considering programs that align with the fund’s goals. For more information about the NWND Fund for Girls, call the Minot Area Community Foundation at 701.852.0646 or visit centerforcommunitygiving.com.