North Dakota Natural Resources Trust
NORTH DAKOTA NATURAL RESOURCES is a private foundation based in Bismarck, North Dakota. It supports conservation of natural resources in North Dakota through work related to energy development, grasslands and wetlands, and fish passage, as well as grants for conservation and education projects.
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust at a glance
In short: North Dakota Natural Resources Trust gave $93K across 21 grants in 2024 (avg $4K), mostly in North Dakota. 19% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $93,028
- +49.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 21
- +40.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $4,430
- +7.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,880
- Total assets
- $41,955,854
- +5.7% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (3 of 16, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- North Dakota (96% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to North Dakota Natural Resources Trust
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Application forms are available from the office. The filing names Keith Trego as the application contact and restricts awards to conservation of natural resources in North Dakota.
- Review Cycle
- October 15 each year. The 2026 deadline has not yet passed as of September 28, 2026.
- Deadline
- October 15 each year.
- Contact
Application contact: Keith Trego
Mailing address: 1605 East Capitol Ave Suite 101, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 223-8501
Website: https://www.ndnrt.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who North Dakota Natural Resources Trust funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was ND Parks Receation Dept ($17K). Together the top 10 received $77K.
Organizations only. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($7,149), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
66 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 66 grants of 66 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The filing states that awards are restricted to North Dakota for conservation of natural resources. In 2024, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in North Dakota, 3% to Connecticut, and 1% to Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 21 itemized grants.
Cities
Is North Dakota Natural Resources Trust open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 16 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. With only 16 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $8K; repeat grants $5K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $4K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $24K (2020) to $101K (2019). In 2024 it made 21 grants totaling $93K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ND Parks Receation Dept Bismarck, ND | Soil & Wetland Interpretive Signs | $17,443 |
| ND Envirothon Mandan, ND | State Hands-on Science Competition | $13,000 |
| Farrms Tuttle, ND | Farm Ed & Soil Health | $10,000 |
| Ducks Unlimited Inc Bismarck, ND | Prairie Rest. & Livestock Demo | $7,253 |
| Dakota College of Bottineau Bottineau, ND | ND Conv for K-12 Teachers | $6,768 |
| Audubon Dakota Fargo, ND | Nature Based Engagement | $6,078 |
| Gateway to Science Center Inc Bismarck, ND | Outdoor Learning Space Greenhouse | $5,000 |
| Univ of Mary - Sportsmen Club Bismarck, ND | Club Equipment | $4,000 |
| Bowman-Slope SCD Bowman, ND | Educational Prairie Nature Park | $3,631 |
| James River SCD Ellendale, ND | Patch of Prairie Trail | $3,218 |
Ready to take the next step with North Dakota Natural Resources Trust?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $41,955,854 | $9,160,802 | $6,702,722 | $93,028 | 21 | $6,419,796 | $3,516,442 |
| 2023 | $39,703,597 | $7,843,780 | $6,982,701 | $62,099 | 15 | $6,743,596 | $1,338,103 |
| 2022 | $36,237,970 | $7,179,341 | $5,653,498 | $79,713 | 11 | $5,343,111 | $1,600,594 |
| 2021 | $40,272,608 | $8,625,050 | $4,344,903 | $56,844 | 10 | $4,268,749 | $4,392,489 |
| 2020 | $37,229,599 | $4,872,770 | $4,025,304 | $23,989 | 9 | — | $1,851,275 |
| 2019 | $34,829,650 | $4,410,413 | $2,222,222 | $100,890 | 18 | — | $1,659,988 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement is provided. The foundation’s filing describes work on energy development solutions that maintain North Dakota’s natural resources, incentives and cost-share for enhancing grasslands, and collaborative solutions for fish passage on riverine systems.
Its 2024 grants included support for nature-based engagement, outdoor learning, prairie restoration and education, soil health, and conservation-related projects. Among its grantees, Gateway to Science Center says its mission is to inspire science discovery through hands-on experiences and educational programs. Pheasants Forever says its mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation gave $93,028 through 21 grants. Grants ranged from $249 to $17,443, with a median of $2,880.
Notable 2024 grants included $17,443 to ND Parks Recreation Dept for soil and wetland interpretive signs; $13,000 to ND Envirothon for a state hands-on science competition; $10,000 to FARRMS for farm education and soil health; and $7,253 to Ducks Unlimited Inc for prairie restoration and a livestock demonstration. Other grants included $6,768 to Dakota College of Bottineau for a North Dakota convention for K–12 teachers, $6,078 to Audubon Dakota for nature-based engagement, and $5,000 to Gateway to Science Center for an outdoor learning space greenhouse. Pheasants Forever received $1,254.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Keith Trego as Executive Director, Randy Renner as President, Gene Veeder as Vice President, Kristal Stoner as Treasurer/Secretary, Dave Dittlof and Jerry Doan as Directors, and Jeb Williams as Ex-Officio.
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust is led by Randy Renner, President since 2024 (on filings since 2019); 1 of 7 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Randy Renner
President
Treasurer & Secretary → Vice President, 2021
Vice President → President, 2024
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dave Dittlof
Director
Vice Chair → President, 2021
President → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jerry Doan
Director
Chairman → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Keith Trego
Executive Di
Executive Director → Executive Di, 2022
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$149K (2019) → $200K (2024)
Gene Veeder
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeb Williams
Ex-Officio
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kristal Stoner
Treasurer & Secretary
Director → Treasurer & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Duane Hauck (2019–2023) — Treasurer & Secretary
- Former: Marshall Johnson (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Terry Steinwand (2019–2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Vawnita Best (2019–2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $200K, to Keith Trego (Executive Di).
Frequently asked questions about North Dakota Natural Resources Trust
How much does North Dakota Natural Resources Trust give each year?
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust gave $93K across 21 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $62K across 15 grants.
What is North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's typical grant size?
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's median grant in 2024 was $2,880, and its average grant was $4,430, across 21 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from North Dakota Natural Resources Trust that year got $8K on average.
Where does North Dakota Natural Resources Trust give grants?
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust gives mostly in North Dakota: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Bismarck, ND (5 grants), Fargo, ND (2 grants) and Bowman, ND (2 grants).
Does North Dakota Natural Resources Trust give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 21 grants with a stated purpose on North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's largest grantees?
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's largest 2024 grantees include ND Parks Receation Dept ($17,443), ND Envirothon ($13,000) and Farrms ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($7,149), which are not listed by name. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is North Dakota Natural Resources Trust?
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust reported $42.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $9.2M.
What does North Dakota Natural Resources Trust fund?
No mission statement is provided. The foundation’s filing describes work on energy development solutions that maintain North Dakota’s natural resources, incentives and cost-share for enhancing grasslands, and collaborative solutions for fish passage on riverine systems. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from North Dakota Natural Resources Trust?
The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's EIN?
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3512179. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 29, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 22, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 21, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 17, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 7, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Aetna Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
Aetna Foundation supported health and wellness, access to health care, and related community needs; its 2021 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to organizations across multiple states, especially in D.C. and Connecticut. Its 2021 filing was marked final, so it appears to have ended or be winding down grantmaking; that filing said there were no restrictions on who could apply and pointed applicants to its website for application materials.
Assets
—
Grants
65
Total Given
$7.2M
Nespola Charitable Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
1
Total Given
$106K
National Wild Turkey Federation Inc
Edgefield, SC
The National Wild Turkey Federation funds wild turkey and wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, research, and outdoor education, primarily through agency, university, conservation-group, and chapter partnerships. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,390 to $165,974, with a median of $12,446; funding went across the U.S., especially to Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. It solicits proposals for specific programs such as Waterways for Wildlife, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$31.8M
Grants
67
Total Given
$1.4M
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Inc
Memphis, TN
The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis supports community needs, nonprofit capacity building, and donor-directed and theme-based grants, with awards across West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,200, though amounts varied widely; unsolicited requests are accepted only through specific application-based opportunities, not stated as a general process.
Assets
$953.1M
Grants
761
Total Given
$134.3M
Sunshine Charitable Foundation
Libertyville, IL
The foundation supports preselected organizations in conservation, community programs, education, health, and youth sports, with 2025 grants ranging from $1,000 to $1,028,000 and a median of $5,000. It is based in Illinois and funds organizations across several states, especially Illinois and Wisconsin. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$115.4M
Grants
63
Total Given
$3.3M
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Ligonier, PA
The Richard King Mellon Foundation funds conservation across the United States and work advancing economic opportunity, health, and organizational capacity in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with regional programs focused on Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. In 2024, grants ranged from $2,000 to $10 million, with a median of $220,000. It accepts online applications through general applications with no deadlines.
Assets
$2.7B
Grants
296
Total Given
$116.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in North Dakota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). North Dakota Natural Resources Trust funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/north-dakota-natural-resources-trust-morg_4e00c5a4bdcc4a3ebb69d8a7c3fd657a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_363512179_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{North Dakota Natural Resources Trust funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/north-dakota-natural-resources-trust-morg_4e00c5a4bdcc4a3ebb69d8a7c3fd657a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from North Dakota Natural Resources Trust's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
North Dakota Natural Resources Trust down — hundreds of funders to go?