Community Grant

The FM Area Foundation's Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN, addressing diverse community needs. General operating grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 are available to nonprofits working in areas like arts, education, and basic human needs (the 2026 round funds general operations only; program, capital and event requests are not accepted). Applications are reviewed based on community impact, collaboration, and capacity. Nonprofits must be IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities, with one application accepted per year.

Each year, the FM Area Foundation provides grants to many nonprofits that vary in size, mission, and vision.
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.
FMAF 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. To adapt to the changing economic and social landscape, we have refocused our 2026 funding to support general operations exclusively.
We recognize that providing flexible funding is essential for the resilience and success of our local nonprofits. We will have one grant cycle annually, aligned with our five areas of impact. Organizations will self-select the focus area that best describes their work. 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:
Arts, Culture & Creativity: Inspiring imagination and innovation through arts and cultureBasic Human Needs: Building ladders out of povertyCommunity Building: Fostering initiatives that strengthen the communityEducation: Lifting lives through learningWomen's Fund: Empowering women and children

Eligibility

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, tax-exempt school, or other government entity located in Cass County, North Dakota, or Clay County, Minnesota.Organizations are required to have been in existence for a minimum of two years in good standing with the IRS and have a physical office located in Cass County, North Dakota, or Clay County, Minnesota. Fiscal Sponsorships that have operated for two or more years are accepted with the submission of their fiscal sponsorship agreement. Should an organization have a fiscally sponsored organization under them, only one application will be considered per registered EIN.

Ineligibility

Capitol Needs/Projects are not accepted. Any organization currently being Fiscally Sponsored or currently the recipient of a loan from FM Area Foundation is not eligible to receive grant funding for general operating expenses. They will be required to submit additional budgets and documentation of a specific program to be considered for funding.