Cultural Heritage Grant

The Cultural Heritage Grant Program, funded by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, supports local museums and nonprofits with grants for projects like capital improvements, collections, and education. With $400,000 allocated for 2023-2025, priority is given to organizations with a strategic plan or that have completed the North Dakota Museum Assessment. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $50,000, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match in funding.

The Cultural Heritage Grant Program is a state funded program administered by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Grant funding is available to local museums, historical societies and nonprofits for capital improvement, collections, education, exhibits, and special projects/event projects.
For the 2023-2025 biennium, the SHSND is obligating up to $400,000 to the Cultural Heritage Grant Program. Grant applications for any eligible project will be considered although funding priority will be given to city, county or regional historical societies, museums and history organizations that have completed the North Dakota Museum Assessment (NDMAP) or have a current strategic plan. Interested eligible organizations that have a project they wish to be considered for an award should thoroughly read the guidelines and apply to the SHSND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The Capital Improvement category includes rehabilitation or preservation of existing structures or historical sites. Routine upkeep and maintenance are not considered capital improvements. Priority will be given to publicly owned buildings. Funded projects may include the purchase of supplies for a construction project, project planning, engineering, or architectural plans.
COLLECTIONS
Materials include items such as photos, books, manuscripts, film, artifacts, archeological, biological, and geological specimens. Funded projects may include cataloging, collections care, scanning projects, research, computer, printer, scanner, and software purchases. Training to use collections management software or the conversion of collections data could also be funded.
EDUCATION
The education category can include programs or school-related activities that present ideas or enhance an exhibit, event, or theme. Examples may include theater performances, publications, National History Day project supplies, or host regional conference and field trips.
EXHIBITS
The exhibits category includes presentation of ideas and/or collections to interpret and provide a meaningful experience. Exhibits can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, including structures or environments, and may also include traveling exhibits. Funded projects may include exhibit cases, mannequins, exhibit mounts, and interpretive panels.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
A special project or event can include the professional development of organization’s staff, festivals, lecture series, publications, surveys, National Register Nominations including collaborative projects between various history-related organizations and local youth groups such as the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout projects, Girl Scouts, National Geography Society, 4-H, community celebrations, etc. Upgrade of infrastructure for broadband access.

Eligibility

The following organizations are eligible to apply for Cultural Heritage Grants:Organizations with officially recognized 501(c)3 non-profit statusLegally organized subsidiaries of city, county, or tribal governmentQualified organizations may apply for a grant of any amount up to and including $50,000. A dollar-for-dollar match for grant funds is required and can be in the form of cash or in-kind. The total project cost includes the grant funds and the cash match.Eligible organizations are limited to one grant application per grant round.A dollar-for-dollar match for grant funds must be demonstrated in the grant application. Matching funds may be in cash or in-kind. In-kind matches (donated labor, supplies, and equipment) must be used in the specific project supported by the grant funds, not for work completed prior to the applications or award of the grant. Donated time for in-kind will be valued at $25 per hour or as documented for professional services.

Ineligibility

The following are ineligible to apply for Cultural Heritage Grants:Individuals.Agencies or organizations that receive significant state or federal sources of funding.Foundations, friends groups, or supporting associations of state or federal agencies.Projects that have been started or completed prior to awarding of the grant.Grant funds cannot be used to:Establish endowments.Purchase collections.Fund-raising activities.New construction.Administer the grant.