Neel Family Fund Grant Program

Funder: Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region

The Neel Family Fund Grant Program, established by Joe K. Neel, Jr., supports music education for children under 18 in Grand Forks County, ND. Grants can fund school music programs, youth bands, and purchases of instruments. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility, operate in the area, and be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public agency. Note that funds cannot be used for salaries or capital expenditures, ensuring resources enhance rather than replace existing music education.

NOTE:  There will be no Cycle 2 in 2025.  Cycle 2 Grant Awards: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027 .
​The Neel Family Fund was established by Joe K. Neel, Jr. to provide support of music education for children 18 years of age and younger in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Joe was a lifelong lover of music and recognized its importance in youth education. His lasting gift is intended to support music education for uses such as:

• School music programsYouth bands, choirs and orchestras, and summer programsPurchases of music and instrumentsCosts or fees for guest conductors and clinicians
• Gifts are to be used to increase or supplement resources of music education rather than replace or supplant existing resources.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Neel Family Fund Grant Program must fulfill the following criteria:
Demonstrate general fiscal responsibility and agree to use the grant funds in a manner consistent with the grant application.Be current with all reports if a prior Community Foundation grant recipient.
Have principal operations in Grand Forks County.
Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, be a public agency (such as a school or library) or unit of government, or be fiscally sponsored by such.
Submit documentation of a professional audit or financial review or compilation by a CPA, completed within the past year. If such are not available, the organization may submit a balance sheet and profit and loss statement, both signed by the organization's Treasurer. No other alternatives will be accepted.

Ineligibility

Funding is not available for:Salaries of permanent personnel.Bringing performances or exhibitions to the area.Taking students to performances or exhibitions.Support of foundations.Cash reserves, endowment funds, capital expenditures, fundraising, or activities that are primarily for religious or political purposes.Fines and penalties, debt reduction/elimination, or litigation.Awards, re-grants, redistributions, donations, contributions, prizes, or gifts to any other person, organization, or entity.Alcoholic beverages.Commercial (for-profit) enterprises or activities, including concessions, food, t-shirts, or other items for resale.