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Community Impact in Action: Applied Digital Cares Fall Grant Award Recipients

When we launched Applied Digital Cares, our vision was simple: investing in projects that strengthen the communities where we live and work. With the completion of our first grant round, that vision is coming to life through organizations focused on health, education, innovation, safety, and youth development.

We’re proud to announce the results of our very first round of awards:

$2,400 to Jamestown Archery for new equipment
$5,000 to Homeward Animal Shelter for upgraded computer equipment
$3,500 to Northern Cass Community Health & Wellness
$11,000 to James Valley Robotics Association, covering 50% of a major equipment purchase
$59,499 to Harwood Fire & Rescue for battery powered extrication tools and a vehicle stabilization quick strut kit

Our inaugural grant recipients represent a powerful cross-section of community needs—and the funding they received is helping them take meaningful next steps toward long-term impact.

Expanding Access to Rural Health and Wellness

Northern Cass Community Health & Wellness Center (NCCHWC), in partnership with Northern Cass School District and Essentia Health, is leading an ambitious project to expand access to essential services in rural North Dakota.

The planned Northern Cass Community Health and Wellness Center will serve as a centralized hub for healthcare and connection, offering a health clinic, dental clinic, childcare center, food pantry, indoor playground, and space for job training and community learning.

“Through intentional partnerships to meet community needs, we see a future where North Dakota rural communities thrive by ensuring people of all ages can stay healthy and well through easy access to healthcare, learning, and a shared sense of community,” said Amber Lockhart, Board Secretary of Northern Cass Community Health & Wellness Center. “We are thrilled Applied Digital has chosen to support the health and wellbeing of rural ND and look forward to partnering into the future.”

Strengthening Community Safety Through Modern Rescue Equipment

For Harwood Area Fire and Rescue, upgrading equipment is about more than staying current, it’s about protecting both first responders and the people they serve. The department is replacing aging hydraulic extrication tools with modern battery-powered equipment, which has become the industry standard for emergency response.

Their current tools rely on pumps, motors, and hoses that tether responders to the apparatus, creating trip hazards and limiting mobility during time-critical rescues. Transitioning to battery-powered extrication tools will allow the team to deploy equipment more quickly, work more efficiently, and operate with far greater flexibility in challenging environments.

In addition to extrication tools, the department is also adding a vehicle stabilization quick-strut kit, an essential resource for ensuring rescue scenes are safe and stable before firefighters begin extrication work. This equipment will give responders the ability to rapidly secure overturned or unstable vehicles, reducing risk and improving both the speed and safety of rescue operations.

Together, these upgrades will significantly improve the department’s ability to respond to vehicle crashes and other emergencies, enhance firefighter safety, and reduce operational risks. This donation reflects the level of commitment Applied Digital has when considering the safety of their local responders and the communities they operate in. Furthermore, by investing in this modern technology, Harwood Area Fire and Rescue is better equipped to ensure faster, safer rescues for the communities that depend on them.

Strengthening Animal Welfare Through Technology

At Homeward Animal Shelter, updated technology will directly improve how the organization serves animals and people alike. Funding from Applied Digital Cares allows the shelter to modernize systems that support adoption, fostering, and volunteer engagement.

“Funding for updated technology will enable Homeward Animal Shelter to efficiently manage adoption, foster, and volunteer applications, as well as complete adoptions electronically,” said Tasha Haug, Executive Director of Homeward Animal Shelter. “Investing in updated technology ensures smooth workflows and allows Homeward to deliver the responsive, high-quality care and services the community and its animals depend on.”

Preparing Students for the Future Through Robotics

The James Valley Robotics Association is using grant funding to invest in advanced CNC equipment that will benefit multiple student programs, including its FIRST Robotics team. This equipment will allow students to prototype and test designs more efficiently while gaining hands-on experience with technology used in modern manufacturing.

“This equipment will be utilized by the various programs run by JVRA to help students prototype and build their robots in a more efficient manner,” said Brandan Schmitz, James Valley Robotics Association. “Additionally, it will give students hands-on experiences with modern CNC equipment, a valuable experience for preparing them for their futures.” Thus, aligning with Applied Digital’s principle of enabling the youth to further explore their technological curiosity.

Building Confidence and Opportunity in Youth Archery

For Jamestown Youth Archery Club, the grant award provides something both practical and meaningful: the ability to purchase and own essential equipment rather than relying on borrowed supplies.

“The grant we were awarded will help us tremendously with our 3D competitions,” said Jennifer Lipetzky, Jamestown Youth Archery Club. “We will be able to purchase equipment that is necessary for tournaments and practice that we don’t currently have. There is a certain level of pride that will come with having our own equipment, and this grant goes a long way in securing what’s needed for a successful archery program.”

Looking Ahead

These projects reflect the heart of Applied Digital Cares: supporting initiatives rooted in education, workforce development, healthcare, and community wellbeing. Just as importantly, they demonstrate what’s possible when organizations, partners, and communities work together with shared purpose.

This first round of grants is only the beginning! We look forward to continuing to grow Applied Digital Cares and to supporting even more organizations creating meaningful change across our communities.

Learn more about the program or apply for future funding at www.AppliedDigitalCares.com.

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