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Investing in Communities: Spring 2026 Applied Digital Cares Grant Recipients

Across North Dakota, strong communities are built by neighbors helping neighbors through safe places to gather, opportunities to learn and grow, and resources that help families put down roots. Through Applied Digital Cares, Applied Digital is honored to walk alongside the local organizations doing this vital work every day.

With the Spring 2026 grant cycle complete, we’re proud to share that $619,595 has been awarded to 34 community‑driven projects across North Dakota. From small towns to larger population centers, these investments reflect community‑identified needs and locally led solutions.

Grants this cycle support everything from public safety and youth development to housing stability, arts and culture, education, and environmental stewardship, reaching communities in Ellendale, Jamestown, Harwood, and statewide.

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Spring 2026 Grant Recipients

Ellendale Area	Project	Total Approved
Ellendale 4H Archery	Targets	$2,500
Dakota Prairie Walking Trail/Ellendale Park Board	Dakota Prairie Walking Trail	$20,000
Dickey County	Dickey County Park Board State Highway Signs	$1,600
Dickey County 4-H Council	Dickey County 5k Fun Run/Walk	$3,500
Ellendale Historical Society	Completion of Van Meter Schoolhouse Restoration	$2,500
Dickey County Fair	Restore the Grandstands	$25,000
Dickey County Fair	Dickey County Fair Sponsorship	$1,000
Ellendale Public School	Ellendale Public School Playground	$50,000
Dickey County Sheriff's Office	Dickey County Sheriff's Office License Plate Readers	$20,750
Benedictine Living Communities	Evergreen and Prince of Pease Assistance	$11,500
Dickey County 4H	Bunny Barn Project	$19,088
Ellendale Area Arts Council	Kid's Art	$5,000
City of Ellendale	Community/ Senior Center Remodel	$15,000
Ellendale Park Board	Outdoor Basketball Court "Cage" Improvements	$20,000
Ellendale Fire Protection	New Bunker Gear	$110,000
Ellendale Public School	1-1 Learning Devices	$177,406
Dickey County Fair Jr. Point Show	Dickey County Fair Jr. Point Show	$3,500
Total Ellendale Area	17	$488,344
Jamestown Area	Project	Total Approved
Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center	Women’s Business Conference	$2,000
Jamestown Rural Fire Department	Extrication Tools & Stabilization Kit	$45,326
Total Jamestown Area	2	$45,326
Harwood Area	Project	Total Approved
Cass Clay Community Land Trust	Cass Clay Community Land Trust	$5,000
Cass County Sherrif's Office	Cass County Sherrif's Office Community Outreach/Comfort K9 Program	$15,500
Fargo Memorial Honor Guard	Veterans Memorial Center	$2,500
North Dakota State University Foundation	Bison to the Bakken	$2,500
Pride & Joy Rescue	Fence & Barn Repairs	$2,000
River Keepers	Race the Red	$2,500
United Way of Cass Clay	School Supply Drive	$5,000
Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC)	Americana (America 250) Exhibit	$3,925
Harwood Park Board	Warming House	$20,000
Argusville Park Board	Park Shelter Updates	$5,000
Red River Valley Fair	Livestock Enrichment Program	$4,500
Total Harwood Area	11	$68,425
Statewide or Larger Regions	Project	Total Approved
FARRMS	Farm Dreams & Farm Beginnings	$5,000
NDSCS Foundation	Fire Science	$5,000
Special Olympics North Dakota	State Tournaments in Fargo & Truck Convoy	$5,000
Anne Carlson	Adaptive Gaming	$2,500
Total Statewide or Other Regions	4	$17,500
Total North Dakota Spring 2026	34	$619,595

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Investing in Homes, Parks, and Education

Every grant tells a story of people working to strengthen their community and create opportunities for others. For Cass Clay Community Land Trust, support means helping families take their first steps toward stable homeownership.

“With the generous support of partners like Applied Digital, the hardworking members of our community willhave the opportunity to purchase a home of their own — creating lasting stability, a sense of security, and the foundation to truly establish roots in a community they call home.”

— Trenton Gerads, Executive Director, Cass Clay Community Land Trust

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Education and hands‑on learning remain a cornerstone of long‑term community health. At North Dakota State University, new opportunities will help students better understand the state’s energy landscape and workforce pathways.

“This generous gift from Applied Digital will provide NDSU students with the opportunity to participate in ourBison to the Bakken program… as they learn about North Dakota’s energy landscape from extraction to end‑use consumption.”

— Valerie Meis, Director of Development, Industry Relations, NDSU Foundation

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Building Safer, More Inclusive Communities

Applied Digital Cares is committed to supporting organizations that help communities respond, grow, and thrive together. This includes investments in public safety, accessibility, and inclusive programming.

For first responders in Ellendale, updated bunker gear improves readiness and safety when it matters most.

“This grant will free up budget dollars that can be used toward additional tools and equipment… Now all our firefighters will be outfitted in the newest most up‑to‑date bunker gear, so we’re ready when emergencies arise.”

— Ellendale Fire Protection, Fire Chief Mark Thorpe

Across the state, inclusive athletic opportunities ensure people of all abilities can participate, compete, and belong.

“Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities… Applied Digital’s support helps make year‑round training and competition possible — at no cost to athletes or their families.”

—Cathy Muus, VP of Business Operations, Special Olympics North Dakota

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Arts, Culture, and Connection to Place

Communities are also shaped by shared history, creativity, and connection to the outdoors. This grant cycle continues to support organizations that preserve local stories and foster environmental stewardship.

“This support will make the exhibit more immersive and inspiring… celebrating how our local communities have played a role in the larger American experience.”

— Laura Forde, Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County

Events like River Keepers’ Race the Red invite people outdoors while building awareness around protecting local waterways.

“Applied Digital’s support helps foster outdoor recreation and promote environmental stewardship while celebrating the beauty of our community’s Red River.”

— Christine Holland, Executive Director, River Keepers

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Looking Ahead

The Spring 2026 grant recipients represent the heart of Applied Digital Cares: community‑led ideas, meaningful collaboration, and long‑term impact. We’re grateful to every organization that applied and inspired by the work happening across North Dakota.

Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding year‑round, with applications reviewed at the close of each grant cycle. Employees are also invited to get involved by volunteering, attending an Applied Digital Cares Ambassador meeting, or supporting local nonprofit partners.

To learn more or apply, visit www.AppliedDigitalCares.com.

Together, we’re supporting the people and places that make North Dakota communities strong.

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