Realizing Rural

09/24/2026

Consider this your sign to send the email you’ve been putting off!

The half-formed idea. The “is this even possible?” question. The project you know needs funding but have no clue where to start.. We’re good with all of it!

You don’t need a polished plan before you reach out. Just tell us what’s on your mind, and we’ll go from there!

09/21/2026

Hello, Monday!

A fresh week, a full calendar, and plenty of good work ahead. Let’s make it a good one!

09/18/2026

We at Realizing Rural are infinitely grateful for Cher’s mentorship and friendship. She has shaped so many of the leaders we adore and communities we love, and we are honored to have learned from and alongside her.

We are wrapping Cher’s friends, family and her Strengthen ND family in love during this incredibly difficult time 🤍

View Cherilyn "Cher" R. Hersrud's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/18/2026

This is one of those numbers we’re pretty proud of. 🤍

Behind that $7 million are real projects, real communities, and a whole lot of people working hard to make good things happen in rural places.

We’re happy to have had a small part in helping bring those ideas to life, and we’re just getting started!

09/16/2026

If you’re new here, welcome. 🤍

We’re big believers in rural places, the people who call them home, and the good things that can happen when someone has the right support to move an idea forward.

That’s really the heart behind Realizing Rural, and we’re glad you’re here!

09/14/2026

Currently sitting in the office thinking I’d rather be back at the beach watching butterflies with the kids.. Happy Monday, everyone! 🙌

09/10/2026

Sometimes making a difference looks big. Sometimes it looks like answering one more question, helping a community find the right resource, or giving someone the push they need to move an idea forward.

We’re pretty big believers that small actions add up, especially in rural communities.

09/09/2026

Have a problem you’re working to solve in your North Dakota community? This might be the grant program for you!

The Creative Community Solutions grant supports new, innovative solutions to problems facing communities across North Dakota and the Native Nations sharing its geography.

Here is how the process works:
1️⃣ Review the guidelines and come prepared to discuss your problem and proposed solution.
2️⃣ Schedule a 30-minute introductory call to talk through your idea with us.
3️⃣ Submit your application with a maximum two-page proposal or 3–5 audio file.
4️⃣ Complete a follow-up due diligence call if your application moves forward.
5️⃣ Grantmaking Committee review determines funding awards.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟬 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

Learn more: https://strengthennd.com/creative-community-solutions/

09/09/2026

Rebecca and the Growing Small Towns team are the real deal. They are truly shifting the rural narrative as we speak, and we’re grateful for their hard work for rural communities across the Midwest ❤️

09/08/2026

Looking for grant opportunities can feel like a full-time job all by itself.

We keep an eye on upcoming grants and funding opportunities that could be a good fit for rural communities, nonprofits, and organizations, and we share the ones worth knowing about here.

Give us a follow so you don’t miss the next opportunity that could help move your project forward! 🙌