NDAD awarded a total of $54,000 across 12 organizations in North Dakota through the Gibbens Memorial Grant. This grant is awarded bi-annually to organizations to be used for health, welfare, social service or educational purposes for at-risk populations.

The grant honors NDAD co-founders, Faye and Ron Gibbens and their vision to always help individuals in need. Inspired by their son, Mike, who was born with cerebral palsy, North Dakota natives, Faye and Ron, built NDAD from a small Grand Forks parental support group to a statewide charitable nonprofit helping children and adults with a variety of disabilities and challenges. Fifty years later, NDAD has continued their vision and the belief that all people deserve opportunity, dignity and independence.

“Our founders were passionate about ensuring those with unique health challenges have the opportunity for more satisfying and productive lives. These recipients support the Gibbens’ vision and are doing great work across North Dakota,” states DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director.

Pembina Gorge Foundation | On-Stage Performance Partnerships (Walhalla)
Pembina Gorge Foundation has been awarded a Gibbens Grant to support its partnerships with a variety of organizations to increase accessibility to on-stage performances. Funds will be used to purchase tickets to attend the live theatre event of FAME the Musical by Frost Fire Summer Theatre for people in the region who reside in supportive settings and use day programming for people with intellectual disabilities. It will also be used to support the fees for on-site concerts in care and day program settings.

Dakota Center for Independent Living | Social and Recreation Program (Bismarck)
The Dakota Center for Independent Living in will use funds from the Gibbens Grant to expand the social and recreation activities through a gardening program and the KIDS program (Knowledge, Inclusion, Development and Support). These additions are designed to reach a broader range of individuals with disabilities by offering new opportunities for engagement, skill-building and personal growth. 

University of Mary Department of Physical Therapy | Pro Bono Clinic (Bismarck)
University of Mary’s Department of Physical Therapy provides a Pro Bono Clinic to support free services for the community to support students incorporating best practices, augmenting classroom instruction and preparing students to become leaders in the field. NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will support the purchase of an electronic medical record for all doctoral students enrolled in the program to support the Pro Bono Clinic. Implementation of this system enables students to be best prepared for future clinical practice.

Spread Your Sunshine | Bright Birthday Wishes Expansion Project (Fargo/Moorhead)
Spread Your Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that supports underserved children and families in Fargo-Moorhead. Their mission is to spread joy, connection and inclusion to children and youth facing financial, health and social challenges. NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will support the Bright Birthday Wishes initiative which provides meaningful, personalized birthday celebrations for unaccompanied homeless youth who are often overlooked.
 
Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports | Wheelchair Sports (Minot)
NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will support Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports’ purchase of an additional sports wheelchair to add to the fleet of existing wheelchairs to provide more sports opportunities for youth and adults in the way of camps, tournaments and open gym settings. “This contribution will make a meaningful impact, enabling greater access and opportunity for athletes with disabilities to fully participate and thrive in adaptive sports and expand our offerings providing adaptive education and disability awareness. This support not only provides essential equipment but also empowers individuals, builds community, and promotes inclusivity through the power of sport. We are deeply grateful for NDAD’s partnership and belief in our mission,” shared Krystal Butgereit, Director of Prairie Grit.

Companions for Children | Lunch Pals/Lunch Pals+ (Minot)
Companions for Children is a nonprofit youth mentoring organization serving the Minot area. NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will specifically support the school-based Lunch Pals program which matches mentors with students identified by schools as needing extra social or emotional support. It will also support the Lunch Pals+ program which extends this support to students with disabilities offering tailored, inclusive mentoring to meet unique needs. “This funding will help us continue creating positive mentoring experiences for youth who need it most. We appreciate NDAD’s support and belief in our mission,” shares Heather Cymbaluk, Executive Director of Companions for Children.

West Fargo ECSE | Enhancing Communication and Play with AAC (West Fargo)
West Fargo Early Childhood Special Education program provides special education to children ages 3 – 5 years old in the West Fargo Public Schools District. The NDAD Gibbens Grant will support their project: Enhancing Communication and Play with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Funds will be used to purchase adaptive toys, switches, materials for communication boards and other specialized materials that can facilitate engagement and learning.

“We are honored and excited to have received this generous grant to support our school. These materials will enhance the learning environment for our students with diverse needs, empowering them with greater access to communication, play, and engagement. This grant supports our mission to create inclusive, supportive, and innovative learning experiences for all students. We are grateful to NDAD for this support and look forward to sharing the positive outcomes it will bring,” shares Michelle Johnson, Dean of Students.

Bridging the Gap | Transportation/The Giving Tree (Fargo/Moorhead)
Bridging the Gap is a nonprofit organization in the Fargo-Moorhead area focused on improving the welfare and future of children who are homeless, in foster care, or are living below the poverty line. Funds from NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will be used to support the Transportation and Giving Tree Programs. The Transportation Program helps youth with getting to and from after-school jobs and after-school activities. The Giving Tree Program assists local families during the holiday season by fulfilling children’s basic needs and modest wishes. “Providing opportunity and growth for a student in need is an invaluable part of our mission. NDAD’s Gibbens Grant allows us to serve more students.  We are so appreciative of all the community support we receive,” states Janelle Albrecht of Bridging the Gap.

Northlands Rescue Mission | Backpack Food Program (Grand Forks)
Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks provides emergency shelter for men, women and families experiencing homelessness, provides food support to people in the region and works to prevent homelessness for those experiencing housing instability. The NDAD Gibbens Grant will support their Backpack Food Program which provides weekend food supplies for children in Grand Forks.
 
Family Voices of North Dakota | Teen Night Out (Edgeley)
Family Voices of North Dakota’s Teen Night Out is a community-based program designed to provide safe, engaging and enriching activities for local teens aged 13 – 18. NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will support the program through a combination of recreational events, creative arts, sports, games and educational workshops. “We are so thankful for this grant. It will allow friendships to be made, further life skills and confidence while enjoying the activities. The Teen Night Out events are so heartwarming to be a part of and watch the growth and enjoyment of the teens,” shared Donene Feist of Family Voices of North Dakota.

House of Everyday Learning | Mobile Therapy Unit (MTU) Therapy on the Go! (Fargo)
NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will support the House of Everyday Learning’s Mobile Therapy (MTU) on the Go. The MTU is a mobile sensory/motor gym that is driven to rural communities to provide free developmental screenings, education and pediatric therapy services to children and families.  “The Gibbens Grant was crucial in helping us launch this program in 2021, and it is so amazing to see the support again,” shared Brittany Anderson of House of Everyday Learning.

Designer Genes of North Dakota | G.R.O.W. Project (Bismarck)
Designer Genes of North Dakota serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families. NDAD’s Gibbens Grant will support the G.R.O.W. Garden Program which provides individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities with an inclusive and enriching opportunity to participate in gardening activities, educational programming and social connections.

“We are so grateful and excited to be chosen for this grant to use for the G.R.O.W. project at Designer Genes. G.R.O.W. is one of my favorite programs and I am looking forward to seeing our participants each week at the plots. Thanks to NDAD’s help, we can continue to build on the program and create new opportunities for our participants,” shared Kendra Vander Wal of Designer Genes of North Dakota. 

Learn about all of NDAD's grant opportunities >>