NDAD has awarded a total of $30,542 across seven 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 Gibbens Grant was established to honor the legacy of commitment to community service and support for individuals in need. This grant helps fill meaningful funding gaps in community programs across North Dakota, enabling impactful projects that improve lives and strengthen local support systems.
 
“By investing in initiatives that might otherwise go unfunded, NDAD empowers organizations to expand their reach, enhance their services and create lasting change in the communities they serve,” states DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director.
 
Art and Soul | Charlies Place (Fargo)
Art and Soul has been awarded an NDAD Gibbens Grant to support Charlie’s Place, a nonprofit coffee shop in Fargo dedicated to empowering adults with cognitive challenges through meaningful employment.
In the Fargo metro area, inclusive job opportunities tailored to individuals with cognitive challenges remain limited. Charlie’s Place addresses this need by offering a supportive, community-centered work environment where participants can build job skills, gain confidence, earn an income, and form social connections.
 
“With NDAD’s support, we can expand training and employment opportunities for adults aged 21 and older with cognitive challenges,” said Valerie Olson of Art and Soul. “This grant strengthens our ability to serve participants by providing essential supplies, adaptive tools, and resources for outreach and community engagement.” Art and Soul is grateful for NDAD’s commitment to fostering inclusion and enhancing the quality of life for individuals who often face barriers to employment.
 
UND Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) | Hearing Screening Equipment (Grand Forks)
The University of North Dakota’s Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Department has been awarded funding through the NDAD Gibbens Grant to purchase an advanced instrument used for screening and diagnosing potential hearing concerns.
 
“Early identification of hearing loss is essential for timely intervention, which can significantly improve speech and language development, social integration, and academic success in children,” said Carla Steen, MS, CCC-SLP, with the UND CSD Department.
 
Thanks to its portability, the instrument will be used during preschool hearing screenings throughout the Grand Forks area, including Sunflake Preschool, East Grand Forks preschools, and the University Children’s Learning Center (UCLC). This initiative will help ensure that more children receive early, accurate hearing assessments, supporting healthier developmental outcomes.
 
Sharon Lutheran Church | Backpack Program (Grand Forks)
Sharon Lutheran Church has been awarded an NDAD Gibbens Grant to support its Backpack Program, which provides nutritious, shelf-stable meals to students at Ben Franklin School in Grand Forks.
 
“We recognize that food insecurity remains a persistent issue in the Red River Valley,” said Missy Thompson, Operations Director at Sharon Lutheran Church. “When students are hungry, their ability to concentrate and engage in the classroom is significantly impacted.”
 
Each backpack is filled with ready-to-eat meals designed to help students return to school on Monday mornings, nourished and ready to learn. This vital support strengthens Sharon Lutheran’s commitment to community well-being and allows the church to continue its outreach to families in need.
 
United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Area | Backpack (Grand Forks)
United Way has been awarded funding through the NDAD Gibbens Grant to support its Backpack Program, a vital initiative that provides nutritious food to children experiencing food insecurity on the weekends when school meals are unavailable. Each backpack includes six meals, two snacks, and two drinks—ensuring children have access to the nourishment they need over weekends and school breaks.
 
“Children thrive in school when they’re not worried about their next meal. Hunger relief is more than just food—it’s the foundation for a stronger, more caring community,” said Heather Novak, Executive Director of United Way. “NDAD’s support is helping us build that foundation and make a real difference for families who need it most.”
 
Maddock Community Center | Building Accessibility (Maddock)
The Maddock Community Center has received a grant from NDAD to support improvements that will enhance accessibility throughout the facility. “Our Community Center is a vital gathering place for the entire Maddock area, and NDAD’s support aligns perfectly with our commitment to inclusivity, safety, and universal access,” said Tom Gilbertson, Treasurer of the Maddock Community Center.
This project will help ensure that all community members—regardless of ability—can fully participate in events and services. It will promote independence and dignity, while also helping the center meet current accessibility standards and best practices.
 
Minot State University | Adaptive and Inclusive Equipment (Minot)
Minot State University (MSU) has been awarded a Gibbens Grant to enhance the MSU Wellness Center with specialized adaptive fitness equipment. This funding marks a significant step forward in the university’s Adaptive and Inclusive Equipment Project.
 
“This grant makes a meaningful impact by helping us create more accessible opportunities for students and community members with health challenges to engage in safe, effective, and inclusive physical activity,” said Dr. Heather Golly, MSU Coordinator for Exercise Science and Rehabilitation.
 
The project aims to reduce equipment-related barriers and promote exercise experiences that are enjoyable, evidence-based, and tailored to individual needs. “We’re excited to foster a healthier, more inclusive community—one where individuals with health challenges face fewer disparities and our Kinesiology students gain valuable hands-on experience in adaptive training,” Dr. Golly added. “We appreciate NDAD for this generous support in advancing health and wellness for individuals who often encounter obstacles to participation.”
 
Life Care Unites Foundation | Dignity through Hygiene (West Fargo)
Life Care Unites Foundation is honored to receive a Gibbens Memorial Grant to support the expansion of its Hygiene Bank services throughout its service area. The grant will be used exclusively to cover program expenses, including bulk purchases of essential hygiene items such as soap, detergent, period products, diapers, and other critical supplies—ensuring a consistent and reliable inventory.
 
“This generous investment enables us to serve at least 750 unique individuals—including children, adults, and seniors—and distribute more than 10,000 hygiene items over the next year,” said Katrina Robinson, Executive Director of Life Care Unites Foundation.
 
As the region’s only dedicated, community-powered Hygiene Bank, Life Care Unites Foundation fills a vital gap in services, complementing rather than duplicating existing resources. This expansion will help reduce hygiene insecurity and promote dignity, health, and well-being across the communities it serves.

Learn more about grant opportunities with NDAD here >>