ND Higher Education Challenge Grant Fund
North Dakota Higher Education Challenge Grant Fund
During the 2013–2015 Legislative Session, the North Dakota Higher Education Challenge Grant Fund program was established under North Dakota Century Code sections 15-10-48 through 15-10-53. The program is available to the eleven public institutions in the state. It is chaired by an appointee from the Office of the Governor, with a committee composed of two senators, two representatives, two State Board of Higher Education members, and two at-large members appointed by the Governor. Funding applications that meet specific criteria are brought before the committee for approval. Once approved, the North Dakota University System Office disburses the funds awarded to campuses for use at the respective foundations.
Committee Members
- Ms. Maria Neset — Chair
- Senator Randy Burckhard, Minot
- Senator Ronald Sorvaag, Fargo
- Representative Bob Martinson, Bismarck
- Representative Emily O’Brien, Grand Forks
- Mr. Levi Bachmeier, West Fargo
- Mr. Kevin Black, Minot
- Mr. Rick Burgum, Arthur
- Ms. Taya Spelhaug, West Fargo
Meeting Dates and Materials
| Date | Agenda | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| September 23, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
| February 20, 2025 | Agenda | Minutes |
| October 2, 2024 | Agenda | Minutes |
| June 7, 2024 | Agenda | Minutes |
| March 20, 2024 | Agenda | Minutes |
| December 4, 2023 | Agenda | Minutes |
| October 4, 2023 | Agenda | Minutes |
| January 23, 2023 | Agenda | Minutes |
Guidelines / Legislation
- NDCC 15-10-48 through 15-10-53
- North Dakota Higher Education Challenge Fund Rules of Operation and Procedures
Forms
- Summary of Applications Template
- ND Higher Education Challenge Scope Approval
- ND Higher Education Challenge Fund Application
- ND HE Challenge Grant Support Template
- Presidential Designee Memo Template
Reports
View a history of the ND HE Challenge Grant Funds awarded through 2025: Report.
Challenge Grant Fund at Work
Please take an opportunity to view the videos and statements below that illustrate the impact of the Challenge Grant Fund program across North Dakota’s public colleges and universities.
Dr. Brian Van Horn
President
Rick Hedberg
VP of Advancement and Executive Director of MSU Development Foundation
Staff at North Dakota State University
Discussion of the Harry D. McGovern Scholarship program, which received an award of $1,236,665.50 from the Challenge Grant Fund during the 2015–2017 biennium.
DeAnna Carlson Zink
CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation
Valley City State University
“The Challenge Grant program has been a very popular and an effective tool for the Valley City State University Foundation. In fact, although we met our match for the current biennium in April of 2018, our donors kept calling and inquiring about the Challenge Grant program. We currently have a waiting list of donors hoping that the program is renewed!”
Senator Larry Robinson
Executive Director of University Advancement
Williston State College
“The North Dakota Higher Education Challenge Fund program has been transformational for Williston State College.
The past Challenge Funds supported a $1.8 million-dollar scholarship program matched with $900,000 for Williams County graduates tuition and fee scholarship program. A family trust gifted $300,000 matched with $150,000 for a nursing scholarship endowment. We also had an individual gift $150,000 matched by $75,000 for Career and Technical program scholarships.
These are a few of the scholarships strengthened by the North Dakota Challenge Fund, a program that helps invest in North Dakota Higher Education.”
Terry Olson
Executive Director of Williston State College Foundation