Background
The Statewide Health Strategies Grant (SHSG) represents a pioneering initiative committed to enhancing the health and well-being of all North Dakotans. The SHSG activates the ND State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), to address North Dakota's health priorities in a cohesive and strategic manner.
Funded by the North Dakota State Legislature, this grant program embodies a collective dedication to improving health outcomes across the state and empowers communities to identify and address local priorities.
The essence of this initiative is to leverage unique expertise, resources, and perspectives to foster equitable access to health care services, promote population health outcomes, and implement sustainable solutions that positively impact the well-being of individuals and populations throughout North Dakota.
By embracing collaborative action, the state is committed to sparking innovation, advancing evidence-based practices, and building partnerships that break down traditional barriers. Our ultimate goal is to create a healthier, more resilient state where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their best health – making North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.
The grant application period is CLOSED. Below, you can find the original Notice of Funding Opportunity and Q & A document (compiled from questions received during the application period).
Quick Facts
- The SHSG was a competitive grant application process. List of projects awarded coming soon.
- The total available funding was $3 million; $1.5 million from the community health trust fund and $1.5 million in match funding.
- The maximum award amount per project was limited to $400,000 ($200,000 state + $200,000 match).
- Awarded projects aligned with at least one of the priorities in the State Health Improvement Plan.
Awarded Projects
Grantee Name | Total Award | Project Title | Project Summary | Area Served | Populations Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altru Health System | $50,000 | Blue Zones Project-Grand Forks | Through the Blue Zones Project (BZP), Altru aims to create a healthier future for Grand Forks - now and into the future. Committed to promoting health equity, BZP prioritizes addressing the root cause of health issues in a community and cultivates wellness for all. By helping people live longer and better through behavior change, communities can lower healthcare costs, improve productivity, and enjoy a higher quality of life as they live, work, learn, worship, and grow. | City of Grand Forks | One of the city's oldest neighborhoods, the Northside Neighborhood. In 2021, a community assessment utilizing public health data identified that this neighborhood, home to 6,000 residents, faced the greatest barriers to healthy living in the city. Not only do residents lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables, but face limited transportation, a shortage of grocery stores, and a significant uninsured population. In fact, over half of the neighborhood's residents are not "thriving in life" as measured by the well-being score of 48%, contrasting with the citywide score of 56.8%. |
Altru Health System | $200,000 | Remote Patient Monitoring--Program Expansion | Founded in 2013, Altru's Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Program aims to ensure patients have enhanced access to vital prevention and follow-up care with the key component involving patients self-monitoring their blood pressure at home. This funding will allow for the expansion of the program which will enhance Altru's ability to offer comprehensive and continuous follow-up care for chronic disease management and prevention, especially for patients that reside in rural areas. | Grand Forks, Pembina, Griggs, Eddy, Towner, Ramsey, Steele, Walsh, Benson, Traill, Cavalier and Nelson Counties. | The RPM program currently covers a range of diagnoses, including chronic heart failure (CHF), pneumonia, sepsis, high-risk OB, post-cardiac surgery, hypertension and COPD. The program has expanded further in 2024 with the addition of home health patients, through this funding, we anticipate further growth with the possible addition of diabetes management and wound care. Patients admitted to RPM receive education on self-measuring blood pressure and instructions on using their equipment, with the service duration customized to each patient's medical needs. |
| Altru Health System | $70,000 | Mobile Health Hub | Funding will be used to create a state-of-the-art Mobile Health Hub (MHH) focused on community first-aid and disaster management, addressing unmet needs by the current, outdated first-aid station from the 1997 flood. The MHH will feature improved accessibility, private treatment bays and a temperature-controlled environment, enabling it to handle minor injuries and serious conditions effectively. In mass casualty incidents, the MHH will serve as a crucial command center for emergency teams, ensuring coordinated and efficient responses. Additionally, the MHH can be converted into a mobile shot clinic or health screening facility, enhancing community health readiness and capacity. | Grand Forks, Walsh, Nelson and Traill counties | All ages: Apart from its function as a mobile first aid station during special events, such as the Grand Forks County Fair and Grand Forks Airforce Base Air Show, the MHH will offer more than just emergency care. With its capacity to adapt to provide additional services, including health screenings and mobile vaccination, it will deliver high-quality medical services directly to community members of all ages. |
| Cavalier County Health District | $8,984 | Physical Activity Scholarships for Low-income Youth | Cavalier County Health District in partnership with Northern Valley Human Service Zone (social services) plans to offer physical activity scholarships to low-income youth. Children from families qualifying for any of the Human Service Zone's income-based programs are eligible to receive funding to pay for physical-based activity opportunities such as swimming passes and lessons, school activity fees, summer activity programs and camps. These scholarships are to increase physical activity, reduce rates of obesity and chronic disease, increase social connectedness and provide protective factors to reduce rates of behavioral and mental health issues. | Cavalier County | Low-income youth |
| Community Action Partnership of North Dakota | $400,000 | Whole Family Approach to Cultivating Wellness in North Dakota | The network of Community Action Agencies throughout North Dakota is cultivating wellness through the Whole Family Approach. CAPND supports North Dakotans experiencing poverty by providing holistic, family-centered coaching and support, empowering families to achieve economic stability and improved health outcomes. | Statewide | North Dakota families who are experiencing poverty |
| ConnectUs Therapy | $110,700 | ConnectUs Therapy expansion and learning center | ConnectUs Therapy began in 2021 after the local leaders offered a behavioral health grant to expand and enhance services in Williams County. Since that time the agency has grown and is sought out as an internship and clinical site for many disciplines. This project will create more space to host students who are interested in serving the behavioral health community. The project will also allow us to expand direct services to our rural site in Tioga, ND. | Williams County, Northwest Region of ND as well as Statewide telehealth | All ages across a lifespan for both mental health and addiction issues including MAT. |
| Emmons County Public Health | $6,600 | Stepping on Emmons County | Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program. With this program, we seek to promote health by addressing the needs of older adults. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults. | Emmons County | People 65 years of age or older and are residents of Emmons County |
| Family HealthCare | $168,476 | Expanding Access and Connection | With the SHSG funding, Family HealthCare will hire a Care Management Coordinator (CMC) and a Dental Treatment Coordinator. Together they will not only enhance our healthcare services but also significantly improve patient care. By taking on these administrative and coordinating tasks, the coordinators will free up time for providers and nurses to see more patients and provide more in-depth consultations, thereby improving the overall quality of care. | Cass, Barnes, LaMoure and Dickey counties | Family HealthCare delivers exceptional care to more than 15,000 patients annually, encompassing 55,000 patient visits. Fifty percent of patients are uninsured; over 41% are on federal or state medical assistance, and nearly 70% of patients are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty level. |
| First District Health Unit | $23,456 | Stepping On | Stepping On is a nationwide, evidence-based program proven to reduce falls in older people living in and around the home. This grant will provide funding to support Stepping On instructors conducting classes in our seven-county service area. | Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan and Ward Counties | The program focuses on adults 65 and older. |
| Friends of the Children Fargo-Moorhead | $200,000 | Cultivating Wellness: Empowerment, Skill Development & Well-Being through Professional Mentoring | As professional mentors, our "Friends" commit to youth most in need of a trust-based relationship and positive role model in their lives. This commitment is for 12+ years (from preschool through high school graduation). We prioritize empowering, uplifting and developing essential skills for success and wellness in academic, home, emotional and physical aspects. | Cass County | We support youth encountering significant challenges, beginning in pre-school and remaining committed to their success through high school graduation. |
| Grand Forks Public Health | $189,118 | Nourishing Neighborhoods in Grand Forks | This grant will enhance the work being done to improve food and nutrition security in our community. Priorities include increasing access to healthy foods, promoting food security screenings and referrals, enhancing education opportunities and leading a local committee. The project team will engage with community partners to implement best practices that lead to long-term, sustainable changes that improve food and nutrition security. | Grand Forks County | Neighbors experiencing food insecurity. |
| House Calls | $379,268 | House Calls | Grant funds will enable the expansion of House Calls services by growing our care team. Adding five staff will increase our ability to provide home-based primary care to North Dakotans with chronic illnesses who struggle to access care. | House Calls serves a 90-mile radius around our service hub cities of Fargo and Bismarck with plans to expand. | House Call's patient base is primarily elderly, with two or more chronic conditions that need regular monitoring, who have difficulty leaving their home for medical visits. |
| Kidder County District Health Unit | $35,250 | Integrating Public Health Primary Prevention into the Kidder County School through a Prevention Strategist Paraprofessional | KCDHU will be closely partnering with the Kidder County School and staff to ensure this project's success in expanding public health prevention education to our rural youth through the novel role of a prevention strategist paraprofessional. This role will enhance public health's capacity to educate youth on various topics integrated into their daily routines and throughout the school year, ultimately improving long-term health outcomes. The decision to target youth in Kidder County derives from teaching lifetime skills and intervening early to prevent adult chronic conditions. | Kidder County | Rural youth attending Kidder County Schools. |
| MyAlly Health | $150,000 | Overcome Barriers to Preventative Screenings, Promoting Health Equity and Access in North Dakota | MyAlly Health's project aligns with the state health improvement plan by focusing on enhancing well-being through expanded access to essential healthcare services and supporting holistic well-being. This comprehensive approach ensures individuals receive the necessary care and support, promoting overall health and well-being in the community. | Grand Forks County | The target population for MyAlly Health's project consists of underserved and vulnerable individuals within our community. We prioritize services to low-income and uninsured individuals who may otherwise lack access to healthcare. |
| Presentation Partners in Housing | $102,136 | Housing Navigation- Out of the Shadows for Health Equity | The Housing Navigation Program (HNP) focuses on ending chronic homelessness and addressing the social determinants/drivers of health through housing justice. The HNP identifies people experiencing homelessness who are the most vulnerable, helps them obtain safe and affordable housing, and provides wraparound, intensive case management services for support, referrals, and advocacy to ensure they maintain their housing and do not fall back into the shadows. | Cass county | Chronically homeless individuals and families with complex, frequently co-occurring disabilities, living in extreme poverty, older adults and indigenous populations. |
| Rolette Co Public Health | $82,630 | Health Tracks | The goal of our program is to increase our reach in providing physical, developmental and behavioral health assessments to Medicaid enrolled children within Rolette County. The need for pediatric wellness among our vulnerable population is a crucial element in enhancing the overall health of our community. | Rolette County | Children ages 0-20 years, Medicaid enrolled. |
| Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency | $150,000 | Career Coach Program | The SENDCAA Career Coach Program aims to connect low-income, unemployed and underemployed individuals with in-demand careers, with the goal of securing living-wage employment. | Cass, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill Counties | Ages 18-60, individuals who are income eligible. |
| Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency | $100,000 | Self-Sufficiency Program | The Self Sufficiency program is comprised of a variety of services all designed to improve the standard of living and help promote the self-sufficiency of low-income individuals. | Cass, Richland, Sargent, Steele, and Traill Counties | Ages 18-60, individuals who are income eligible. |
| Upper Missouri District Health Unit | $201,952 | NWND Free HIV/HCV/STI Testing | Address gaps and increase access to testing for individuals at risk for diseases of HIV, Hepatitis C and STI. The continuation and expansion of free testing reduces barriers and creates pathways to medical/clinical services to reduce health disparity and decrease morbidity. | The project will focus on McKenzie, Mountrail, Divide and Williams counties. | Following CDC screening guidance, UMDHU will provide the recommended testing for all at-risk individuals and those 24 years old and younger. |
| Upper Missouri District Health Unit | $109,330 | UMDHU CredibleMind | UMDHU will continue to disseminate and support resource procurement from CredibleMind to aid in the improvement of mental health status and awareness. | CredibleMind is a suggested resource for individuals across the lifespan. UMDHU will focus efforts in McKenzie, Mountrail, Divide and Williams counties, the four-county population it serves, but CredibleMind is accessible to all individuals accessing the internet in ND. | The primary focus of the project includes individuals 13-24 years old, as determined to access CredibleMind most frequently, from analytics. |
| USpireND - Healthy Families ND | $149,090 | Healthy Families ND Home Visiting | Healthy Families North Dakota (HFND) is an evidence-based, accredited, home visiting program that focuses on strengthening maternal and child health while supporting child development and family economic self-sufficiency. HFND's home visiting program collaborates with parents to develop the skills and confidence needed to raise healthy children while supporting family well-being by preventing adversity and building resilience during the most critical years. | Statewide | HFND is a family visitation program designed to support ALL families as they become parents. It is always free & voluntary, with all income levels served. Services may begin at a variety of times and are always offered for 3 years. |
| Western Wellness Foundation | $81,350 | Group Mentoring Program | Our group mentoring program aligns with the Statewide Health Improvement Plan by addressing key priorities: cultivating wellness, building community resilience, and expanding access and connection. The program supports youth well-being by reducing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), strengthens community ties through local volunteer mentors, and connects participants to essential services and resources. This comprehensive approach fosters individual health and contributes to a more resilient, well-connected community. | Serving Dickinson and neighboring communities in Stark County. | Middle School youth aged 11 - 14. |
| Women Empowering Women | $31,660 | Health Equity - Well Women | This project expands our programming to reach new American women through our Community Lay Health Ambassador program. This project will connect Hispanic and African women to health resources for themselves and their families. | Primarily the Dickinson and SW North Dakota area. | Women who are New American, Hispanic and African. |
***All information was written and submitted by grantees.
Additional Grant Information
This grant program operates on a match-grant basis. Applicants are required to secure funds independently, which will then be matched by the Statewide Health Strategies Grant, subject to the approval and terms set forth herein. The following information summarizes key aspects of the grant.
Please read the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional details review the Frequently Asked Questions section below.
This grant requires a 1:1 match (100% of the requested amount must be matched), and 100% of the match must be financial. Match funds must be recorded and submitted for approval. Pledges for future donations will NOT be considered.
Example: $3,000 total project = $1,500 organizational/community cash match + $1,500 Statewide Health Strategies Grant.
Funding obtained or previously allocated by the state legislature for other purposes cannot be considered as part of the applicant's matching funds. Applicants must ensure that the matching funds are sourced independently of any state budget allocations to maintain the integrity and independence of the project's financing.
Applicants should understand that in-kind contributions, including cost-sharing, donated services, materials, or time, do NOT qualify for the match requirement.
Applicants are required to contribute their portion of the project funding upfront as part of the match requirement. This contribution is a prerequisite for receiving the grant funding and must be at least equivalent to the grant amount being requested.
Upon verification of the grantee's match contribution, the full grant amount will be issued. This streamlined process is designed to expedite the availability of funds, enabling grantees to commence or continue their project activities without delay.
Grantees are expected to adhere to the proposed budget and project plan as approved at the time of grant award.
Grantees are required to maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all expenditures. Regular reports that detail the use of the grant funds and matching contributions must be submitted according to the schedule established in the grant agreement. Grantees are accountable for the progress and outcomes of their projects. All grantees must submit quarterly progress reports and a comprehensive final report. These reports shall detail:
- The project outcomes achieved and the impact of the project.
- A summary of activities undertaken.
- A budget narrative that details how the grant funds were allocated, highlighting the project’s progress and milestones.
- Any challenges encountered and strategies implemented to overcome them.
The grant agreement will outline the schedule for submitting progress and final reports. Timely and accurate reporting is essential for evaluating the project's success and administering the grant program efficiently.
By submitting an application, the applicant acknowledges understanding and agreement to comply with ALL guidelines. The goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective use of funds to achieve meaningful and impactful project outcomes that address at least one of the four priorities of the SHIP.
Statewide Health Strategies Grant Manager:
Alicia Belay, MPH, PhD, Assistant Director, Community Engagement
Public Health Division, North Dakota Health & Human Services
701.328.3860 or abelay@nd.gov
Statewide Health Strategies FAQ
Funds may not be used for (1) inpatient services; (2) cash payments to intended recipients for health services; (3) purchase and improvement of land, construction or permanent improvement of buildings or purchase of major medical equipment.
Additional unallowable costs include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bad debt
- Contingencies or reserves
- Contributions or donations to others
- Entertainment costs
- Fines and penalties resulting from violations of, or failure to comply with Federal, State and local laws and regulations
- Food costs (other than per diem expenses)
- Fundraising
- Interest charges and late fees
- Lobbying or memberships in organizations substantially engaged in lobbying
No. See Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 8, additional unallowable costs includes fundraising.
Yes. Note: If rent and utilities are being used as general operating support for the proposed project and you’re using the budget template provided, you can put rent/utilities in the “Other” line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
The Statewide Health Strategies Grant (SHSG) will fund local and community-level projects designed to address one of the four priorities of the North Dakota State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).The scope of the project as outlined in the project narrative and budget will determine if the project meets one if the priorities of the SHIP. Projects should address a need or gap in the community that spark innovation, advance evidence-based practices, and/or build partnerships that break down traditional barriers (Notice of Funding Opportunity, pages 3-4 and 7-8).
Question #3 is asking how your project will address a need or gap in the community and to provide data when possible, to justify the need and/or gap. Question #4 is asking you to identify metrics, processes, outcome measures – then to describe how you will monitor, evaluate, and report on the metrics, processes or outcome measures. Data provided in #3 could be used again in #4.
Yes.
Paid media is an allowable expense. The specific paid media will be evaluated as part of the grant review process. If using the budget template provided, paid media can go in the “Other” line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
Incentives will not be allowed.
Administrative costs are allowable but are limited to 10 percent (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 8).
$200,000 is the maximum amount that can be requested. (Notice of Funding Opportunity page 4).
Match dollars must be available upfront and cannot be funds obtained or previously allocated by the state legislature. (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 5).
Salary and fringe benefits are allowable costs. If using the budget template provided, the first two lines provide space for personnel and fringe benefits. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
If using the budget template provided, you can put office furnishings and items such as printers, faxes, and computers in the “Supplies” line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification. Note: Anything over $5,000 needs to go in the “Equipment” line item.
If using the budget template, recruitment and marketing materials can be included under the "Other" line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
Applications with direct and impactful activities related to the health of North Dakotans will be prioritized.
For projects that are awarded, grantees must provide payment to the Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of the required match. Next, the grant from HHS will be provided to the grantee for the full amount, which includes the state portion plus the match. The expected timeline between receiving the match funds and disbursement of the full grant award will be less than 6 weeks.
Yes, more than one project may be submitted in a single application, but must have their own project plan including narrative, work plan, budget template and justification. (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 7).
For projects that are awarded, grantees must provide payment to the Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of the required match. Next, the grant from HHS will be provided to the grantee for the full amount, which includes the state portion plus the match. The expected timeline between receiving the match funds and disbursement of the full grant award will be less than 6 weeks.
In Question #3, gaps are identified. As much as possible, data will be included to highlight what the need is. In #5, applicants justify the need funds with an appropriate rationale. Please ensure the application includes both the gap/need and appropriate justification. Both #3 & #5 can be addressed together in the narrative, if appropriate.
Funds may not be used for purchase and improvement of land, construction or permanent improvement of buildings or purchase of major medical equipment.’ (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 8).
Applicants should submit their application in a single email to phperformance@nd.gov. The files can be submitted as one pdf file or as individual files. It would be helpful if the file/s were named with the entity and/or project title.
The 1.5 million dollars that was legislatively appropriated is contingent upon dollar-for-dollar matching funds.
No, once the match dollars are received, the state will award the full amount (state funds plus match) to the organization. For reporting requirements see NOFO Page 6.
For projects that are awarded, grantees must provide payment to the Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of the required match. Next, the grant from HHS will be provided to the grantee for the full amount, which includes the state portion plus the match.
If an organization is awarded, match funds will be paid to the State and will become part of the grant award to the awarded organization. Match funds will be part of the organization’s award and will be used to meet the project goals and must be spent per the proposed budget. If personal funds are used to meet the match requirement, these funds could only be used to implement the awarded HSHG project. Important note: Money being provided as the match must be used for the project.
No. Funds may not be used for purchase and improvement of land, construction or permanent improvement of buildings or purchase of major medical equipment.’ (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 8).
No. Please be sure to label the documents so that the reviewers can easily identify all the elements of the application.
No, it does not need to be included again if you have already addressed evaluation in the narrative.
Match cannot be from funds that have been previously obtained or allocated from the state legislature. If the project is awarded, funds must be paid upfront to North Dakota Health and Human Services. All match funds from the organization and funds from the state must be used per the approved budget for the awarded project.