Pierce County Endowment Fund

The Pierce County Endowment Fund has awarded over $93,700 in 64 grants since its inception in 1982. Recent grant awards are listed below.

Grants Awarded in 2022

• Tri-County Senior Meals & Services - $3,200 Nutritious Services for 60 & Older Adults
• Good Samaritan Hospital Association: $750 for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and wellness center equipment
• Pierce County (Fire Dept):  $750 for state interoperable ration network (SIRN2020) update

Grants Awarded in 2021

• Geographical Center Historical Society - $900 Blacksmithing Rendezvous
• Tri-County Senior Meals & Services - $3,500 Nutritious Services for 60 & Older Adults

Grants Awarded in 2020

• Tri-County Senior Meals & Services - $1,000 for Emergency Funds for Senior Meals
• Geographical Center Historical Society - $600 for The Masterclasses of Prairie Village Museum
• Good Samaritan Hospital Association - $500 for Give Elevator One a Lift
• Tri-County Senior Meals & Services - $2,200 for Tri- County Nutritious Services for 60 and older Adults

Grants Awarded in 2019

• Geographical Center Historical Society - $1,500 Summer Kids Programs
• Good Samaritan Hospital Association - $500 Ambulance Safety Project Rugby
• Marketplace of Ideas - $250 Marketplace for Kids, Engaging All Learners
• Tri-County Senior Meals & Services - $2,000 Nutrition Services

Guidelines and Procedures

• Organizations must be recognized under IRS code 501(c)3 to qualify for a grant. Any organization with an official relationship to city or state government (school, park district, nursing home etc.) would also qualify.
• Grants shall be awarded to organizations that serve Pierce County, ND.
• Grants may not be given to organizations requesting funds for day-to-day operations.
• Grants for multi-year requests (pledges) may not be made, however an organization may re-apply for a grant each year. Organizations may qualify for one grant per year.
• Grants to religious organizations will be limited to those activities which are non-denominational and serve the entire community.
• Grants may be awarded annually at the discretion of the Advisory Committee. Completed applications are due no later than October 1.
• Preference will be given to projects and programs that promote health and wellness.

In funding decisions, the board will consider the following: 

• Organizational management and integrity
• Level of local involvement and support
• The number of people to be served
• The effect of the grant on the success of the project

Deadline:  October 1

How to Apply

Step 1 - Review

Review the grant guidelines above to make sure your organization qualifies.

Step 2 - Register

Create an account on our Grants Portal. You will need your organization’s name, EIN, and executive officer's name. Be sure to write down your user name (email address) and password.

Step 3 – Complete Your Application

After registering or logging in, you will arrive at the application section. Click “Apply” to the right of the grant program to which you wish to apply. If you do not see your desired grant program on the list, contact our office. You will be able to save your application and return later to complete it.

Click here for more detailed instructions and tips for using our online grant system.

Plan Your Legacy

Making a lasting difference in our community or for future generations may be easier than you realize.  With very simple language in your will or trust, you can help the Pierce County Community Foundation (PCCF) continue to support important projects and programs in our area forever.

Gifts to PCCF are carefully invested by our partner foundation - the North Dakota Community Foundation - to generate a  permanent source of charitable income.

If you have children or other relatives, you can leave a portion of your estate to them and a percentage to PCCF. Doing so provides for your heirs while honoring your charitable values.

Getting Started

Brothers Russell and Dale Brown left gifts to the communities of Lisbon and Milnor, ND, in their estate plans.

1.  Download our free Estate Planning Guide - it contains helpful information and things to consider as you develop your own unique plan.

2.  Reach out to a Pierce County Community Foundation committee member to learn more about the charities and needs in our area.

3.  Consider discussing (confidentially) your vision with our NDCF gift planner Kara Geiger.  She has many years of experience helping donors create their charitable vision and better prepare for their discussions with financial planners. You can reach Kara at 701-222-8349 or you can email her at Kara@NDCF.net.

4.  Contact your professional advisors (financial planner, attorney and/or accountant) and ask for help in establishing a charitable gift to our foundation.

5.  Make sure your will or living trust is up-to-date and reflects your charitable goals.

6.  Consider notifying the charitable organizations about the gift you plan to leave them.  They will appreciate your generosity and will want to know what you’d like them to do with your eventual gift if it isn't clear.

Language for Your Will or Living Trust

Susanne Mattheis wished to support several different charitable organizations in Bismarck after she passed. NDCF helped her craft a plan that accomplished her charitable goals and provided long-term support to the Public Library, Symphony Orchestra, and five other local entities.

If you would like to include the Pierce County Community Foundation in your will, here is some sample language to consider:

“I give and bequeath to the North Dakota Community Foundation (Tax ID Number 45-0336015), a qualified charitable organization under IRS 501(c)(3), located in Bismarck, North Dakota, ___________ (a percentage of the estate, specific dollar amount, or remainder of estate) for the Pierce County Community Foundation, a permanent component of the North Dakota Community Foundation.”

*  Be sure to contact your legal advisor.

There are many other ways to make a deferred gift to your community, including

• Making NDCF (and your specific community fund) the beneficiary of your life insurance policy, IRA, 401K, or commercial annuity
• Establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity with NDCF
• Other more sophisticated tools, depending on your unique situation

To investigate options and learn more about how other North Dakotans have given back, visit our planned giving website at www.NDCF.net/Plan.