With a vision of vibrant, sustainable rural communities now and in the future, the North Dakota Rural Electric Cooperatives Foundation was established as a 501(c)3 charitable organization in 2018 to heighten rural development.

Expanding support

The NDAREC Foundation provides a path for others to join rural electric and broadband cooperatives in supporting rural development initiatives. The foundation seeks grants and contributions from agencies, organizations and other individuals to further projects of a charitable nature. It builds on capacity of the NDAREC rural development service center to pursue opportunities and address challenges for small towns and businesses.

With support from generous donors

The Foundation has played a vital role in sustaining and strengthening access to healthy, affordable food.

• The Bush Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation provided grants toward the start of the Rural Access Distribution Co-op in Walsh County for collaboration among retail stores, schools and communities on the purchasing and transport of conventional groceries and local foods.
   
• Funding through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Local Foods Promotion Program is supporting a study and technical assistance to establish a local food hub to serve north central North Dakota.

Other initiatives focus on supporting workforce development and safety education in rural areas through the lineworker training facility. Funding from sources, such as the N.D. Department of Commerce State Energy Program, has made possible a lineworker and electrical trades summer camp for high school students.

Ways to support the NDREC Foundation

• Memorials and honorary tributes — honor loved ones with a contribution in any amount.
   
• Cash donations
   
• Fundraisers