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NDU Foundation

The purpose of the North Dakota United Foundation is to promote educational excellence and quality public service in North Dakota. The Foundation’s goal is to aid educators, public servants, and students in achieving greater educational success.

The Foundation accomplishes this by offering various grants and scholarships to individual educators, public servants, and college students designed to enhance their skills.

It is with pride that the Foundation’s Board of Directors has established this special alliance with education and public service leaders who understand that their professional growth is the key to success.




The Foundation currently offers nine specifically designed and administered scholarships and grants to NDU members and students. In addition, the Foundation administers funds for the Minot Education Association’s Fund for the Improvement of Education and the Oakes Education Scholarship Fund. Local Associations or chapters with endowment or scholarship funds may want to contact the Foundation about assisting them with the administration of the funds. This includes compliance with various IRS rules and the preparation of the annual tax return.

Scholarships are available to North Dakota United members, including Student NDU and NDU-Retired members, as well as the dependents of all members. To learn more information on each of the individual scholarships and grants the NDU Foundation offers, visit our Scholarships & Grants page.

Applications for 2022-23 NDU Foundation scholarships & grants are now closed.

Giving to the NDU Foundation

As a 501(c)(3) tax organization, gifts to the Foundation are deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Individuals, and in some cases businesses, may create named endowments within the NDU Foundation and receive significant tax benefits. These endowments must have an initial contribution of $5,000. The donor, working with the Foundation, may determine how the proceeds of the fund may be used to enhance education and public service in North Dakota.

To qualify for the tax credit, the endowment fund must be held by a tax-exempt organization such as the NDU Foundation. The principal of the fund must be held intact and only the earnings used for current scholarships or grants.

An individual may receive a 40 percent tax credit for contributions of $5,000 or more. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to 3 years.

As an example, an individual in the 35% federal tax bracket making a $5,000 contribution to the Foundation could receive a federal tax deduction of $1,750 and a North Dakota State Income Tax Credit of $2,000. The net cost of the donation would be $2,000. (This example is for illustration only and because each individual’s tax situation is different, people should contact a qualified professional for assistance in determining the individual impact of a donation.)


The Anstrom scholarship gave me the ability to pursue the field of science in a totally different realm. It, along with NDU’s support at a local and state level, made it possible for me to get my Master’s of Science, and develop a deeper understanding of science, which I pass on everyday in my classes.

Robert Lukens, 2017 Ron & Ann Anstrom Scholarship for English, Math or Science Instructors recipient

I am so very thankful that North Dakota United helped fund my training in Collaborative Problem Solving. I was able to attend a three-day training at Massachusetts General in Boston, facilitated by Dr. Stuart Ablon.  It was a life-changing experience. I’ve been using this approach with multiple students this year with much success. I hope to become certified so I can train others in the state in the near future.

Peggy Simonson, 2019 Joseph A. Westby Leadership Award recipient

 


The North Dakota United Foundation has allowed me to pursue my master’s degree, and in doing so, given the students at Hatton High School the opportunity to have college-level math courses offered in our building. The NDU Foundation has not only made a huge difference in my life, but also in the lives of my students!

Christopher Strand, 2019 Ron & Ann Anstrom Scholarship for English, Math or Science Instructors recipient