GRAND FORKS – NDAD has announced awards totaling $54,000 to 12 organizations in North Dakota through the Gibbens Memorial Grant, including two Minot nonprofits.

A grant will support Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports’ purchase of an additional sports wheelchair to add to the fleet of existing wheelchairs to provide more sports opportunities for youth and adults in the way of camps, tournaments and open gym settings.

“This contribution will make a meaningful impact, enabling greater access and opportunity for athletes with disabilities to fully participate and thrive in adaptive sports and expand our offerings providing adaptive education and disability awareness. This support not only provides essential equipment but also empowers individuals, builds community, and promotes inclusivity through the power of sport,” said Krystal Butgereit, executive director of Prairie Grit.

Companions for Children, a nonprofit youth mentoring organization serving the Minot area, will receive a grant to support the school-based Lunch Pals program, which matches mentors with students identified by schools as needing extra social or emotional support. It will also support the Lunch Pals+ program, which extends this support to students with disabilities, offering tailored, inclusive mentoring to meet unique needs.

“This funding will help us continue creating positive mentoring experiences for youth who need it most,” said Heather Cymbaluk, executive director of Companions for Children.

Other recipients were Pembina Gorge Foundation, Dakota Center for Independent LIving in Bismarck, University of Mary Department of Physical Therapy in Bismarck, Spread Your Sunshine in Fargo-Moorhead, West Fargo Early Childhood Special Education, Bridging the Gap in Fargo-Moorhead, Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks, Family Voices of North Dakota in Edgeley, House of Everyday Learning in Fargo and Designer Genes of North Dakota in Bismarck.

Grants are awarded bi-annually to organizations to be used for health, welfare, social service or educational purposes for at-risk populations.