BISMARCK – North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced three new grant opportunities for rural communities. The grant opportunities include a Zero Hour Physical Education initiative, community gardens projects and community-based walking programs.

Grant applications will be accepted through May 22 at 5 p.m.

Through its Rural Health Transformation Program, HHS is investing in creating new access points to care, modernizing how care is delivered and empowering local organizations to meet the unique needs of their communities. Additional funding opportunities for health care, school and community-based organizations will roll out in coming weeks.

“It’s time to break habits such as isolation and excessive screen time with healthier alternatives that ultimately decrease the burden on our health care system,” said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. “The RHTP funding opportunity is unique in that it allows us to address not only the delivery of health care in rural North Dakota, but also to support community- and school-based efforts to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of our residents.”

The Zero-Hour Physical Education Initiative grants are open to rural schools and will focus on improving middle and high school students’ health and academic outcomes by providing physical activity opportunities before the start of the school day. Research shows early-morning physical activity can enhance academic performance, brain function, strength and endurance. Classes are typically 30 to 45 minutes in length. Federal funding of about $700,000 is available in the first year, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $70,000 each.

State School Superintendent Levi Bachmeier said this initiative aligns with broader wellness-oriented efforts to support student academic success through home and school-based strategies.

“As a track and field coach, I know the importance of purposeful movement, quality diet, adequate sleep and screen time management cannot be overstated for all North Dakota’s students,” Bachmeier said. “It is not just important for athletes; it is essential for all young people.”

The Community Gardens Project provides grants to rural schools, civic groups, municipalities, health care facilities, parks and recreation entities, public health units and non-profit organizations. It supports community garden initiatives that bring people together to plant and grow food.

Expected outcomes include improved health and nutrition through increased access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, enhanced physical and mental well-being and stronger community connections through volunteerism. About $300,000 in federal funding is available in year one, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 each.

Community-Based Walking Programs offers grants to rural civic groups, municipalities, health care facilities, parks and recreation entities, public health units and non-profit organizations. Research published in The Lancet shows that walking 7,000 steps daily is associated with a 47% lower risk of death, and community-based walking programs can improve health and well-being, expand social connections, increase community engagement and boost community pride.

Grant program components include strong leadership to oversee activities, a communications campaign to recruit participants and efforts to celebrate individual and collective achievements. About $2.6 million in federal funding is available in year one, with awards ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 each.

Application information is available from HHS.