Grant opportunity
Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program 2026
North Dakota Commerce is supporting community fly-in events that bring qualified out-of-state candidates to meet employers and experience local life in North Dakota.
- Funder
- North Dakota Department of Commerce
- Applications opened 24 March 2026 and are reviewed until funds are obligated; all events must occur by 30 June 2027
- Applications opened 24 March 2026 and are reviewed until funds are obligated; all events must occur by 30 June 2027: Jun 30, 2027
- Award
- Up to USD 25,000 in matching grant funds per fly-in event; minimum 1:1 match required
- Applicant
- North Dakota-based economic development organizations, incorporated cities, counties, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, regional councils and equivalent tribal entities; state agencies are not eligible.
- Discipline
- Social Sciences, Development and Public Policy
- Region
- United States
- Posted
- Jul 10, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program helps North Dakota communities host fly-in events for qualified candidates identified through the Find The Good Life pipeline, connecting them with employers, housing, schools and community resources.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include North Dakota-based economic development organizations, incorporated cities, counties, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, regional councils and tribal entities equivalent to the listed organizations. State agencies are not eligible.
What it supports
- Community fly-in events for a minimum of five potential movers plus a guest
- Employer engagement in one to three major applicant-community industries
- Candidate travel, lodging, meals, community tours and employer connection activities
- Post-event follow-up with potential movers for up to one year
Funding and duration
- Applicants can access up to USD 25,000 of matching grant funds for eligible expenses for each fly-in event.
- A minimum one-to-one match is required and funds remain open until allocated funds are obligated and spent.
Applications opened 24 March 2026 and are reviewed until funds are obligated; all events must occur by 30 June 2027
Applications opened 24 March 2026 and are reviewed until funds are obligated; all events must occur by 30 June 2027: Jun 30, 2027
How to apply
Submit all application materials through the official online grant portal. The official page notes that portal access can take up to three working days for approval.
Call details
Source-based overview
The North Dakota Department of Commerce states that the Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program responds to the state's workforce recruitment challenge by helping communities bring qualified out-of-state candidates to North Dakota. Fly-in events should showcase real career opportunities and the quality of life in local communities, with applicants responsible for designing itineraries, coordinating employer engagement, arranging travel and lodging, and reporting outcomes.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include North Dakota-based economic development organizations, incorporated cities, counties, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, regional councils and tribal entities equivalent to the listed organizations. State agencies are not eligible.
Funding and benefits
Applicants can access up to USD 25,000 of matching grant funds for eligible expenses for each fly-in event.
A minimum one-to-one match is required and funds remain open until allocated funds are obligated and spent.
Themes and supported activities
Community fly-in events for a minimum of five potential movers plus a guest
Employer engagement in one to three major applicant-community industries
Candidate travel, lodging, meals, community tours and employer connection activities
Post-event follow-up with potential movers for up to one year
Deadline and timeline
Applications opened 24 March 2026 and are reviewed until funds are obligated; all events must occur by 30 June 2027: Applications opened 24 March 2026 and are reviewed until funds are obligated; all events must occur by 30 June 2027: Jun 30, 2027.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Submit all application materials through the official online grant portal. The official page notes that portal access can take up to three working days for approval.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.