North Dakota’s Challenge Grant Program Continues to Impact Students

October 16, 2025

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Higher Education Challenge Grant Fund continues to make a powerful impact across the state’s public colleges and universities, unlocking millions in private donations through strategic state matching funds. At a recent quarterly meeting, almost $8 million was approved for distribution among North Dakota University System institutions.

Established during the 2013–15 Legislative Session, the Challenge Grant program was designed to enhance philanthropic support for higher education by offering a 50 percent match on qualifying private gifts. Available to all 11 public institutions within the North Dakota University System, the program has helped fund scholarships, faculty development, infrastructure, and academic programs. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers increased Challenge Grant funding to $24.76 million for the 2025-27 biennium, an increase of 24 percent over the previous biennium.

“The Challenge Grant has been a game-changer for our institutions,” said North Dakota University System Commissioner Brent Sanford. “It empowers donors to amplify their contributions and directly support students, faculty, and innovation on campus.”

To date, the program has generated tens of millions in combined public-private investment. University of North Dakota (UND) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) have leveraged the program to raise more than $50 million each (or more than $100 million combined), supporting hundreds of scholarships and academic initiatives. All NDUS institutions combined have applied almost $200 million in private donations since the Challenge Grant Fund’s inception in 2013.

Wyatt Warkenthien received Challenge Grant funding while at NDSU where he graduated in 2024 with a degree in biotechnology and microbiology. “I co-founded Frontier Bioforge out of the opportunities I received from my support system in North Dakota. When the state champions its students in the form of scholarships, it allows us to focus on developing ideas that can turn into North Dakota-grown companies and encourages young professionals like me to plant roots in the state,” Warkenthien said.

UND Challenge Grant scholarship recipient Ally Kujath graduated this year with a business degree. She said, “I am incredibly grateful to the alumni and friends of UND who fund scholarships for students like me. Knowing that there are individuals who believe in the power of education and are willing to invest in the future of students is truly inspiring. Having the State of North Dakota be a partner in that philanthropy shows me that the entire state is invested in my success.”

Donors can contact any NDUS institution or foundation to find out more information on how to donate. The current biennium’s funding is available until June 30, 2027, or until funds are exhausted.

“The foresight of the North Dakota Legislature in creating this program more than a decade ago has opened doors for countless students. Scholarships supported by the Challenge Grant reduce the financial burden for students and their families, making higher education more accessible. The generosity of the private donors combined with the 50 percent match from the state has built a substantial financial legacy at all of our campuses for awarding scholarships for years to come,” said Sanford.

For more information on how to participate in the Challenge Grant program, visit ndus.edu or contact campus development offices. Information on the Challenge Grant Fund can be found at: NDCC 15-10-48 through 15-10-53 and the ND HE Challenge Grant Rules of Operation and Procedures. The next Challenge Grant Fund meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2025.