Basin Electric / MDU / Otter Tail Charitable Giving
Eligibility
K-12 schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in North Dakota. Basin Electric serves rural electric cooperative members statewide. MDU Resources serves natural gas and electric customers in ND. Otter Tail serves eastern ND. Check each company's service area for eligibility.
Program Goals
North Dakota's major energy companies support STEM education, energy literacy, workforce development, and community programs. Technology, science, and engineering programs at local schools are a priority — particularly those with energy or environmental connections.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Each company has its own application process. Visit basinelectric.com/community, mdu.com/community, and ottertail.com for current application guidelines. Applications are typically rolling throughout the year.
Cycle Notes
Rolling — no fixed annual deadline for most programs. Check each company portal for current priorities and application windows.
Grant Award Amount
Award amounts vary by company, program, and project scope. Contact each company's community affairs office for current award ranges.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies serve North Dakota?
Basin Electric Power Cooperative (statewide rural), MDU Resources (central/western ND), and Otter Tail Corporation (eastern ND) are the primary funders.
Can a rural school apply to Basin Electric?
Yes — Basin Electric serves rural electric cooperative members across ND. Most rural ND schools are in Basin Electric service territory.
What types of programs do energy companies fund?
STEM education, energy literacy, workforce development, and community programs. Projects with energy or environmental themes are especially strong.
When should I apply?
Rolling — contact each company's community affairs team to understand current priorities and review timelines.
How can Forward Education help?
Our Smart Solar Energy Kit is a natural fit for energy company education giving. We can help frame the program as an energy literacy investment.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — North Dakota standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
