A Look at the Dakota Medical Foundation’s Approach to Health Funding
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Since 1962, the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) has been leading initiatives to create a healthier North Dakota while empowering people to be more generous and purpose-driven. It is a collaborative funder for health-related entities, charities and communities that takes a broad approach. Beyond traditional health and well-being grants, DMF provides training, resources, partnership opportunities and meeting space for local groups.
Here’s an overview of the Dakota Medical Foundation’s giving to guide local grantseekers in North Dakota and western Minnesota.
A well-established health legacy funder
The history of DMF dates back to the early 1960s, when a new hospital was built on the growing south side of Fargo, North Dakota and gained tax-exempt status. The hospital was later sold to a for-profit organization, and the $94 million in proceeds formed the basis for DMF’s endowment, with a mission to improve health in the region. Since then, the foundation has invested over $100 million to benefit approximately 500 regional nonprofits.
Current foundation initiatives
DMF has created various initiatives with its community partners, including Giving Hearts Day, a give-a-thon day in February that raises money for heart health charities. DMF partnered with the Alex Stern Family Foundation to launch the Impact Foundation in 2004 to improve the capacity of local nonprofits. The Impact Foundation is the training arm of Giving Hearts Day and helps nonprofit leaders grow through coaching, networking and other resources.
Meanwhile, Lend a Hand Up is a DMF initiative focused on helping people raise money for friends and neighbors experiencing medical crises. DMF is also involved with educating the public about child sexual abuse prevention, conducting surveys to learn about the region’s most pressing health concerns, and establishing charitable funds for individuals and families to get local residents involved in philanthropy. Beyond standard medical care, DMF also promotes dental care for people who can’t afford it and vision care for children.
Getting in touch
Although DMF is transparent about its partnerships, interests and involvement in the community, it does not provide a straightforward way for grantseekers to apply for a grant. No grant application forms are provided on the funder’s website, nor are there lists of funding guidelines or recent grantees.
The best way to contact this foundation is via an online contact form through the funder’s website. The foundation team is also typically available via phone, mail, and in-person weekday visits from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nonprofits can also subscribe to the DMF newsletter to be informed about upcoming opportunities as they arise. Since DMF takes such an open-minded approach to supporting health at the regional level, an introductory call or email may be worth it.
In IP's North Dakota grantmaking guide, you can read more about other funders focusing on North Dakota’s needs.
