The City of Bismarck, in conjunction with the Downtown Bismarck Community Foundation 501c3 and the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary, announced a second public “Call for Projects” to allow citizens to pitch ideas to city leaders.
Community members, partners, and students are encouraged to submit proposals that improve and stimulate Bismarck community development, economic development, talent recruitment and retention and quality of life for residents and visitors.
The City of Bismarck launched the first “Call for Projects” in 2019, with 10 submissions making it to the city commission for consideration. Many of those 10 projects have been completed or are in process.
The 2025 “Call for Projects” will be managed through the city’s economic development partners to collect, evaluate, and present the applications to the City Commission. The application window will be open for approximately 6 weeks, planned to be completed before the city starts their budget process. Evaluation criteria include:
- Alignment with Community Needs
- Entrepreneurial Engagement
- Sustainability
- Scalability
- Measurable Impact
- Community Involvement
- Resource Availability
- Innovation and Creativity
- Accessibility
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Partnerships and Collaboration.
The City of Bismarck would not be required to provide any funding for projects, and will decide on a case by case basis if the projects meet the current and future goals or needs of the city and what staff involvement, if any, the city chooses. $25,000 may be identified from the Vision Fund as a potential funding source if projects meet the Vision Fund criteria, or Special Projects Funds. Projects may not receive ongoing funding.
To apply, visit the form online. Questions about the application process should be directed through the application webpage. Questions will be directed to the economic development partners.