Who’s Making a Difference? Northwest North Dakota Nonprofit Awards Seek Nominations

If you’ve ever looked around northwest North Dakota and thought, “Wow, there are some seriously good humans around here,” you’re not wrong—and now there’s a brand-new way to celebrate them in style.

Nominations are officially open for the 1st Annual Northwest North Dakota Nonprofit Awards Night, an exciting new event created to recognize the nonprofits, volunteers, and community leaders who help our region thrive. This celebration is a partnership between Williston Community Builders and the Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation, two organizations deeply invested in strengthening communities across Williams, McKenzie, Mountrail, and Divide Counties.

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Honoring the Everyday Heroes Powering Northwest North Dakota

The mission is simple: shine a spotlight on the people and organizations doing the important work every single day. We’re talking about the volunteers who show up even when the wind chill is questionable, the nonprofits that somehow make miracles happen on tight budgets, and the leaders who juggle countless responsibilities while still asking, “What else can we do?” These are the folks who make northwest North Dakota not just a place to live—but a place to belong.

Read More: North Dakota’s Dating Scene Ranked Near the Bottom—But There’s Still Hope

Nominate Now and Get Ready to Celebrate Local Impact

Award categories range from Nonprofit of the Year to Volunteer of the Year, with additional honors recognizing leadership, innovation, and rural impact. Whether someone is leading a large organization or quietly making a difference behind the scenes, there’s a category that fits. Detailed descriptions of each award are available in the official information packet to help nominators match the right people with the right recognition.

Nominations are open now through 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2026, so there’s time—but don’t procrastinate like it’s a group project you forgot about. The celebration itself will take place on April 1, 2026, at the elegant Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center. This is a 21-and-older event, making it a perfect night to relax, connect, and celebrate the best of our communities.

Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Expect an evening filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt applause, and maybe even a few happy tears. Online ticket sales begin March 12, 2026, and this is one banquet you’ll want on your calendar.

Take a few minutes to nominate someone who makes a difference and help us celebrate the incredible work happening across northwest North Dakota. Big impact deserves a big night—and this one is going to be special. You can nominate a person or organization right here.