On the Ground: Federal Impacts in North Dakota

By: Prairie Action ND Institute, Michael Standaert, ND News Cooperative, April 29, 2025

May 2, 2025

Federal Funding Cuts to University Research Programs:

University of North Dakota: “Those four grants (cut) totaled around $1.4 million and included a $900,000 National Institute of Health (NIH) grant to help introduce undergraduate students to biomedical science fields . . .” “Two grants canceled in cuts to the Centers for Disease Control included one looking at disparities in the treatment of Covid within various populations in the state, and another for a health ambassador program for students at the university. A NIH grant related to breast cancer research was also terminated . . .”

What’s at Risk for Universities & Research in North Dakota

Research Programs in Limbo

Federal funding cuts are already hitting research at UND and NDSU—especially in health, science, and the humanities—stalling and cutting progress on key projects.

Losing the Competitive Edge

Fewer federal resources mean ND is less able to compete for future grants, limiting innovation and discovery in the state.

Disruptions in Critical Fields

UND has reported setbacks in public health, medical research, and the humanities—all reliant on steady federal support.

Local Impact, Long-Term Costs

Cuts may reduce student opportunities and faculty capacity, threatening economic growth and driving talent out of state.

Federal Funding Cuts to the North Dakota State Library:

“Trump administration orders to slash funding across the country have put the future of some programs offered by the State Library of North Dakota at risk. Staffers at the Institute of Museum and Library Services were put on leave in March following executive orders to reduce the size of the agency. Three states . . . all had grant funding terminated. The State Library, which received $1,295,858 from the IMLS in 2024 to help pay for portions of the programs, is currently waiting to see if funding will be disbursed in this fiscal year.”

North Dakota Libraries at Risk

Federal funding cuts threaten:

Library Access Across the State

Every ND resident relies on resources distributed through the State Library system.

Digital Equity

Critical broadband and tech access for rural and underserved communities may disappear.

Lifelong Learning

Literacy programs, research access, and professional development face uncertainty.

Institutional Support

Public, school, and academic libraries could lose vital services provided by the ND State Library.

Source

Michael Standaert, ND News Cooperative, April 29, 2025