North Dakota is tackling one of its toughest workforce challenges head-on with the Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program. Administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Workforce Development Division, the program offers eligible communities up to $25,000 in matching grant funding to host fly-in events that introduce qualified out-of-state job seekers to local career opportunities — and to the quality of life that comes with them.
Instead of relying only on traditional recruitment channels, the program lets communities bring prospective workers to North Dakota to see it for themselves: meeting employers, touring neighborhoods, exploring local amenities, and getting a real feel for why the state has become an attractive place to build a career and a life.
Applications are open now, with funding awarded on a rolling basis until all available funds are committed.
About the Program
The Fly-In Grant Program was created in response to North Dakota’s persistent labor shortage. The 2025 North Dakota Workforce Ecosystem Assessment found that employers rank a lack of available workers as their top recruitment challenge and despite one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, the state still has more than 16,000 open jobs.
The Department of Commerce recognized that a job posting alone rarely convinces someone to relocate. The Fly-In Program was designed to close that gap by giving prospective employees a firsthand, immersive introduction to North Dakota communities.
Through these events, participants can:
- Meet directly with hiring employers
- Explore available career opportunities
- Tour neighborhoods
- Learn about local schools and housing
- Experience community attractions and amenities
- Build relationships with community members
- Get a genuine sense of everyday life in North Dakota before deciding to relocate
The goal is simple: reduce the uncertainty of relocating while giving employers direct access to motivated, qualified candidates.
Why It Matters
Lifestyle factors play a major role in where people choose to live and work. The 2025 Light cast Talent Attraction Scorecard identifies work-life balance as one of the top considerations for job seekers evaluating new opportunities.
Relocation research also points to recurring concerns for people considering a move, including:
- Finding suitable housing
- Adjusting to a new environment
- Accessing community services
- Building social connections
- Understanding local schools and infrastructure
- Evaluating commutes and neighborhoods
By letting prospective residents experience these things in person before committing, communities can build confidence in the decision to relocate and improve retention once people arrive.
Proven in the Pilot
Before scaling statewide, North Dakota piloted the concept with a Fly-In event in Grand Forks in 2023. Of the seven participants:
- Two relocated to North Dakota, bringing an additional working adult, one child, and one teenager with them
- Two more continued pursuing relocation with their families
- The event generated valuable insight into what participants expect, what activities resonate most, and what information matters most during relocation planning
That pilot’s success laid the groundwork for expanding the program to communities across the state.
Funding Available
- Up to $25,000 in grant funding per approved Fly-In event
- A minimum 1:1 matching contribution is required from the applicant
- Communities may apply for one Fly-In event at a time
- Funding is available until all allocated resources are obligated
Program Objectives
The Fly-In Grant Program is designed to:
- Recruit qualified out-of-state job seekers
- Address workforce shortages across North Dakota
- Strengthen employer recruitment efforts
- Showcase the state’s quality of life
- Encourage permanent relocation
- Build stronger employer-employee relationships
- Increase long-term workforce retention
- Support sustainable economic development
Ultimately, the program is measured on one outcome above all: converting event participants into permanent North Dakota residents.
What a Fly-In Event Must Include
Approved events should combine real employment opportunities with genuine community engagement. At minimum, applicants must include:
- Employer participation from one to three major local industries
- Direct interaction between participants and hiring employers
- Community tours
- Information on housing, schools, and local services
- Recreational and networking activities
- Additional experiences that showcase life in North Dakota
Grantees must also commit to staying in contact with participants for up to one year after the event to track relocation outcomes.
Eligible Expenses & Matching Requirement
Grant funds may be used for approved expenses tied to planning and hosting the Fly-In event, provided they comply with program requirements and the approved grant agreement. Recipients must keep complete financial documentation throughout the project.
Matching contributions equal to the grant amount can include:
- Cash contributions
- Donations
- Discounts
- Approved in-kind contributions
Matching resources should be clearly identified in the proposal.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official online grant portal.
- Portal access approval can take up to three business days — request access well before your intended submission date
- Late access requests will not extend your application timeline
- Proposals must follow the required format outlined in the program guidelines; applications with formatting issues may be returned for correction
How Applications Are Evaluated
The Workforce Development Division reviews applications based on:
- Current community efforts to attract new residents
- Demonstrated recruitment strategies
- Employer participation
- Planned Fly-In activities
- Availability of required matching funds
- Overall program readiness
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
Visit HERE to learn more about Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program 2026
Conclusion
The Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program offers North Dakota communities up to $25,000 in matching grant funding to attract skilled out-of-state professionals through immersive recruitment events. By connecting job seekers with employers and showcasing the state’s quality of life, the program aims to strengthen local workforces and support long-term economic growth. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early, as funding is awarded on a rolling basis until all available funds are committed.
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