Universities push $50 million for Challenge Grant; private colleges ask to join matching program

University presidents, foundation leaders, donors and students told the Senate Appropriations Education and Environment Division they support renewing and expanding North Dakota’s Challenge Grant program, which matches private donations to public college foundations to fund scholarships and other priorities.

“We do support the $50,000,000 toward challenge grant,” North Dakota State University President David Cook told the committee, urging legislative support for the governor’s executive budget proposal.

The hearing featured students describing how matched scholarship funds reduced their debt and enabled internships and study abroad opportunities, foundation leaders who said the program multiplies private gifts and attracts out‑of‑state donors, and testimony that the program has produced measurable fundraising growth across the university…