The Williston City Commission has approved a recommendation by the Williston STAR Fund Advisory Board to increase its annual Community Enhancement (CE) allocation from $50,000 to $70,000 in 2024. The approval was made during the commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan.23. The request was made due to an influx of CE applications this year.
The Williston STAR Fund Advisory Board reviewed and scored a record 53 CE applications on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The request for funds totaled $279,200. The board approved funding in the amount of $70,000 for 39 projects.
The CE program is an important part of the Williston STAR Fund. The program helps fund nonprofit groups and projects that improve the quality of life in the Williston trade region. Williston Mayor Howard Klug said the 2024 projects included some key mental health programs.
“We had a record number of applicants. Good applicants,” said Klug. “One of the things we noticed this year was the number of projects geared to providing mental health services and we wanted these organizations to become established and sustainable so they can do some good in our community.”
One of those programs was the ConnectUs Foundation’s “Not Today” project. The youth suicide prevention event received $5,000.
According to the ConnectUs Foundation application, the “Not Today” event has been held for the past five years. The event aims to raise awareness and provide protective information to help support youth suicide prevention during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The event is held every September at Williston High School for students and anyone else who wants to participate.
The 2024 CE applications were far-reaching, including athletic programs, health care initiatives, tourism projects, and more. Projects were funded across the region, including in Ray, Watford City, and Crosby.
City of Williston Administrator, Shawn Wenko, said the program helps improve the quality of life in the area.
“The Community Enhancement program is a way for the City of Williston to support quality of life projects throughout the region,” Wenko said. “For the regional applicants that applied and were approved. It is our way of saying thank you for your support and for shopping in Williston and contributing to the STAR Fund.”
The following organizations and projects received 2024 CE grants:
• Bethel Lutheran Foundation $3,000
• BIO Girls Williston $2,500
• Blast In The Badlands Gymnastics Meet $1,000
• ConnectUs Foundation $5,000
• Coyote Clay Target League $2,000
• Coyote Wrestling Club $5,000
• Crosby Country Club $1,000
• Davidson Park Tennis Court Enhancement $3,000
• Family Voices of North Dakota $1,000
• Feed My Starving Children-Watford Mobile Pack $500
• Fort Buford Sixth Infantry Regimental Association $1,000
• Good Samaritan Club $5,000
• HER Inspiration Resource Center Inc. $500
• Highland Cemetery Association $1,000
• Korner Lions Club $500
Marketplace for Kids $1,000
McKenzie Co. Healthcare-Horizon Assisted Living $1,000
• McKenzie Co. Heritage Association $2,000
• MonDak Gymnastics Support Group $1,000
• Northern Lights Council-Boy Scouts of America $1,000
• Northern Plains Youth for Christ $1,000
• Olive Motherhood Foundation $3,000
• Opportunity Foundation-2nd Annual Street Dance $500
• Ray Golf Association $2,500
• Savage Community Hall $3,000
• Square Your Actions $1,000
• Sunset Park District PreK Enhancement $1,000
Teen & Miss Williston Local Competition $1,000
The Bakken Classic Junior Livestock Show $1,000
• The Harmonic Williston Initiative/Harmonic Creative World $500
• The Stone Foundation (Milestone Health Partners) $5,000
• The Stray Sanctuary $1,000
• Veterans and Friends of the Old Armory $1,000
• Watford City Park District $1,000
• Western Star Foundation-Brew Your Business $3,500
• Williston Band Boosters WHS/WMS $500
• Williston Basin Skating Club $4,000
• Williston Sea Lions-Training Camp $500
• Williston Trinity Christian School $1,000
Total 2024 Community Enhancement Allocation $70,000
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For more information, visit http://www.willistondevelopment.com, call 701.577.8110, or stop by 113 4th St. E., Downtown Williston.
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