Play It Forward Fund

About the Fund

The Play It Forward Fund is made possible through the charitable gaming revenues generated at select Bowman County businesses. For years, BCDC has dedicated these charitable gaming revenues to benefit Bowman County. This grant serves as a way for the community to be a part of making a positive impact in Bowman County in addition to the continued support of BCDC’s initiatives.

This grant is designed to support projects and ideas that enhance the quality of life in Bowman County and reinvest funds back into the community.

As gaming revenues continually fluctuate, the amount to be awarded will be determined annually based on current charitable gaming revenues.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants include:

• Charities
• Non-Profits
• Community Organizations
• Businesses with Community-Focused Projects
• Individuals or groups with innovative ideas that benefit any part of the community

Non-eligible applicants include:

• Applications for regular business operations or personal gain
• Operations without a clear project plan
• Projects that do not primarily benefit Bowman County

Grant Cycles & Terms

Spring Cycle

• Applications open in April
• Announcement of award in June

Fall Cycle

• Applications open in October
• Announcement of award in December

Terms

• Grant Awards: $100 – $10,000+
• Total Funding Available: $50,000 per cycle
• Any business, organization, non profit, etc. may apply for both grant cycles
• Any business, organization, non profit, etc. can submit multiple applications per grant cycle

Note: Timeline subject to modification.

Spring 2026 Awardees

• Bowman County Fair Association – $5,000 for a movable shade structure that can be used during fairgrounds activities and other community events.
• Ace High 4-H Club – $2,000 for a backdrop banner to support youth programming, events, and activities.
• City of Scranton – $6,000 for a digital sign to improve communication and public information sharing with residents and visitors.
• The Giving Tree – $2,500 for a signage mural to improve visibility and awareness of the services it provides to individuals and families in need.
• Bowman Gun Club – $5,000 for shooting targets to support safe recreational and educational use.
• Bowman Library – $9,000 for new carpet, improving a public space used by residents of all ages.
• Hope & Healing – $800 for riding helmets to support participant safety in its equine-assisted programming.
• Scranton School – $6,000 for virtual career technology to expand student access to career exploration and learning opportunities.
• Community Cupboard – $10,000 for a storage building to support food access and community assistance efforts.
• Southwest Healthcare Services – $10,000 to remodel a therapy kitchen used by patients during rehabilitation, helping them practice daily living skills in a safe, functional setting as part of their therapy care.
• South Main Lanes – $1,480 to support youth bowling scholarships and help reduce participation costs for local youth in a community-focused bowling program.
• Bowman County 4-H Council – $3,840 for youth program supplies that support hands-on learning, leadership, and youth development.
• Dakota Territory Car Club – $3,380 for stage and production support for the annual car show, a community event that brings residents and visitors together.
• Bowman Parks and Recreation – $10,000 for benches and picnic tables at the Kiddie Park on the west side of Bowman, improving the park for families and community members.

Winter 2025 Awardees

• Bowman Parks and Recreation – $9,400 to replace basketball uniforms and football game-day jerseys, supporting youth athletics and recreation opportunities throughout the county.
• Bowman County Fair Association – $5,000 to restore concrete floors in the 4 Seasons Facility, a well-used venue for community events, meetings, and celebrations.
• Bowman Fire Department – $10,000 to replace outdated turnout gear, improving safety for volunteer firefighters and strengthening emergency response capabilities.
• Bowman Ambulance Services – $2,785 to purchase supplies for free, hands-on safety and preparedness classes for youth and families.
• Bowman County Booster Club – $10,000 to replace aging scoreboards at the school gymnasium and football field/track, enhancing the experience for students, families, and spectators.
• Sweetwater Golf Club – $3,000 for community golf clubs and push carts to support instructional programming and expand access to recreational opportunities.
• Kruger’s Kitchen – $3,765 to install a Free Food Pantry in Rhame, increasing access to food for community members in need.
• Council on Aging – $6,050 to support the Mom’s Meals program, providing ready-to-eat meals for shut-ins and senior citizens throughout Bowman County.

Spring 2025 Awardees

• All Seasons Arena – $6,000 to upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting in the indoor arena, a facility that is used regularly by many community members along with bringing in hundreds of visitors to our community annually.
• Tot Lot Childcare – $5,000 to install durable, easy-to-clean flooring, improving health and safety for children and staff.
• Dakota Territory Car Club – $2,000 to support their Annual Car Show, an event that draws both residents and visitors for a day of entertainment while showcasing our community.
• Bowman Fire Department – $10,000 to replace outdated gear, helping ensure the safety of local volunteer firefighters and maintain effective emergency responsibility capabilities.
• The Giving Tree – $2,500 to replace the windows and a door to their facility, which serves as a resource center aiding those in need with a wide variety of services.
• Bowman Regional Public Library – $4,500 towards the Messtival Festival, a creative and inclusive event for children of all ages.
• Meowsers Cat Rescue – $5,000 to support the construction of a new brick-and-mortar animal shelter facility, where its volunteers can continue to care for rescued animals.
• Sodbusters Club of Bowman – $9,000 for new carpet in their meeting room and kitchen, improving the space where seniors gather for meals, meetings, cards, and more.
• Bowman Parks and Recreation – $3,000 to host a summer dance camp for local youth, encouraging creativity and physical activity.
• Southwest Healthcare Services – $3,000 toward the purchase of a new ambulance to enhance emergency services in our rural community.

Winter 2024 Awardees

• Bowman American Legion Post 48 received $900 for supporting local veterans. The Post will use the funding for new uniforms, as well as crosses and flags at the cemetery, ensuring respect and honor for those who served.
• Rhame American Legion Post 188 received $10,000 to modernize the HVAC system at Rhame Legion Hall, a vital community space for members, events, and social gatherings.
• Bowman County Fair Association received $9,000 to create a new arch sign over the fairground entrance, enhancing a the venue for community events and visitors.
• Phoenix Therapy received $3,900 for a Girls Circle Group Program, fostering self-esteem and connection among young girls by creating a safe, supportive environment.
• Bowman County School District received $9,000 for adding new equipment at the elementary playground, enriching the recreational experiences for Bowman County’s elementary students.
• Bowman Slope Council on Aging received $7,200 to help defray costs for meal delivery to seniors and shut-ins, ensuring they have access to meals and vital social support.
• Veteran’s Service Office received $10,000 to enhance the Veteran’s Wall with additional plaques, banners, benches, planters, and a Gold Star Family plaque, enhancing a space of remembrance and honor for service members and their families.