Growth
Building a stronger future for Sheyenne by expanding housing, supporting businesses, and creating new opportunities.
Renewal
Revitalizing homes, buildings, and Main Street spaces so Sheyenne remains livable, welcoming, and full of life.
Imagination
Thinking creatively and entrepreneurially to solve rural challenges with locally driven ideas and flexible solutions.
Teamwork
Bringing neighbors, volunteers, partners, and local leaders together to turn shared goals into real progress.
Overcoming the Odds
Growth
Like many rural towns, Sheyenne faces challenges that limit growth. Poverty levels remain high in surrounding counties, and the community qualifies as a food desert due to being ten miles from the nearest grocery store. An aging population, limited healthcare access, and almost no childcare options have added to the strain. A 2025 childcare survey showed that most parents rely on extended family or stay home themselves, which affects employment and local workforce availability.
The closest hospital with maternity care is 45 minutes away, and emergency care is 30 minutes away. These barriers highlight the importance of creating stability and opportunity within the town itself.
The Work of Sheyenne GRIT
Sheyenne GRIT was created by residents who wanted to reverse decline and build a stronger future. Six local women serve on the board, supported by dozens of volunteers across the country. GRIT focuses on housing, business development, events, marketing, childcare and playgrounds, and Main Street improvements. Since 2022, the group has secured 12 grants totaling $594,100 and was honored with the 2024 Smart, Efficient Infrastructure Award at the Governor’s Main Street Summit.
50% Increase in Business on Main Street
Since 2023
Results
Major Projects
GRIT’s work has created visible change throughout Sheyenne. Highlights include:
-
Renovating two Project Houses, with the first selling for a profit that cycled back into community investment
-
Completing four tear-downs and improving multiple apartment units
-
Planting 76 trees and removing hazardous stumps and old growth
-
Restoring Main Street buildings through the Rural Slum and Blight Removal Grant
-
Supporting the Stone Pit BBQ rebuild through grants and donations
-
Partnering with other community groups to secure additional funding for the Sheyenne Rodeo Club stage and other local assets
These projects have improved housing availability, increased business activity, and built momentum for continued growth.
Economic Impact
A significant portion of grant dollars stays local. Projects pay local carpenters, tree service workers, hardware stores, and lumberyards. Construction crews eat at local restaurants and contribute to the economy during each project. In 2025, the remodel of the Main Street apartment and storefront was 93 percent local spending.
GRIT’s work has affected one third of Main Street’s commercial buildings and helped increase the number of operating businesses by 50 percent since 2023. The restored Sinclair Station and updated apartment building have drawn more visitors to town, boosting nearby businesses like Buckin Brews and Prairie Gates Farmstand.
Volunteer Power and Sustainability
Sheyenne relies on volunteers, and GRIT works to prevent burnout by ensuring duties are shared. A community-owned finance tool now provides long-term sustainability by creating a cycle where housing projects return funds that support future improvements. This builds wealth for the town through strengthened tax base, local spending, and new families moving in.
The Sheyenne GRIT Way
Identify the Community's Problem
Advance Local Solutions
Recruit Volunteers in the Community
Spend Project Money Locally
Execute Sustainable Solutions
Demonstrate Replicable Models for All Rural Communities
Project Gallery
Sheyenne GRIT's Growth
Contact Us
Looking to Help or for More Information?
In Partnership with Strengthen ND
