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Our Mission
The mission of North Dakota Petroleum Foundation is to provide and support education and outreach opportunities related to the petroleum industry, develop and advance quality of life initiatives, promote and enhance the conservation heritage of North Dakota, and advocate for the industry and its communities to ensure their voice is heard and respected.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation was founded by the North Dakota Petroleum Council in 2018 to support our state and the communities in which we operate. Through outreach programs, scholarships and educational opportunities, and environmental stewardship programs, we strive to help our neighbors make our communities better places to live, work, and raise a family.
The Foundation is supported by revenues from the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, as well as donations from the North Dakota Petroleum Council, the Foundation’s Board of Directors, industry companies and employees, grants from the Oil and Gas Research Council and Outdoor Heritage Fund, and others.
What We Do
education
We provide academic resources about the oil and gas industry for both teachers and students, and fund scholarships for students seeking a lucrative career in the industry.
OUTREACH
We foster opportunities for industry, landowners, state, local and tribal leaders, and others to connect and work together to build stronger communities.
STEWARDSHIP
Highlight industry best practices and engage in partnerships to preserve, conserve, and restore natural resources.
INDUSTRY AWARENESS
We encourage a better public understanding of the industry, the technologies and innovation that drive it, and the benefits it provides to our economy, society, and future generations.
Our Vision
Our vision at the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation is deeply rooted in our unwavering dedication to North Dakota, our country, industry, and our communities. Guided by our commitment to responsible development, we envision a future where the oil and gas industry fuels both progress and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Our Values
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
We are steadfast in our dedication to being the foremost source of educational resources for the oil and gas industry. We foster learning, understanding, and expertise to empower individuals and shape a knowledgeable workforce that will drive our state’s growth.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
As a frontrunner in community outreach for the oil and gas industry, we build bridges that unite our industry partners and the communities we serve. By fostering meaningful relationships and shared goals, we actively contribute to the betterment of every community we touch.
WORKFORCE EMPOWERMENT
We take pride in promoting careers within the oil and gas industry, attracting diverse talents and expanding the workforce. By nurturing opportunities and cultivating a thriving environment, we pave the way for individuals to realize their potential and for our industry to flourish.
ADVOCACY AND UNITY
We amplify the voices of industry as well as oil and gas communities, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and understood. We cultivate partnerships that foster constructive collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared benefits, driving positive change and development.
POSITIVE INDUSTRY VOICE
We proudly serve as the leading voice that highlights the positive contributions of the oil and gas industry to North Dakota’s people. Through transparency and unwavering integrity, we highlight how responsible energy practices uplift our state’s economy and quality of life.
STEWARDSHIP
We embrace responsible practices, innovation, and conservation to safeguard North Dakota’s natural resources for generations to come.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH PHILANTHROPY
We aspire to be a driving force that channels industry resources into impactful philanthropy. Through targeted initiatives for conservation, education, and quality of life, we create a legacy of positive change within North Dakota’s communities.
Board of Directors & Leadership
Josh Demorrett
Chair
Jeff Herman
Secretary-Treasurer
Kevin Kelly
Kate Klossner
MARATHON PETROLEUM
Whitney Stephenson
GRAYSON MILL ENERGY
Heather Steffes
Zac Weis
Ron Ness
CEO
Tessa Sandstrom
Executive Director
Our Story
Beginning in 1978 with the creation of its Teacher Education Seminar, the North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) has continually designed and developed its various outreach programs in pursuit of its mission. Those outreach programs have been exponentially expanded in the last 10 years to include such educational opportunities as the Energy of North Dakota Teacher Education Seminar, Energy Career Awareness Partnership, and scholarships to those seeking petroleum-related degrees.
At the dawn of the “Bakken Boom” in 2008, the NDPC started the Bakken Rocks CookFests to bring communities and industry together to learn more from one another in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Since then, its community engagement activities have evolved to include the Battle of the Bakken Blood Drive, Fueling Fun Toy Drive, and the Code for the Road initiative.
Beginning in 2012, the NDPC initiated environmental stewardship programs with the creation of Pick Up the Patch!, an award-winning program that brought communities and industry together to keep communities and roadways litter-free. Since then, its stewardship programs have grown to include the Bakken Classic Fishing Derby, a charitable fishing tournament that raises funds for habitat and wildlife projects, and the Planting for the Future program dedicated to providing funding and assistance in creating habitat through large-scale tree plantings in cooperation with landowners.
As the NDPC’s philanthropic efforts continued to expand, the idea for the Foundation was born. The Foundation will be committed to continuing these programs and engaging industry and communities to further enhance North Dakota’s educational opportunities and quality of life.
trees planted
Through Planting for the Future, we’ve committed to building habitat for future generations by planting more than 118,000 trees in North Dakota since 2018.
dollars donated
We’ve donated more than $80,000 to the Mule Deer Foundation, Pheasants Forever, On The Water, and other organizations promoting habitat and access to the outdoors.
in scholarships
Through the Al Golden Scholarship, we’ve given more than $120,000 in scholarships to students pursuing an education and career in energy-related fields.
volunteers
More than 10,000 industry employees have given their time to pick up litter, speak to students, plant trees, and more to make our communities better places to live.
Supporting Partners
The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation's programs and initiatives are made possible by annual support and donations from sponsors and partners.
BENEFACTOR
$15,000+BENEFACTOR
$15,000+HERO
$10,000 - $14,999HERO
$10,000 - $14,999HERO
$10,000 - $14,999HERO
$10,000 - $14,999
HERO
$10,000 - $14,999HERO
$10,000 - $14,999CHAMPION
$5,000 - $9,999INVESTOR
Up to $5,000INVESTOR
Up to $5,000INVESTOR
Up to $5,000
INVESTOR
Up to $5,000INVESTOR
Up to $5,000INVESTOR
Up to $5,000INVESTOR
Up to $5,000INVESTOR
Up to $5,0002024 PREMIER PARTNERS
Our events and efforts aren't possible without the support of our members. Thanks to all our Premier Partners for their sponsorship! Learn more about becoming a Premier Partner here.Â
