Otto Bremer Trust
/OVERVIEW: The Otto Bremer Trust broadly supports programs that contribute to the increased health, safety and well-being of the people in Bremer’s community and region.
IP TAKE: Bremer has an open application process and welcomes both large and small organizations, but its geographical scope is strictly limited to the Upper Midwest. Beyond this geographic limitation, it is an accessible funder that enjoys working closely with its grantees.
PROFILE: The Otto Bremer Trust (formerly known as the Otto Bremer Foundation), was founded in 1944 by Otto Bremer, who came to the US from Germany in 1886 and rose to the position of chairman of the American National Bank. Based in Minnesota, the trust’s stated mission is to address the “challenges and opportunities found throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin.” Bremer divides its investing among organizations that provide “social return,” “financial return,” and “hybrid return”--that is, “organizations that successfully contribute to both the financial and social capital within a community.” Bremer’s Social Return grantmaking falls into four main focus areas: Basic Needs, Community Asset Building, Health and Wellbeing, and Restorative and Emergency Services.
Grants for Work and Opportunity
The Otto Bremer Trust’s Community Asset Building grants support a wide range of community development projects, such as “small business development, diversity initiatives, community planning and infrastructure, long-term housing programs, transportation, literacy, and adult education.” Its Health and Wellbeing focus area also entertains proposals for “youth support and enrichment” and “post-secondary education and job skills.” Past grantees include the African-American Leadership Forum, Cass County Economic Development Corporation, and the Ability Building Center.
Grants for Housing and Community Development
The Otto Bremer Trust’s Basic Needs grants may fund “short-term assistance through food shelves and outreach programs,” as well as “transitional housing programs, and homeless shelters.” Restorative and Emergency Services grants support disaster response and “domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and recovery.” Community Asset Building grants, meanwhile, support a wide range of community development projects, such as “small business development, diversity initiatives, community planning and infrastructure, long-term housing programs, transportation, literacy, and adult education.” Grantees include 180 Degrees, Accessible Space Inc., Advocacy and Inclusion Matter of West Central Minnesota, African American Leadership Forum, and Alexandria Opportunities Center.
Grants for Public Health
The Otto Bremer Trust’s Health and Well Being grants primarily serve underserved rural and urban communities by supporting access to quality medical services, as well as early education, parenting, recreation, and youth enrichment programs, as well as “physical and mental health services” and “wellness programs for families and the elderly.” Bremer also operates emergency services and disaster response initiatives through its Restorative and Emergency Services program area. Grantees for public health in these areas include 180 degrees, A Place for Hope: Recovery and Wellness Center, A Place to Belong, ABC for Rural Health, and Accessibility.
Grants for Humanitarian Relief
The Otto Bremer Trust’s Restorative and Emergency Services grants support a wide range of services for “individuals and families facing disruptive forces in life,” including not only natural disasters, but domestic violence, sexual assault, fire, medical emergency, or economic hardship. Grantees for disaster relief in this category include American Red Cross, Ashby Fire Department, Boyce County Ambulance District, and Brandon Fire and Rescue.
Grants for Criminal Justice and Violence Prevention
The Otto Bremer Trust’s Restorative and Emergency Services grantmaking supports prevention and recovery programs that address domestic violence and sexual assault, including programs that “help people navigate the judicial and legal system.” Grantees for violence prevention in this category include Abuse Resource Network, Abused Adult Resource Center, Advocates Against Domestic Abuse, Alexandra House, and Anishinabe Legal Services.
Important Grant Details:
The Otto Bremer Trust’s grants generally range from $20,000 to $100,000. Grantseekers may peruse the foundation’s Grants Database for more information on the organizations it supports. Note that Bremer exclusively funds organizations operating in the Upper Midwest—namely, Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin.
Bremer accepts applications online in four grant cycles per year, with deadlines generally falling in January, April, June and October. Detailed information about eligibility and guidelines is available at the trust’s grantseekers page
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