The Bremer Emergency Fund was a joint response by the Otto Bremer Foundation and the Bremer Banks to the current economic challenges. In January 2009 the Fund provided 81 grants totaling $4.2 million to enable community organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin to provide emergency financial assistance to families and individuals struggling to provide basics such as food, warm and stable housing, health care, and reliable transportation.

The Foundation and the Banks created the Bremer Emergency Fund because we recognized that timely financial assistance can sometimes make the difference between instability and security, enabling families and individuals to meet emergency needs and retain housing or jobs. Then, once people are able to meet their basic needs and avert a crisis, they are in a better position to access community programs that can help them achieve long-term economic stability.

The Bremer Emergency Fund honors the legacy and vision of Foundation and Bank founder Otto Bremer, who believed that people could survive and flourish if they had help at critical times.

A new Foundation report, The Bremer Emergency Fund: Helping Individuals and Families Navigate Crisis, highlights program progress and lessons.

List of Bremer Emergency Fund grants

News release announcing Emergency Fund recipients

Questions and Answers about the Fund