Grantmaking FAQs
Get answers to our prospective grantees’ most frequently asked questions.
What is the Otto Bremer Trust’s grantmaking approach?
The Otto Bremer Trust’s grantmaking model uses a two-pronged approach:
1. Strategic grants. A new process replaced the open application process. Strategic grants are now awarded to selected organizations and activities that align with the Otto Bremer Trust’s objectives and have demonstrated an impact that will be sustained and enhanced through further investments from OBT.
OBT leverages internal knowledge, our robust funding history, engagement with external stakeholders including our intermediary partners, and research to identify strategic grant recipients.
2. Community Responsive Fund grants through intermediaries. Community Responsive Fund grants leverage the intermediary partners’ expertise and local insights to extend the reach of OBT’s objectives. These grants are provided to organizations, projects, and services that will have the most significant impact and are most needed in their local communities and regions. The intermediaries regrant from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund to support OBT’s priorities. These intermediaries will regrant from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund in areas aligned with OBT and approved by the trustees. See the 2025 Community Responsive Fund.
Does the Otto Bremer Trust still accept grant applications?
OBT no longer accepts direct grant applications.
How does OBT identify prospective grantees for strategic grants?
OBT’s trustees elevate focus areas for staff to help identify, research, and assess prospective organizations and activities for funding. Staff contacts the identified organizations for further exploration and consideration.
Can we meet with OBT staff to discuss whether our organization might be considered for a strategic grant?
No. Since all information available to the public is included in these FAQs and on Our Grantmaking, we will preserve our staff’s time for their research, due diligence, and analysis work.
If my organization has received OBT funding in the past, will we be considered for funding?
Our current and past applicants and grant and PRI recipients are included in our research process. We will contact organizations we identify as candidates for strategic grants.
Who are your intermediary partners, and how can I contact one to apply for a Community Responsive Fund grant?
See the 2025 Community Responsive Fund for a list of our intermediaries. Each has its own grantmaking process.