Otto Bremer Trust awards 96 grants totaling $7.3 million

SAINT PAUL, April 21, 2022 — The Otto Bremer Trust has awarded $7,304,488 in grants as part of its most recent grantmaking cycle.

“The diversity of grants reflects the broad range of needs facing communities across our four-state region,” said Charlotte Johnson, Co-CEO and Trustee, OBT. “We are gratified to help these organizations provide vital programs and services.”

The Otto Bremer Trust is a bank holding company and a private charitable trust based in Saint Paul, Minn., that works at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is today one of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations and is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. OBT is the majority owner of Bremer Financial Corporation, a regional financial services company; manages a diversified investment portfolio; and operates Community Benefit Financial Company, a financial resources subsidiary. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $908 million in people, places, and opportunities in the Upper Midwest.

A complete list of grants and program-related investments by region and state is included below.

Red River Valley

Abused Persons Outreach Center, Inc., Valley City, ND, $29,000. For general operations to provide trauma-informed services to families and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Afro-American Development Association, Moorhead, MN, $65,000. For general operating support to help marginalized New American families in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

BIO Girls, Inc., Fargo, ND, $60,000. For general operations to expand preventative mental health programming in North Dakota.

Fargo Union Mission, Inc., Fargo, ND, $100,000. For general operations to provide shelter, basic needs, and programming to help move homeless men toward self-sufficiency.

Red River Valley Community Action, Grand Forks, ND, $25,000. To assist low-income individuals pay for home repairs.

Third Street Clinic, Grand Forks, ND, $10,000. For general operations to lower medication costs for low-income, underserved residents of the greater Grand Forks area.

United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Area, Grand Forks, ND, $50,000. For general operations to provide housing assistance, temporary housing, and basic needs for families in the greater Grand Forks area.

Northern Minnesota

Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center, Inc., Park Rapids, MN, $30,000. To increase capacity to support individuals living with disabilities as they pursue meaningful employment.

Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, Inc., Mora, MN, $70,000. To provide assistance to individuals, families, and survivors of domestic violence as they move from homelessness into stable housing in east-central Minnesota.

Servants of Shelter of Koochiching County, International Falls, MN, $30,000. For general operations to provide emergency shelter, housing, and wraparound support to people experiencing homelessness in International Falls, Minnesota.

Central Minnesota

Higher Works Collaborative, Saint Cloud, MN, $20,000. For general operations to holistically advance the lives and lifestyles of the African-American community in St. Cloud.

Initiative Foundation, Little Falls, MN, $100,000. To build organizational capacity by providing training, consulting, and coaching for nonprofit organizations in central Minnesota.

West Central Minnesota Educational Television Company, Inc., Granite Falls, MN, $35,000. To continue development and production of a digital-first public affairs program addressing issues and opportunities in rural western Minnesota.

Twin Cities Metropolitan Area

30,000 Feet, Saint Paul, MN, $55,000. For general operations and capacity building to provide intensive afterschool and tech-based training and workforce development to at-risk youth on the East Side of St. Paul.

All Parks Alliance for Change, Saint Paul, MN, $15,000. For general operations to provide education, training, and technical assistance to stabilize and preserve manufactured home parks in Minnesota

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, Saint Paul, MN, $60,000. For general operations to create and maintain affordable and supportive housing in the Twin Cities.

Bridging Hearts, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $10,000. For general operations to support an online social network and group outings for adults with developmental disabilities.

City of Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, MN, $20,000. To support programs that address disparities and improve outcomes for youth in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park.

Centro de Trabajadores Unidos En Lucha, Minneapolis, MN, $70,000. For general operations to educate and empower low-wage workers of color to know their rights and have a voice in their workplaces and communities.

Christian Recovery Center, Minneapolis, MN, $50,000. For general operations to provide mental health services to low-income individuals in the Twin Cities.

CLUES, Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio, Saint Paul, MN, $75,000. To advance economic equity for low-income Latinos and immigrants through culturally responsive prosperity-building initiatives.

College Possible, Saint Paul, MN, $200,000. To support low-income youth across Minnesota through the college application process and increase college admission rates.

CommonBond Communities, Saint Paul, MN, $125,000. For general operations to provide safe, stable housing and case management services for low-income residents, including individuals, families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities and community members.

Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL), Minneapolis, MN, $40,000. For general operations to improve the quality of life for Latinos through culturally specific, community-based employment training, support, and outreach.

Ecumen, Shoreview, MN, $53,391. To support the behavioral and mental health of Minnesota?s older adults and that of those who provide their care.

Elder Voice Family Advocates, Bloomington, MN, $30,000. For general operations to support and ensure safety for long-term care facility residents, family members, and staff.

Emerge Community Development, Minneapolis, MN, $100,000. For general operations to provide workforce development and wrap-around services for low-income communities in the Twin Cities area.

Esperanza United, Saint Paul, MN, $50,000. For general operations to support sexual violence prevention and intervention within Latin@ communities in Minnesota.

Exodus Financial Services, Saint Paul, MN, $30,000. For general operations to provide interest-free refinancing of payday loans and other predatory debt for Minnesotans.

The Family Partnership, Minneapolis, MN, $75,000. For general operations to provide early childhood education, mental health services, wrap-around support, and anti-sex trafficking services to families in north and south Minneapolis.

Frogtown Neighborhood Association, Saint Paul, MN, $30,000. To provide food distributions and wrap-around support to residents of Frogtown/Rondo neighborhoods of St. Paul.

Goodwill Industries, Inc., Saint Paul, MN, $825,000. To support Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota?s comprehensive Power of Work Campaign to increase employment services and workforce development program access in the Twin Cities and across the state.

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Minneapolis, MN, $70,000. For general operations to end child abuse and neglect and create strong, healthy families.

Guild Incorporated, Saint Paul, MN, $100,000. For general operations to provide mental health, housing, and employment services for those living with serious mental illness or experiencing long-term homelessness.

Hennepin Health Foundation, Minneapolis, MN, $65,000. To provide food resources for underserved patients and portable cribs for families with newborns in the healthcare system.

Intercongregation Communities Association, Hopkins, MN, $70,000. For general operations to provide food, housing assistance, and employment support for people in the western Twin Cities.

Joyce Preschool, Minneapolis, MN, $40,000. For general operations to provide low-income Latinx parents with wraparound support and children with high-quality early childhood development.

Judicare of Anoka County, Inc., Blaine, MN, $50,000. For general operations to provide free legal advice and representation to low-income residents of Anoka County.

Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Minneapolis, MN, $75,000. To address economic disparities by building generational wealth through successful BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) business ownership.

Migizi Communications, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $85,000. For capital support and to support program enrichment for American Indian youth.

Minnesota Diversified Industries, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $45,000. To serve people with disabilities by offering inclusive employment opportunities and services.

Minnesota Jewish Community Center, Saint Paul, MN, $100,000. For general operations for early childhood education, supportive services, cultural arts, and enrichment programs for older adults and persons with disabilities.

New American Development Center, Minneapolis, MN, $40,000. For general operations to increase economic opportunities for East African youth and families.

One2One, Minneapolis, MN, $55,000. For general operations to increase academic achievement through mentoring, leadership development, and social/emotional support.

Open Hands Foundation, Excelsior, MN, $20,000. To provide safe emergency shelter and crisis intervention for youth.

Ostara Initiative, Minneapolis, MN, $70,000. For general operations to provide pregnancy and parenting support for justice-impacted people and their families.

Our Lady of Peace, Saint Paul, MN, $100,000. For facility improvements to provide end-of-life care for terminal patients.

Park Nicollet Foundation, Saint Louis Park, MN, $30,000. To provide mental health support and education to students who have experienced the death of a family member or friend.

Partnership Resources, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $50,000. For the general operations to provide employment and day services to adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Twin Cities area.

Preservation Alliance of Minnesota dba Rethos, Saint Paul, MN, $20,000. To provide technical assistance and community networking to Minnesota’s rural communities as they revitalize their Main Street business districts.

Rebuilding Together – Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, $70,000. For general operations to provide repair and accessibility home modifications for low-income families in the Twin Cities.

Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, $50,000. To support the STEM programming at the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center (KAYSC) for middle and high school youth and post-secondary young adults.

Social Venture Partners Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, $20,000. For general operations to provide strategic, cohort-based technical assistance to youth-serving organizations in the Twin Cities metro area.

Southside Community Health Services, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $85,000. For general operations to support affordable health care for underserved and uninsured individuals and families in south Minneapolis.

Tasks Unlimited, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $50,000. For general operations to provide basic needs, housing, employment, mental health, and wellness services for adults with serious mental illness.

Tiwahe Foundation, Saint Paul, MN, $75,000. For general operations to support the American Indian population in Minnesota in education, economic self-sufficiency, and leadership.

University of Minnesota Foundation, Minneapolis, MN, $1,000,000. For general operating support that provides primary medical, behavioral health, comprehensive dental care, and social services to patients.

Urban Homeworks, Minneapolis, MN, $100,000. For general operations to provide affordable housing to individuals and families.

WomenVenture, Saint Paul, MN, $50,000. For general operations to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to create and grow profitable and sustainable businesses.

World Savvy, Minneapolis, MN, $35,000. For general operations to increase equitable access to academic enrichment support in Minnesota.

Young Women’s Christian Association of St. Paul, Saint Paul, MN, $75,000. To provide supportive housing and wraparound services to families and young people facing homelessness in the Twin Cities.

Southern Minnesota

Bear Creek Development Center, Inc., Rochester, MN, $50,000. To create and maintain six units of affordable housing for veterans in Rochester.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester dba Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, Winona, MN, $100,000. To provide temporary housing for newly arrived refugees and to shelter adults experiencing homelessness.

Channel One, Inc., Rochester, MN, $150,000. For general operations to strengthen food access and build healthy communities in southeast Minnesota.

Connections Ministry, Mankato, MN, $55,000. For general operations to provide low-barrier overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Mankato.

Dakota Wicohan, Morton, MN, $30,000. For general operations to increase belonging and wellbeing through the Dakota language and life ways.

Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association of SE Minnesota, Inc., Rochester, MN, $110,000. For general operations to provide services for immigrants and refugees and improve organizational infrastructure.

Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation, Mankato, MN, $20,000. To provide food for college students in Mankato who are food insecure.

Prairie Home Hospice, Inc., Marshall, MN, $55,000. For general operations to provide hospice services and compassionate home care for senior patients.

Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc., Marshall, MN, $41,097. To connect students with employers to increase career awareness and work-based learning opportunities in southwest Minnesota.

Minnesota Statewide

Charities Review Council of Minnesota, Inc., Roseville, MN, $55,000. For general operations to strengthen donor and nonprofit relationships through accountability standards and capacity-building activities throughout Minnesota.

PEAK Grantmaking, Washington, DC, $3,500. For membership renewal to help improve grantmaking by advancing the knowledge, skills and abilities of grants management professionals and leading grantmakers to incorporate effective practices that benefit the philanthropic community.

Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, Saint Paul, MN, $10,000. To promote systems improvements in Minnesota’s emergency housing sector, leading to the elimination of homelessness.

Independent Sector, Washington, DC, $17,500. For membership support to advance public policy advocacy, leadership development, and ethical governance.

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Inc., Saint Paul, MN, $100,000. To provide responsive resources, support, and training that strengthen Greater Minnesota nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.

Philanthrofund Foundation, Minneapolis, MN, $60,000. For general operations to build communities in the Upper Midwest where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people live free from discrimination, violence, invisibility, and isolation.

Western Montana

Lake County Community Development Corporation dba Mission West Community Development Corporation, Ronan, MT, $50,000. For general operations to expand and accelerate COVID19 economic recovery through increased lending resources, technical assistance, and low-interest loans for an economically impoverished region of northwest Montana supported by MWCDP.

Eastern Montana

Youth Dynamics, Inc., Billings, MT, $50,000. For general operations to provide behavioral healthcare to at-risk youth and their families in Montana.

Northwest Wisconsin

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI, $85,000. For general operations to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth.

Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, Inc., Eau Claire, WI, $200,000. For general operations and capital to maintain and expand available high-quality youth programming to ensure young people have a safe space to grow and thrive in western Wisconsin.

The Bridge to Hope, Menomonie, WI, $60,000. For general operations to serve victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

L.E. Phillips Career Development Center, Eau Claire, WI, $45,000. To provide services and resources for individuals facing homelessness or crisis in northwest Wisconsin.

Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., Ashland, WI, $50,000. To improve technology and outreach to increase access and awareness to job training programs in northwest Wisconsin.

River Falls Community Food Pantry, River Falls, WI, $40,000. For general operations to provide food to economically disadvantaged individuals and families in the River Falls community.

United Way St. Croix Valley, Inc., Hudson, WI, $50,000. To provide early childhood family navigation services for parents and caregivers to increase access to local family support resources and improve outcomes for children in western Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, Inc., Madison, WI, $100,000. For general operations to stabilize and expand quality child care and early education in Wisconsin.

North-Central Wisconsin

Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin River Area, Inc., Baraboo, WI, $50,000. To provide homebuyer support through education and mentoring for low-income families seeking affordable housing.

Northeast Wisconsin

Solutions Recovery Inc, Oshkosh, WI, $25,000. For general operations to provide support groups and sober living to individuals in recovery.

Unity Recovery Services, Larsen, WI, $25,000. For general operations to provide recovery support services and technical assistance to organizations seeking peer-based addiction and mental health recovery support services.

Southwest Wisconsin

FairShare CSA Coalition, Inc., Madison, WI, $30,000. To increase access to fresh food for individuals and families of limited-income in southern Wisconsin.

Boy Scouts of America, La Crosse, WI, $55,000. For general operations to provide scouting opportunities for boys and girls in southwestern Wisconsin and Houston County, Minnesota.

Literacy Network, Inc., Madison, WI, $70,000. For general operations to provide literacy skills development, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, citizenship classes, and GED/HSED for adults in Dane County.

Southeast Wisconsin

Life Navigators, Milwaukee, WI, $45,000. To provide and expand in-home and community-based services to support aging caregivers caring for loved ones with disabilities.

United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, $40,000. For general operations to support neighborhood centers working to improve the quality of life for Milwaukee?s urban families.

Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic, Inc., Waukesha, WI, $70,000. For general operations to provide oral health care access, services, and education to low-income youth in the Greater Milwaukee area.

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, Milwaukee, WI, $75,000. To will provide one-on-one technical business counseling and access to business education, networks, volunteers and other resources for diverse and disadvantaged small businesses in the State of Wisconsin receiving loans from the Otto Bremer Trust PRI.

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