Otto Bremer Trust awards 130 grants totaling $9.2 million

ST. PAUL, December 1, 2022 — The Otto Bremer Trust has awarded $9,265,639 in grants and program-related investments as part of its most recent grantmaking cycle.

“We value the work of the many organizations across the region that continue to make a positive change in their communities,” said Charlotte Johnson, co-CEO and trustee, OBT.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion in people, places, and opportunities in its region.

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

Greater North Dakota

Dickinson Public School District #1, Dickinson, ND, $17,439. To provide direct support to students and families to improve student learning, reduce disproportionate discipline, and foster safe and supportive school environments in Dickinson Public Schools.

Minot Area Recovery Community Organization, Minot, ND, $30,000. For general operations to provide support and assistance to individuals and families with substance use disorder.

Missouri Valley Family YMCA, Bismarck, ND, $50,000. For general operations to support programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, in the youth, seniors and families of the Bismarck-Mandan community.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bismarck, Bismarck, ND, $160,000. To sustain and expand access to oral health care for underserved children in western North Dakota.

Red River Valley

Cass Clay Community Land Trust, Fargo, ND, $100,000. For general operations to develop and maintain the long-term affordability of housing in the Fargo-Moorhead region.

Christian Unity Hospital Corporation, Grafton, ND, $50,000. To update lab equipment for a rural, critical access hospital in Grafton, Minnesota.

FirstLink, Fargo, ND, $45,000. To provide free, confidential listening and support, referrals, and crisis intervention.

Girl Scouts, Dakota Horizons, Sioux Falls, SD, $85,000. To provide educational opportunities, improve academic performance, and build character for girls in underserved areas of North Dakota and Minnesota.

Great Plains Food Bank, Fargo, ND, $100,000. For general operations to acquire and distribute shelf-stable and perishable food to individuals living with food insecurity across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.

The Lotus Center, Inc., Moorhead, MN, $40,000. For general operations to provide harm reduction recovery services for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorder in the Fargo-Moorhead area

Nexus PATH Family Healing, Fargo, ND, $35,000. To provide targeted mental health support and outreach for low-income children and families in rural North Dakota.

A Place for Hope: Recovery and Wellness Center, Inc., Moorhead, MN, $50,000. For general operations to address food insecurity in individuals and families and Cass-Clay Counties.

Three Rivers Crisis Center, Inc., Wahpeton, ND, $50,000. For general operations to support victims of domestic and sexual violence, and for prevention efforts to reduce acts of personal violence in Richland County, North Dakota.

UC Hope, Glyndon, MN, $20,000. For general operations to support basic needs and provide afterschool programming in Dilworth, Glyndon, and Felton, Minnesota.

Northern Minnesota

100 Rural Women, Marcell, MN, $15,000. For general operations to support rural Minnesota women to lead in their communities and beyond.

Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area, Bemidji, MN, $80,000. For general operations to provide youth development through outreach and out-of-school-time programming in Bemidji and surrounding communities.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland, Duluth, MN, $50,000. For general operations to provide meals, academic support, mental health services, and mentorship to young people in northern Minnesota.

Ely Community Health Center, Ely, MN, $25,000. For capital support of a one-time cost to equip a second operatory for dental services to double the number of low-income patients served.

Itasca Economic Development Corporation, Grand Rapids, MN, $75,000. For general operations to support and nurture entrepreneurship and innovation in Itasca County and northeastern Minnesota through education, research, and outreach.

Young Women’s Christian Association, Duluth, MN, $50,000. For general operations to support empowerment of women and girls through providing transitional housing and child care in Duluth, Minnesota.

Central Minnesota

Camphill Village Minnesota, Inc., Sauk Centre, MN, $45,000. For general operations to support a unique model of supportive living for and with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Empowering Kids Perham, Perham, MN, $45,000. For general operations to provide community and school-based youth mentoring programs in Otter Tail County.

Litchfield Area Mentorship Program – Kinship, Litchfield, MN, $20,000. For general operations to provide community and school-based youth mentoring programs serving Meeker County residents.

Morris Health Services, Morris, MN, $30,000. For expansion of the Morris Area Child Care Center.

True Friends, Annandale, MN, $45,000. For general operations to provide programs focused on personal care, adapted activities, and targeted therapies for children with disabilities.

Twin Cities Metropolitan Area

360 Communities, Burnsville, MN, $70,000. For general operations to provide holistic services, including basic needs, domestic and sexual violence services, and youth support to residents of Dakota County.

Aeon, Minneapolis, MN, $110,000. For general operations to support affordable housing in the Twin Cities metro area.

Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, Minneapolis, MN, $30,000. To close racial employment disparities in the Twin Cities region.

Annex Teen Clinic, Robbinsdale, MN, $50,000. For general operations to support young people’s access to low-barrier and inclusive sexual health care.

Anoka County Brotherhood Council, Inc., Anoka, MN, $25,000. For general operations to provide food, clothing, resources, connections, and navigation to low-income residents of Anoka County.

Athletes Committed to Educating Students, Minneapolis, MN, $55,000. For general operations to reduce academic achievement and opportunity gaps for underserved youth.

Children’s Law Center of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, $110,000. For general operations to provide legal representation, education, and advocacy for youth in the foster care.

Crescent Cove, Brooklyn Center, MN, $40,000. For general operations to provide respite and hospice services for care and support for youth.

Dress for Success Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN, $60,000. For general operations to support low-income women in their pursuit of lasting, meaningful, family-sustaining employment.

East Side Neighborhood Development Company, Inc., Saint Paul, MN, $50,000. For general operations to create affordable housing and to support small businesses on St. Paul?s east side.

Encouraging Leaders, Minneapolis, MN, $40,000. For general operations to combat opioid addiction by providing outreach, wraparound support, coordination, and skill-building opportunities for homeless BIPOC youth in north Minneapolis and the surrounding community.

Foster Advocates, Saint Paul, MN, $50,000. For general operations to improve opportunities and outcomes for foster youth in Minnesota.

Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Minneapolis, MN, $10,000. To provide basic needs support for unsheltered individuals in Minneapolis.

Hmong American Farmers Association, West Saint Paul, MN, $55,000. For general operations to expand programming and services that build the capacity of Hmong farmers to be more self-sufficient and resilient.

HOME Line, Bloomington, MN, $70,000. For general operations to support information, education, and advocacy services to renters in Minnesota.

Karen Organization of Minnesota, Roseville, MN, $60,000. For general operations to help refugees and immigrants increase economic stability, educational achievement, and social wellbeing.

Lakes Center for Youth and Families, Inc., Forest Lake, MN, $50,000. For general operations to support youth, adults, and families with counseling, intervention, and enrichment in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and the surrounding community.

LiveMore, Minneapolis, MN, $30,000. For general operations to support youth mental health and expand digital wellbeing programs to two school districts.

Merrick Community Services, Saint Paul, MN, $40,000. For general operations to address food and housing insecurity on the east side of St. Paul.

Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, Minneapolis, MN, $25,000. To create and maintain affordable housing and commercial space for north Minneapolis residents and build community wealth through cooperative community investment and ownership.

MicroGrants, Minneapolis, MN, $25,000. For general operations to assist low-income individuals and families with financial stability and self-sufficiency.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, Minneapolis, MN, $50,000. To train and mobilize nonprofit direct service providers and clients to advance equitable asset-building initiatives to benefit their communities.

Minnesota Alliance on Crime, Saint Paul, MN, $40,000. For general operations to provide best practice training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to crime victim service advocates throughout Minnesota.

Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership, Saint Cloud, MN, $15,000. For general operations to advance wealth equity and business ownership within BIPOC companies.

Minnesota Council of Churches, Minneapolis, MN, $85,000. To provide direct services to refugees and coordinate networks of service providers in the Twin Cities and southwest Minnesota.

Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, Minneapolis, MN, $40,000. For general operations to provide high-quality adult education and literacy programming to men and women incarcerated in Minnesota.

NAMI Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, $40,000. For general operations to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses by providing education, support, and advocacy.

Neighborhood Development Alliance, Saint Paul, MN, $60,000. For general operations to provide financial and homeownership opportunities to low-income, Latino households.

New Impact Fund, Minneapolis, MN, $50,000. For general operations to build internal capacity to provide support and investments that accelerate the success and wealth of Black and BIPOC business owners.

Nokomis Healthy Seniors Program, Minneapolis, MN, $35,000. For general operations for wraparound services to help seniors remain in their homes in the Nokomis area of Minneapolis.

Northside Achievement Zone, Minneapolis, MN, $60,000. For general operations to end multi-generational poverty in north Minneapolis by building a culture of achievement.

Partnership in Property Commercial Land Trust (PIPCLT), Minneapolis, MN, $50,000. For general operations and capacity building to redevelop and preserve long-term affordable commercial spaces through community driven ownership of land in the Twin Cities metro.

Pillsbury United Communities, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $125,000. For general operations to provide sustainable and equitable economic development opportunities for communities in Minneapolis.

Relentless Academy, Brooklyn Center, MN, $30,000. For general operations to provide academic and social-emotional enrichment to underserved communities of color in Brooklyn Center and the surrounding area.

St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, MN, $60,000. To provide supports and services focused on ending homelessness in Washington and Ramsey Counties.

Seward Redesign, Inc. dba Redesign, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $60,000. For general operations to increase livability and economic health of the Seward and Longfellow neighborhoods.

Sojourner Project, Inc., Hopkins, MN, $40,000. For general operations to increase safety for victims of domestic violence and elder abuse by providing safe shelter, legal advocacy, and violence prevention programs.

Solid Ground, White Bear Lake, MN, $250,000. For general operations to support housing-unstable households in Ramsey and Washington Counties; and for capital support to improve the East Metro Place housing community.

Southern Anoka Community Assistance, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, $40,000. For general operations to support basic needs for families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness in Anoka County.

Two Rivers Community Land Trust, Woodbury, MN, $45,000. For general operations to create, preserve, and support affordable homeownership for low- and moderate-income households in Washington County.

Ujamaa Place, Saint Paul, MN, $100,000. For general operations to assist young African American men released from criminal justice systems integrate into society with transformational holistic programming.

Wellshare International, Minneapolis, MN, $75,000. For general operations to improve the health of immigrants and refugees through community-defined health care solutions.

Western Communities Action Network (WeCAN), Mound, MN, $70,000. For general operations to provide wraparound services to empower individuals and families in western Hennepin County to reach stability and self-sufficiency.

Southern Minnesota

Boy Scouts of America, Mankato, MN, $74,500. For general operations to provide programming for youth to prepare them to be participating citizens and community leaders in southern Minnesota.

Feeding Our Communities Partners, Mankato, MN, $65,000. For general operations to provide supplemental food to children in grades K-12 who are experiencing food insecurity in south-central Minnesota.

Great River Homes Inc, Wabasha, MN, $50,000. For general operations to provide quality person-centered services for people with disabilities in Wabasha County.

Habitat for Humanity serving Winona County, Winona, MN, $60,000. For general operations to provide affordable housing for low-income households and home repairs to improve safety for seniors in Winona County.

Let’s Smile, Inc., Owatonna, MN, $35,000. For general operations to improve access to oral health care and increase oral health awareness for underserved children in southeastern Minnesota.

The Main Street Project dba Sharing Our Roots, Northfield, MN, $75,000. For general operations to support emerging and immigrant farmers with land access and increase food security for low-income families.

NAMI Southeast Minnesota, Rochester, MN, $50,000. For general operations to improve the mental health of individuals and families across southeast Minnesota.

Ronald McDonald House of Rochester MN, Rochester, MN, $150,000. For general operations to provide a home away from home for families seeking medical treatment for their critically ill children.

Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity, Rochester, MN, $80,000. To build and preserve affordable housing for low-income households by strengthening organizational capacity and technology infrastructure.

United Way of Steele County, Owatonna, MN, $50,000. For general operations to develop strategic community solutions and partnerships to improve the quality of life in Steele County.

Minnesota Statewide

Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, $35,000. To provide customized, comprehensive care coordination and support to meet the diverse needs of individuals impacted by epilepsy in Minnesota.

Every Meal, Roseville, MN, $465,000. For general operations to fight child hunger in Minnesota.

Western Montana

Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County, Missoula, MT, $45,000. For general operations to provide after-school and summer programs to youth in Missoula County.

Center for Restorative Youth Justice, Kalispell, MT, $30,000. For general operations to reduce teen involvement with the legal system, interrupt cycles of harm, and foster community connections through restorative justice and youth empowerment programming.

Child Bridge, Inc., Bigfork, MT, $65,000. For general operations to find and equip foster and adoptive families for children who have suffered abuse and neglect.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Missoula, Inc., Missoula, MT, $30,000. For general operations to recruit, train, and support volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system until those children can find a safe, permanent home.

Friends Forever Mentoring, Ronan, MT, $20,000. For general operations to support youth and families with mentoring and other supportive services in Lake County on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Montana West Economic Development Foundation, Inc., Kalispell, MT, $50,000. To bolster economic opportunities for northwest Montana entrepreneurs to start a business, expand operations, or relocate to the area through programs that create jobs, promote entrepreneurship, and harness local, state, and federal business bene?ts.

Partners for Justice, Brooklyn, NY, $50,000. To provide interdisciplinary services and restorative supports to Indigenous people involved with the criminal legal system on the Flathead Reservation in western Montana.

Central Montana

Alliance for Youth, Inc., Great Falls, MT, $50,000. For general operations to advance healthy youth and family development through prevention, intervention, and treatment.

Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, Bozeman, MT, $60,000. For general operations to serve families experiencing homelessness.

Habitat for Humanity of Gallatin Valley, Belgrade, MT, $40,000. For general operations to provide affordable homeownership and retain safe housing for low-income families.

Human Resource Development Council of District IX, Inc. (HRDC), Bozeman, MT, $250,000. To support a capital campaign to provide basic needs and wraparound services for families experiencing crisis.

Montana FFA Foundation Incorporated, Bozeman, MT, $40,000. For general operations to support Future Farmers of America programs and members in Montana.

Montana Homeownership Network dba NeighborWorks Montana, Great Falls, MT, $100,000. For general operations to provide education and counseling to create affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income homebuyers.

Montana Mindfulness Project, Bozeman, MT, $15,000. For general operations to train youth and educators in mindfulness to cultivate focused attention, increase emotional resilience, and foster positive mental health outcomes.

Peace Place, Great Falls, MT, $30,000. For general operations to provide respite for families with children who have a medical diagnosis and/or developmental delay.

Thrive, Inc., Bozeman, MT, $50,000. For general operations to provide mentoring, education, and support to local children and parents from birth to graduation.

Montana Statewide

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, Vancouver, WA, $15,000. To provide sports and physical activities that improve the well-being and overall quality of life for individuals who are blind and visually impaired in Montana.

Northwest Wisconsin

Boy Scouts of America, Eau Claire, WI, $40,000. For general operations to provide Scouting experiences and development opportunities to youth in northwestern Wisconsin.

Feed My People, Inc, Eau Claire, WI, $125,000. For general operations to provide food for anyone facing food insecurity in west-central Wisconsin.

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., Milwaukee, WI, $40,000. To provide supportive services to adults in Eau Claire dealing with chronic and persistent mental health challenges and homelessness.

St. Croix Valley Sexual Assault Response Team, Inc., Hudson, WI, $75,000. For general operations to provide forensic medical examination services and advocacy to victims of sexual violence in western Wisconsin.

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, Inc., Independence, WI, $60,000. To provide job skills, educational advancement, and employment opportunities for at-risk young adults in Eau Claire.

North-Central Wisconsin

Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area, Berlin, WI, $40,000. For general operations to provide youth development programming and enrichment opportunities.

Faith in Action of Marathon County, Inc., Wausau, WI, $15,000. For general operations to provide services to homebound senior citizens in Marathon County.

Howard Young Foundation, Inc., Arbor Vitae, WI, $10,000. For general operations and capital improvement of the Lakeland food pantry.

Northeast Wisconsin

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc, Oshkosh, WI, $45,000. For general operations to provide education, safety, and support to survivors of domestic abuse and educate the community to identify, respond to, and prevent abuse.

Community Clothes Closet, Inc., Menasha, WI, $53,700. For general operations and technology upgrades to provide free clothing to individuals and families with financial need.

Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County, Plymouth, WI, $50,000. For general operations to provide adult literacy and home visitations to support families with young children.

Foundations Health & Wholeness, Inc., Green Bay, WI, $100,000. For general operations to provide mental health counseling, foster care, and youth services.

Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods Incorporated, Oshkosh, WI, $10,000. For general operations to engage residents, encourage reinvestment, and elevate civic participation.

House of Hope Green Bay, Inc., Green Bay, WI, $60,000. For general operations to provide services to unaccompanied youth and families with children experiencing homelessness in northeastern Wisconsin.

Pillars, Inc., Appleton, WI, $50,000. For general operations to provide safe, emergency shelter and basic needs for families experiencing homelessness.

Southwest Wisconsin

Bayview Foundation, Madison, WI, $250,000. To support a capital campaign to increase affordable housing and community-based supportive services in Madison, Wisconsin.

Chrysalis, Inc., Madison, WI, $40,000. For general operations to promote mental health and substance use recovery in Dane County by supporting work opportunities that encourage hope, healing, and wellness.

Deerfield Community Center, Deerfield, WI, $10,000. To provide a client choice food pantry and meal program to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Madison, WI, $50,000. For general operations to support survivors of intimate partner violence through emergency shelter, case management services, legal advocacy, and other services in Dane County.

Independent Living Resources, Inc., La Crosse, WI, $30,000. To provide homeless outreach services to unsheltered individuals in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Middleton Outreach Ministry, Middleton, WI, $75,000. For general operations to provide stable housing services, food and clothing, and financial assistance in Dane County.

River Food Pantry, Madison, WI, $80,000. For general operations to alleviate food insecurity among low-income and underserved populations in Dane County.

Southeast Wisconsin

Eras Senior Network, Inc., Waukesha, WI, $60,000. For general operations to serve isolated seniors, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties.

IMPACT Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Inc., Milwaukee, WI, $35,000. To support and grow a community resource database that makes social services more accessible and navigable for professionals working with people in need in southeast Wisconsin.

LOTUS Legal Clinic, Milwaukee, WI, $55,000. For general operations to provide direct legal and support services to victims of sexual violence and human trafficking in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Center For Independence, Inc., Milwaukee, WI, $100,000. To purchase equipment for a commercial production kitchen to increase access to fresh, healthy meals for children in Milwaukee.

NAMI Washington County, Inc., West Bend, WI, $20,000. For general operations to provide education, support, advocacy, and community awareness so those affected by mental illness can build better lives.

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, Milwaukee, WI, $1,500,000 (program-related investment). To increase our capacity to provide small business loans to minority entrepreneurs in Milwaukee, WI.

St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Milwaukee, WI, $50,000. For general operations to provide intergenerational day care for children, elders, and people with disabilities in Milwaukee.

St. Coletta of Wisconsin, Inc., Jefferson, WI, $50,000. For general operations to provide day programs, employment support, and housing to persons with developmental disabilities in southeast Wisconsin.

Saukville Community Food Pantry, Saukville, WI, $100,000. To purchase and renovate a new facility to address food insecurity and provide other essential supplies to people in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

United Methodist Children’s Services of Wisconsin, Inc., Milwaukee, WI, $50,000. For general operations to provide housing, child care, and supportive wraparound services for low-income families in the Washington Park neighborhood of Milwaukee.

Walworth County Food Pantry, Inc., Elkhorn, WI, $20,000. For general operations to provide basic needs to individual and families in Walworth County.