Special Grant
Opportunities

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

Apply here starting April 28 until midnight May 23, 2025.

The Northland Foundation is serving as an intermediary for the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund with up to $400,000 available for re-granting within northeast Minnesota according to the priorities and guidelines of the OBT.

Grants ranging from $10,000 up to $75,000 may support operations, programming, and/or capital projects to eligible applicants selected for funding. The link to apply will be available here starting April 28. Access the FAQs and grant application questions at the bottom of the page.

*Note that only organizations with actual expenses of $2 million or more in the previous year, according to the Form 990, are eligible to apply.

PURPOSE: Grants may support operations, programming, and/or capital projects for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations operating within northeast Minnesota. Grant proposals must be for work in one or more of the following OBT focus areas.

• Literacy. Organizations and programs advancing literacy (not including health literacy or digital literacy).
• Adoption and foster care services. Organizations and programs that support adoption and foster care.
• Children’s health. Organizations and programs that provide health-related access and services for children.
• Children’s disability services. Organizations and programs focused on supporting children with physical/cognitive disabilities.
• Mental health. Organizations and programs that support access to and delivery of mental health services, with preference given to work that addresses the needs of children aged 5-15.
• Capital projects for hospitals and clinics. Activities supporting the maintenance of hospitals, construction of facilities, and purchase of medical equipment.

OBT Community Responsive Fund grant funds may not be used for the following.

• Work to influence public policy.
• Sponsorships or annual events.
• Fiscal sponsorships.

FUNDING AMOUNT: Grants requests must be between a minimum of $10,000 and maximum of $75,000 to support operations, programming, and/or capital projects.

• The amount awarded may not exceed 10 percent of the organization’s previous fiscal year’s public philanthropic support as demonstrated through the most recent Form 990 (specifically Part VIII, Line 1f, “All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above” OR “see FAQs”. This excludes government grants and contracts, earned income, investment gains, and in-kind contributions.
• No more than 10 percent of grant funds may be used for administrative expenses (see FAQs).

ELIGIBILITY: A FAQs document, linked below, may help further clarify eligibility. Criteria include the following.

• Must be a 501(c)(3) operating within the Northland Foundation service area.
• Must have at least 5 years of operations.
• The organization’s last fiscal year’s actual expenses must have been $2 million or more according to the last available Form 990. Organizations with less than $2 million in actual expenses are NOT eligible to apply.
• The organization may not have an open OBT strategic grant (this is a new grant directly through Otto Bremer Trust and does not include the 2024 Community Responsive Fund grants or previous OBT grants).
• Government entities and public schools are not eligible.
• Non-public schools are eligible.

TO APPLY: Eligible organizations can apply online between April 28, 2025 and midnight on May 23, 2025. Applicants will learn their status in July.

• Review Frequently Asked Questions as pdf or Word doc.
• Review Application Questions as Word doc or pdf to prepare your responses in advance of completing the online application.

If you have questions regarding this special grant opportunity, please contact Director of Grantmaking, Michelle Ufford.

Promise Act Grants for Businesses

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Grants for Child Care Businesses