Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

Application Timeline

Details will be shared directly with eligible nonprofits through an invitation to apply.

Grant Awards

Up to $75,000. View past recipients.

Funding Priorities

The following are the Trustees’ focus areas for 2026 OBT Community Responsive Fund grants.

1. Food. Organizations and programs that directly operate meal sites and food pantries to meet basic daily needs. (Large, region- and state-wide food bank activities are not included.)

1. Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.

1. Low-income healthcare clinics. Organizations and programs that primarily provide affordable medical, dental, and mental health services to people with limited financial resources or who are uninsured/underinsured.

1. Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.

1. School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services.

Eligibility Requirements

The following are eligibility requirements for an OBT Community Responsive Fund grant:

1. The work must align with one or more OBT Community Responsive Fund focus areas for 2026.
2. Beneficiaries of the grants must reside in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, or Wisconsin.
3. The organization must have a 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS. (Government entities, including public schools, are not eligible. Non-public schools are eligible.)
4. The organization must have at least five years of successful operations during which they have continuously held 501(c)(3) status.
5. The organization’s last fiscal year’s actual expenses must have been $2 million or more. (Excluding in-kind expenses.)
6. The organization may not have an open OBT strategic grant.

Grantmaking Criteria

1. Grants may be up to $75,000 to support operations, programming, and/or capital projects
2. The amount awarded may not exceed 10 percent of the organization's previous fiscal year's public philanthropic support
3. No more than 10 percent of grant funds may be used for administrative expenses - the bulk of grant funds must be used for direct services

What We Do Not Fund

1. Work to influence public policy
2. Sponsorships or annual events
3. Fiscal sponsorships

Apply For a Grant

The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation identifies nonprofits that meet the eligibility requirements established by the Otto Bremer Trust and will reach out directly to eligible nonprofits with an invitation and instructions to apply. Click here to view of a list of application questions.