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Otto Bremer Trust is a private trust based in SAINT PAUL, MN. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1949. It holds total assets of $1.4B. Annual income is reported at $171.6M. Total assets have grown from $848.3M in 2011 to $1.5B in 2023. The foundation is governed by 3 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2019 to 2023. Funding is distributed across 4 states, including Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota. According to available records, Otto Bremer Trust has made 4,093 grants totaling $280.9M, with a median grant of $50K. Annual giving has grown from $50M in 2020 to $95.4M in 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $135.5M distributed across 1,862 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $3.6M, with an average award of $69K. The foundation has supported 1,772 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, which account for 90% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 18 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
The Otto Bremer Trust is a $1.42 billion private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minnesota that distributed nearly $80 million in 2024 across 881 grants and PRIs to 789 organizations. The critical thing for grant seekers to understand is that OBT does NOT accept direct grant applications. There are two pathways to funding: (1) Strategic Grants — OBT identifies organizations through its own research and stakeholder engagement, then contacts them directly. You cannot apply for these. (2) Community Responsive Fund — grants administered through six regional intermediary organizations. This is the accessible pathway for most nonprofits. To approach OBT effectively, organizations should: first, identify the correct intermediary for their state (Greater Twin Cities United Way for metro MN, Initiative Foundation for greater MN, Montana Community Foundation, North Dakota Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region for WI, or United Way of Wisconsin); second, ensure they meet the strict eligibility requirements (501(c)(3), 5+ years operations, audited financials, $2M+ annual expenses); and third, align their work with 2026 focus areas (food, shelter, low-income healthcare, disability services, school-based mental health).
In 2024, the Otto Bremer Trust distributed $79,797,586 through 881 grants and PRIs to 789 organizations across its four-state service area. The geographic distribution was heavily weighted toward Minnesota: Minnesota received $53.7M (499 grants/PRIs), Wisconsin received $15.3M (241 grants/PRIs), Montana received $7.1M (87 grants/PRIs), and North Dakota received $4M (54 grants). The Community Responsive Fund allocates specific amounts to each intermediary — for example, Greater Twin Cities United Way administers $5.5M and Greater Milwaukee Foundation administers $3M with individual grants up to $75,000. Strategic grants tend to be larger, reflecting OBTs interest in systemic impact. Program-Related Investments (PRIs) offer below-market-rate financing for organizations with earned revenue models. The Trust operates year-round with the Community Responsive Fund following specific application windows set by each intermediary (e.g., Montana: April 15-May 18, 2026; North Dakota: March 1-April 30, 2026).
The Otto Bremer Trust, with $1.42 billion in assets and $80M in annual giving, is one of the largest foundations in the Upper Midwest. Here is how it compares to peer funders in the region:
| Foundation | Assets | Annual Giving | Geographic Focus | Primary Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otto Bremer Trust | $1.42B | ~$80M | MN, MT, ND, WI | Basic needs, health, economic opportunity |
| McKnight Foundation | ~$2.8B | ~$100M | Minnesota primarily | Climate, arts, neuroscience, communities |
| Bush Foundation | ~$1.0B | ~$50M | MN, ND, SD, 23 tribal nations | Leadership, community innovation |
| Blandin Foundation | ~$500M | ~$15M | Rural Minnesota | Rural community vitality |
| Northwest Area Foundation | ~$450M | ~$20M | 8 NW states | Poverty reduction |
| Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies | ~$7B | ~$350M | National/Global | Environment, arts, disaster relief |
OBT is distinctive among Upper Midwest funders in several ways: its unique intermediary-based grantmaking model sets it apart from peers who accept direct applications; its strict eligibility requirements ($2M+ annual expenses, 5+ year track record, audited financials) target established organizations rather than grassroots groups; its four-state geographic focus is broader than most MN-based peers but more concentrated than national funders; and its emphasis on basic needs (food, shelter, healthcare) is more practical than peers like McKnight that focus on systemic issues.
The Otto Bremer Trust has undergone significant operational changes in recent years. In late September 2025, OBT launched a new funding portal that streamlines access to grant and program-related investment records, improving transparency and accessibility. The Trust has continued to evolve its intermediary model, selecting partners like the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for a second consecutive year to administer Community Responsive Fund grants. The 2026 focus areas represent a sharpening of priorities toward basic needs: food (meal sites and food pantries), shelter (emergency and short-term beds), low-income healthcare clinics, disability services, and school-based mental health. This reflects a strategic direction toward direct service provision and meeting immediate community needs rather than broader systemic change work. The Trust also continues to make Program-Related Investments, suggesting interest in sustainable financing models alongside traditional grantmaking. With $1.42 billion in assets and nearly $80M in annual distributions, OBT remains one of the most significant philanthropic forces in the Upper Midwest.
1. Apply through the correct intermediary: OBT does not accept direct applications. Identify the right intermediary for your state and apply through them. Contact information: Greater Twin Cities United Way (MN metro), Initiative Foundation (greater MN), Montana Community Foundation, North Dakota Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region (WI), United Way of Wisconsin.
2. Meet all eligibility thresholds before applying: Requirements are strict and non-negotiable — 501(c)(3) status, minimum 5 years of operations, audited financial statements prepared by independent CPA, and last fiscal year expenses of $2 million or more ($3 million for Twin Cities metro). If you dont meet these, do not apply.
3. Align precisely with 2026 focus areas: Food (meal sites, food pantries), shelter (emergency/short-term beds), low-income healthcare clinics, disability services, and school-based mental health. Proposals outside these areas will not be funded through the Community Responsive Fund.
4. Watch application windows carefully: Deadlines vary by state — Montana: April 15-May 18, 2026; North Dakota: March 1-April 30, 2026. Check with your regional intermediary for exact dates as they differ.
5. Demonstrate direct service delivery: OBTs 2026 focus emphasizes organizations that directly operate programs (meal sites, shelter beds, clinics), not those doing advocacy, research, or policy work. The Trust explicitly excludes public policy work and annual events.
6. Prepare audited financials: Independent CPA-audited statements are mandatory. If your organization doesnt currently produce these, begin the process well in advance.
7. For Strategic Grant consideration: You cannot apply, but you can increase visibility by becoming known in OBTs network. Attend community foundation events in the four-state region, build partnerships with current OBT grantees, and demonstrate measurable impact at scale.
8. Consider PRIs for earned-revenue models: If your organization has a sustainable business model alongside its charitable mission, Program-Related Investments may be an alternative to traditional grants.
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Directly awarded by OBT to selected organizations working on systemic change in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. OBT identifies candidates through internal research and stakeholder engagement.
Grants administered through six intermediary organizations (Greater Twin Cities United Way, Initiative Foundation, Montana Community Foundation, North Dakota Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, United Way of Wisconsin). 2026 focus areas: Food, Shelter, Low-income healthcare clinics, Disability services, School-based mental health.
Below-market-rate loans and investments to organizations that advance the Trusts charitable mission while generating modest financial returns.
In 2024, the Otto Bremer Trust distributed $79,797,586 through 881 grants and PRIs to 789 organizations across its four-state service area. The geographic distribution was heavily weighted toward Minnesota: Minnesota received $53.7M (499 grants/PRIs), Wisconsin received $15.3M (241 grants/PRIs), Montana received $7.1M (87 grants/PRIs), and North Dakota received $4M (54 grants). The Community Responsive Fund allocates specific amounts to each intermediary — for example, Greater Twin Cities United.
Otto Bremer Trust has distributed a total of $280.9M across 4,093 grants. The median grant size is $50K, with an average of $69K. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $3.6M.
The Otto Bremer Trust is a $1.42 billion private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minnesota that distributed nearly $80 million in 2024 across 881 grants and PRIs to 789 organizations. The critical thing for grant seekers to understand is that OBT does NOT accept direct grant applications. There are two pathways to funding: (1) Strategic Grants — OBT identifies organizations through its own research and stakeholder engagement, then contacts them directly. You cannot apply for these. (2) Commu.
Otto Bremer Trust is headquartered in SAINT PAUL, MN. While based in MN, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 18 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Reardon | CO-CEO/TRUSTEE | $663K | $32K | $695K |
| Charlotte Johnson | CO-CEO/TRUSTEE | $659K | $43K | $701K |
| Francis Miley | CO-CEO/TRUSTEE | $486K | $44K | $530K |
Total Giving
$122.8M
Total Assets
$1.5B
Fair Market Value
$1.7B
Net Worth
$1.5B
Grants Paid
$111.9M
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
$75.7M
Distribution Amount
$91.4M
Total: $1.4B
Total Grants
4,093
Total Giving
$280.9M
Average Grant
$69K
Median Grant
$50K
Unique Recipients
1,772
Most Common Grant
$50K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Leadership & Development IncTAPESTRY: MULTI-GENERATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING | Billings, MT | $250K | 2023 |
| Greater Milwaukee Foundation IncINTERMEDIARIES PILOT PROJECT | Milwaukee, WI | $3.6M | 2023 |
| Greater Twin Cities United WayINTERMEDIARIES PILOT PROJECT | Minneapolis, MN | $3.6M | 2023 |
| Initiative FoundationINTERMEDIARIES PILOT PROJECT | Little Falls, MN | $3.1M | 2023 |
| Community Foundation For The Fox Valley RegionINTERMEDIARIES PILOT PROJECT | Appleton, WI | $3.1M | 2023 |
| North Dakota Community FoundationINTERMEDIARIES PILOT PROJECT | Bismarck, ND | $1.6M | 2023 |
| Montana Community Foundation IncINTERMEDIARIES PILOT PROJECT | Helena, MT | $1.6M | 2023 |
| University Of Minnesota FoundationMIDB: CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS CLINIC | Minneapolis, MN | $1M | 2023 |
| Young Men'S Christian Association Of The NorthEXPANDING AND SUSTAINING YMCA NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS | Minneapolis, MN | $880K | 2023 |
| Neighborhood HouseHOPE IN ACTION: A CAMPAIGN FOR NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE | Saint Paul, MN | $600K | 2023 |
| Greater Missoula Family YmcaCAPITAL CAMPAIGN | Missoula, MT | $500K | 2023 |
| African Economic Development SolutionsLITTLE AFRICA PLAZA | Saint Paul, MN | $500K | 2023 |
| Minnesota Independence College And CommunityMICCS OUR HEART. OUR FUTURE. CAPITAL CAMPAIGN (OHOF) | Richfield, MN | $500K | 2023 |
| Catholic Charities Of The Archdiocese Of St Paul And MinneapolisDOROTHY DAY CAMPUS SUPPORT FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED | Minneapolis, MN | $500K | 2023 |
| Montana Food Bank NetworkDISTRIBUTION CENTER CAPITAL CAMPAIGN | Missoula, MT | $500K | 2023 |
| The Salvation Army Northern DivisionPATHWAY OF HOPE, EMERGENCY SERVICES | Roseville, MN | $500K | 2023 |
| Junior Achievement NorthGENERAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM EXPANSION | Saint Paul, MN | $500K | 2023 |
| Every MealSTRATEGIC INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH EVERY MEAL | Roseville, MN | $400K | 2023 |
| Boys & Girls Club Of OshkoshCAPITAL FOR FACILITY EXPANSION | Oshkosh, WI | $400K | 2023 |
| Goodwill Industries IncPOWER OF WORK COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN | Saint Paul, MN | $400K | 2023 |
| Latino Economic Development CenterGENERAL OPERATIONS & PLAZA DEL SOL CAPITAL REQUEST | Saint Paul, MN | $400K | 2023 |
| Children'S Dental Services IncCAPITAL SUPPOT | Minneapolis, MN | $350K | 2023 |
| Good Samaritan Hospital AssociationNEW HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION | Rugby, ND | $350K | 2023 |
| Citizens For Backus AbGENERAL OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL SUPPORT | International Falls, MN | $325K | 2023 |
| Montana Rescue MissionUNIFIED CAMPUS PROJECT | Billings, MT | $300K | 2023 |
| Curative Connections IncYESTERYEAR VILLAGE CAMPAIGN | Green Bay, WI | $300K | 2023 |
| Arrowhead Economic Opportunity AgencyHIBBING SHELTER RENOVATIONS | Virginia, MN | $300K | 2023 |
| Benefis Health System FoundationBENEFIS SLETTEN CANCER INSTITUTE REMODEL | Great Falls, MT | $300K | 2023 |
| Listening House Of St Paul IncLISTENING HOUSE RESOURCE HUB | Saint Paul, MN | $300K | 2023 |
| Friends Of Montana Pbs IncMONTANA PBS BUILDING POSSIBILITIES CAMPAIGN | Bozeman, MT | $300K | 2023 |
| St Vincent Healthcare FoundationST. VINCENT HEALTHCARE PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY CLINIC | Billings, MT | $300K | 2023 |
| American Red Cross Of MontanaGREAT FALLS AND BOZEMAN CAPITAL RENOVATIONS | Great Falls, MT | $250K | 2023 |
| Devils Lake Park BoardDEVILS LAKE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER | Devils Lake, ND | $250K | 2023 |
| The Sanneh Foundation IncGENERAL OPERATIONS | Saint Paul, MN | $250K | 2023 |
| Boys & Girls Club Of The Tri-County Area IncRIPON BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CAPITAL CAMPAIGN | Berlin, WI | $250K | 2023 |
| Apple Tree DentalPILOTING A NEW CRITICAL ACCESS DENTAL FUNDING MODEL | Mounds View, MN | $250K | 2023 |
| Urban League Of Greater Madison IncCAPITAL FOR BUSINESS HUB | Madison, WI | $250K | 2023 |
| Emma Norton ServicesGENERAL OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL | Saint Paul, MN | $250K | 2023 |
| Minneapolis American Indian CenterMAIC ALL ROADS CAMPAIGN | Minneapolis, MN | $250K | 2023 |
| Centro HispanoCAMPAIGN CENTRO | Madison, WI | $250K | 2023 |
| Florence Crittenton Home & ServicesGENERAL OPERATIONS AND A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN | Helena, MT | $225K | 2023 |
| College PossibleCOLLEGE POSSIBLE NAVIGATE PROGRAM | Saint Paul, MN | $225K | 2023 |
| Literacy MinnesotaLITERACY MINNESOTA GENERAL OPERATIONS | Saint Paul, MN | $205K | 2023 |
| Family Healthcare CenterFAMILY HEALTHCARE MOORHEAD DENTAL SERVICES PROGRAM | Fargo, ND | $200K | 2023 |
| Neighborhood Development Center IncGENERAL OPERATIONS | Saint Paul, MN | $200K | 2023 |
| Churches United For The HomelessGENERAL OPERATIONS | Moorhead, MN | $200K | 2023 |
| Agate Housing And Services IncGENERAL OPERATIONS | Minneapolis, MN | $200K | 2023 |
| Dream Of Wild HealthCAPITAL SUPPORT | Minneapolis, MN | $200K | 2023 |