Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

The Otto Bremer Trust engages philanthropic intermediaries to administer grants to organizations for aligned activities through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund. 

United Way of Racine County is accepting applications on behalf of the Otto Bremer Trust for funding to support programs and projects that address critical community needs in the following areas: 

• Food

• Shelter

• Low-income healthcare clinics

• Disability services

• School-based mental health.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Beneficiaries of the grants must reside in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and/or Wisconsin.
• Must serve residents of Racine County, Wisconsin. 
• 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.)
• The organization must have at least five years of successful operations during which they have continuously held 501(c)(3) status.
• The organization must complete annual audited financial statements prepared by an independent CPA.
• The organization’s last fiscal year’s actual expenses must have been $2 million or more. (Excluding in-kind expenses.)
• The organization may not have an open OBT strategic grant.

Funding Criteria:

• Grants may be up to $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 financial support.
• 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.

Funds may NOT be used for:

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

Important:

Organizations must apply directly through United Way of Racine County to be considered. Preference will be given to current Impact Partners.