Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund Grant
Funding Amount
US $10,000 - US $75,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- However, non-public schools are eligible.
Geography
- Operating within northeast Minnesota
Required status
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Other requirements
- Last fiscal year’s actual expenses must have been $2 million or more according to the last available Form 990.
- Have a completed annual audited financial statement prepared by an independent CPA.May not have an open OBT strategic grant.
- 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”).
- No more than 10 percent of grant funds may be used for administrative expenses.
Not eligible / not funded
- Not eligible: Organizations with less than $2 million in actual expenses are NOT eligible to apply.
- Not eligible: Government entities and public schools are not eligible.
- Not eligible: This excludes government grants and contracts, earned income, investment gains, and in-kind contributions.
- Not eligible: OBT Community Responsive Fund grant funds may not be used for the following.
- Not eligible: Work to influence public policy.
- Not eligible: Sponsorships or annual events.
- Not eligible: Fiscal sponsorships.
Overview
Note:
This is an invitation-only grant opportunity and applications will be accepted by invitation only up to the deadline indicated above for Full Proposal. However, applicants can contact the grant administrator if they meet the eligibility criteria and work within one or more of the focus areas outlined below within the Foundation service area.
Northland Foundation
The Northland Foundation is a place-based, publicly supported foundation working within seven Northeast Minnesota counties and all or parts of five Native nations.
The Northland Foundation is serving as an intermediary for the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund with up to $600,000 available for re-granting within northeast Minnesota according to the priorities and guidelines of the OBT.
Focus Areas that OBT Grants Will Support
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.
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).
Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.
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/under-insured.
Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.
School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services.
Eligibility
General criteria to be invited to apply include the following.501(c)(3) organization operating within northeast Minnesota for at least the past 5 yearsLast 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.Have a completed annual audited financial statement prepared by an independent CPA.May not have an open OBT strategic grant.Government entities and public schools are not eligible. However, non-public schools are eligible.
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.
Ineligibility
OBT Community Responsive Fund grant funds may not be used for the following.Work to influence public policy.Sponsorships or annual events.Fiscal sponsorships.
What Northland Foundation actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 122
- Total given
- $4.95M
- Median grant
- $25K
- Range
- $10K–$750K
- By dollars: Minnesota 100%. Top recipient cities: Duluth, MN; ELY, MN; Grand Marais, MN.
- 7% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
- 47% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.
Example grants
Depot on Central LLC · ELY, MN
To support the economic revitalization of main street corridors across northeast minnesota
$750K
The Northspan Group Inc · Duluth, MN
To support work in rural communities across northeast minnesota to foster belonging…
$300K
ELY Hardware · ELY, MN
To support the economic revitalization of main street corridors across northeast minnesota
$199K
Boys and Girls Club of the Northland · Duluth, MN
To support afterschool programming for youth ages 6-18 in the duluth area community;…
$100K
Roots and Wings Early Learning Center LLC · Grand Rapids, MN
In support of child care program expansion with funding provided by the state of…
$100K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Food pantries
- Homeless
- Healthcare
- Disabled
- Nonprofits
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