Otto Bremer Foundation awards $10.7 million in grants to 110 organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin

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1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: David Hakensen, FleishmanHillard, Otto Bremer Foundation awards $10.7 million in grants to 110 organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin SAINT PAUL, December 8, 2014 The Otto Bremer Foundation (OBF) has awarded $10.7 million in grants and a program-related investment to 110 organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin, making it the single largest round of grantmaking in its history. OBF is a private charitable trust, established in 1944 by founder Otto Bremer, a successful banker and community and business leader. OBF is the 92 percent owner of Bremer Bank and also manages a diversified investment portfolio. The returns on these holdings provide the funding for OBF s grantmaking. For 2014, OBF expects to award over $42 million in grants and program-related investments that support charitable activities at more than 500 organizations, its largest amount of annual giving. We are very pleased to provide funding to this diverse variety of organizations throughout our region, said Charlotte S. Johnson, co-ceo and trustee. We were impressed with the quality of the grant requests and the excellent and inspiring work that they represent. In November, OBF announced an expansion into southeastern Minnesota, following Bremer Bank s acquisition of Rochester-based Eastwood Bank, which is expected to close in early This brings several additional communities into the OBF territory. In order to effectively serve this growing geography, OBF has aligned its resources into seven regions. Each region will have dedicated program staff that will deepen OBF s knowledge through additional research and engagement with community stakeholders and experts on regional issues. Program and operations team members will work together to understand each region s broader needs and opportunities, under the direction of OBF s co-ceos and trustees, Charlotte S. Johnson, S. Brian Lipschultz, and Daniel C. Reardon, who will continue to set and execute the strategy to build communities where basic needs are met, mutual regard is prized and opportunities for economic, civic and social participation are within everyone s reach. A complete list of grants is included below. Otto Bremer Foundation Grants, November 2014 Minnesota 50Can, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $25,000 To support MinnCAN s efforts to close education opportunity gaps and build stronger public schools through original research, communications and public engagement around education policy reform.

2 Access Press, Ltd., St. Paul, MN $45,000 For general operations and to update technology for Access Press, which provides news coverage of issues that directly impact the disability community. Adult's and Children's Alliance, Inc., St. Paul, MN $10,000 To help in-home childcare providers in the Greater Minnesota communities of Brainerd, Baxter, and Aitkin County become licensed and also to enroll in the USDA Child and Adults Care Food Program. Advance Opportunities, Marshall, MN $29,550 For general operating support for this organization that provides services and employment support for adults with disabilities. Aitkin County CARE, Inc., Aitkin, MN $30,000 To provide services to older and disabled adults in Aitkin County. Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Minneapolis, MN $40,000 To provide Alzheimer's information and resources to healthcare providers in west central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota that results in early detection and diagnosis. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota, Owatonna, MN $35,000 For general operating support for this organization that provides one-to-one mentoring for at-risk youth in southern Minnesota. Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, Rochester, MN $10,000 To provide general operating support for the Boys & Girls Club branch in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Leech Lake Area, Cass Lake, MN $50,000 To provide after school and summer programming for youth. Brandon Fire and Rescue, Brandon, MN $8,510 To assist the Brandon Fire and Rescue Department with the purchase of equipment critical to the safety of its firefighting unit. Children's Dental Services, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $250,000 To implement the dental therapy training program and expand dental services in central Minnesota and to Headstart programs in Fargo, North Dakota. Churches United for the Homeless, Moorhead, MN $81,000 To increase support services for families in the homeless shelter. City of Princeton, Princeton, MN $80,000 To construct a one-mile trail within the Princeton community as part of the Great Northern Trail, a regional trail system. Clay-Wilkin Community Health Board, Moorhead, MN $58,622 For support of the PartnerSHIP 4 Health Initiative, which works to improve healthy food options for food pantries and organizations that acccept food donations. Cochran Recovery Services, Inc., Hastings, MN $50,000 For general operating support for this organization that provides recovery and addiction treatments. Community of Recovering People, Inc., Wayzata, MN $250,000 To provide scholarships to residents of Greater Minnesota who are in need of drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Concordia College, Moorhead, MN $100,000 To support the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center, which provides nocost, professional, confidential business consulting to small business owners and entrepreneurs. 2

3 Conflict Resolution Center, Minneapolis, MN $50,000 To provide training, technical assistance, capacity building, resource development, best practices and youth leadership development for those involved in the juvenile justice system. Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minneapolis, MN $10,000 To provide training and tools to interfaith communities to combat bigotry and hate in greater Minnesota. EdVisions Schools, Inc., Henderson, MN $150,000 To improve opportunities for underrepresented high school students to prepare for postsecondary education and careers in several Minnesota communities. Family Pathways, North Branch, MN $73,000 To increase the capacity to serve more individuals and families of the St. Croix Falls Family Pathways Food Shelf. Family Promise of Kandiyohi County, Inc., Willmar, MN $20,000 For general operating support for this organization that helps homeless and low-income families in Willmar, Minnesota. Fargo-Moorhead Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, Inc., Moorhead, MN $100,000 For general operations of the Fargo-Moorhead Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, which provides emergency shelter and basic needs to homeless men. Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc., St. Paul, MN $80,000 To provide legal services, support, and information to struggling family farmers and advocates in rural communities. Free Clinic of Steele County, Owatonna, MN $20,000 To develop an outpatient clinic location for providing basic health care services to uninsured lowincome patients. Goodwill Industries, Inc., St. Paul, MN $50,000 In the St. Cloud area, support expansion of behavioral health services to increase access to services for people with mental illness and create training opportunities for behavioral health workers. Granite Falls Living At Home Block Nurse Program, Granite Falls, MN $27,000 For general operating support for this organization that provides services and supports for seniors and care givers. Greater Mankato Area United Way, Mankato, MN $75,000 To support the Connecting Kids Program, which provides financial and community resources that connect low-income youth in Mankato to youth development programs. Habitat for Humanity of Steele Waseca Area, Owatonna, MN $35,000 For general operating support for this organization that provides affordable housing and support services for residents in Steele and Waseca counties. Initiative Foundation, Little Falls, MN $60,000 To support the Early Childhood Dental Network which provides services for children living in central Minnesota. Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, Minneapolis, MN $300,000 To provide programming that engages in community service and social action advocacy specifically targeting African American history, Holocaust education and building ties to the Latino community. 3

4 Koochiching Aging Options, International Falls, MN $40,000 To provide ongoing referral, program and planning services to older adults of Koochiching County, their families and the broader community. KOOTASCA Community Action, Inc., Grand Rapids, MN $40,000 To support after-school youth enrichment opportunities in International Falls, Minnesota. Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc., Moorhead, MN $75,000 For general operations of Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership, to support a merger, and continue early childhood programming. Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Cass Lake, MN $60,000 To provide cultural activities for youth from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and to build a strong sense of belonging, placement, responsibility, community pride, and identity while learning about the nation's capitol and government. Leisure Education for Exceptional People, Inc. (LEEP), Mankato, MN $33,000 To provide social and programming support for people with developmental disabilities in the Mankato community. Lifeworks Services, Inc., Eagan, MN $24,000 To support using technology to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain and retain community-based employment in the Mankato area. MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis, MN $300,000 To support an innovative, Minnesota-wide partnership with rural school districts, preschools and community-based education organizations in music learning using video conferencing. Minnesota High Technology Foundation, Minneapolis, MN $50,000 To support an increase in the number of STEM internship opportunities for college students and small companies in Greater Minnesota. Mississippi Headwaters Area Dental Health Center, Bemidji, MN $65,000 For general operations of the Mississippi Headwaters Area Dental Health Center, which provides a dental home for low-income and under-served populations in northwestern Minnesota. National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minneapolis, MN $16,000 To evaluate, refine and grow a previously-funded capacity building project created to enable volunteers to initiate and deliver programming. Northland Foundation, Duluth, MN $190,000 To improve intergenerational leadership collaborations in Aitkin, International Falls, McGregor, and the Bois Forte, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac Reservations. Open Access Connections, St. Paul, MN $30,000 To support the federal Lifeline program in Greater Minnesota, a program that provides limited service cell phones to eligible low-income Minnesotans. PACER Center, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $175,000 To support the Children's Mental Health Project, which educates families and caregivers on resources and works to improve the health and well-being of children with mental health and emotional or behavioral disorders. Pearl Battered Women's Resource Center, Milaca, MN $37,000 For general operating to provide advocacy, support, information, and resources for battered women and their children. Prepare + Prosper, St. Paul, MN $100,000 For general operating to increase the financial capability of low and moderate individuals through free tax preparation and delivery of training and technical assistance to partner organizations. 4

5 Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN $20,000 To support operational expenses for the Minnesota Main Street Project, which provides local Main Street programs in Minnesota with training and technical assistance for revitalization of downtowns. Productive Alternatives, Inc., Fergus Falls, MN $50,000 To develop an Adult Day Services program in Ottertail County and for the transition of a business model that will employ clients with disabilities. Project for Pride in Living, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $100,000 To provide a continuum of customized services for low-income individuals and families that empower them to achieve greater economic equity and long-term self-sufficiency. Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar, MN $160,000 To increase local access to inpatient mental health services at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota. Rivers of Hope, Monticello, MN $50,000 For general operating support for this organization that addresses domestic violence in Wright and Sherburne counties. Sexual Assault Services, Inc., Brainerd, MN $56,484 To provide support services for victims of sexual assault in Crow Wing County. Sioux Trails Mental Health Center, New Ulm, MN $60,000 For general operating support for this organization that provides mental health services in southern Minnesota. St. Cloud State University Foundation, St. Cloud, MN $77,000 To provide a safe and welcoming environment where students in recovery can receive opportunities for social and economic support while working to obtain a college degree. Students Today Leaders Forever, Minneapolis, MN $90,000 To increase staff capacity with the hiring of a Director of Program Development, which will ensure continued program quality growth in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center, Brainerd, MN $40,000 Support for at-risk and homeless youth through community collaborations with basic needs services, employment skills training and wellness programs. The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, St. Paul, MN $505,000 To support renovations of the Sun Ray and Highland Park libraries as part of A New Legacy of Learning capital campaign and a part time position to engage members of the African American community via digital literacy training, workforce development, storytimes and to leverage the use of new Metrix services. The Social Connextion, Inc., Moorhead, MN $40,000 For General operations of The Social Connextion, a drop in center for adults living with serious and persistent or serious mental illness in Clay County, Minnesota. Tri-County Action Program, Inc., Waite Park, MN $50,000 To provide free tax preparation to low income residents of central Minnesota by IRS-certified, volunteer tax preparers. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, St. Paul, MN $1,000,000 For a program-related investment to support the Alternate Mortgage Product, a new, additional Habitat program that will move low-income families more quickly into affordable homeownership and ultimately increase the number of families served. 5

6 Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, St. Paul, MN $250,000 To support the Alternate Mortgage Product, a new, additional Habitat program that will move lowincome families more quickly into affordable homeownership and ultimately increase the number of families served. United Hospital Foundation, St. Paul, MN $500,000 To expand and improve the facilities of the Mother Baby Center. United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, Chisholm, MN $25,000 To support the Buddy Backpack program which serves children in need in Koochiching County. Villa St. Vincent, Crookston, MN $129,000 To expand Villa St. Vincent's service capacity to meet the needs of a crucial gap in the region's care network through the development of a bariatric unit. Volunteers of America-Minnesota, Edina, MN $50,000 To provide support for Our Home, Volunteers of America's supportive housing program in Mille Lacs County, which provides safe and stable affordable housing for families in crisis and with disabilities. Waseca-Le Sueur Regional Library, Waseca, MN $18,000 To support renovations for the Waseca Public Library. North Dakota ARC of Cass County, Fargo, ND $13,000 To support an assessment of the organization's programs to determine relevancy, fit, and future needs of individuals and families with disabilities. Bismarck Mandan Chamber Foundation, Bismarck, ND $50,000 To construct a universal design playground fully accessible to disabled children. Carrington Health Center, Carrington, ND $138,786 To continue a comprehensive initiative to improve service quality, employee retention, and patient experience at this community hospital. Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Region, Grand Forks, ND $150,000 For general operating support only of the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Region, which works to increase philanthropy impacting the Grand Forks Region. Community Violence Intervention Center, Inc., Grand Forks, ND $59,412 For Safe Alternatives for Abused Families (SAAF) in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to develop fiscal, administrative, board, and staff capacity. Community Violence Intervention Center, Inc., Grand Forks, ND $175,000 For general operations of Community Violence Intervention Center, which provides emergency shelter, domestic violence services, and violence prevention. Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, Minot, ND $200,000 To support construction of facilities to meet the nutrition and health needs of children and youth at their Fargo, North Dakota, residential treatment center and school. Fargo Union Mission, Inc., Fargo, ND $135,000 To increase case management services and office renovations for the Fargo Union Mission, which provides shelter for homeless men and works to move them towards self-sufficiency. 6

7 Fessenden Ambulance Service District, Fessenden, ND $75,000 To purchase and renovate a building to house equipment, administrative offices, a training space, and sleeping rooms for on-call volunteers. Grand Forks Housing Authority, Grand Forks, ND $109,800 To support the expansion and update of I-Braries, which provides access to information, learning programs, and resources for low-income residents. Legal Services of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND $175,000 To meet the increased need for legal services in western North Dakota for low-income individuals facing problems with housing or domestic violence. Minot Public Library, Minot, ND $34,018 To develop a supervised "makerspace" for youth to use digital technology to create their own projects. Missouri Valley Family YMCA, Bismarck, ND $500,000 To support construction of a new Family Wellness Center in Mandan, North Dakota, which will expand access to fitness, youth programming, and child care. Missouri Valley Montessori School, Bismarck, ND $43,500 To make facility updates to this nonprofit child care center that improve the health and safety of students. North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Bismarck, ND $60,000 For general operating support to strengthen the nonprofit sector in North Dakota through training opportunities, legislative advocacy, and an annual conference. North Dakota Friends of Deaf Children Foundation, Devils Lake, ND $16,492 To replace the whirlpool at the North Dakota School for the Deaf swimming pool, used by community members. North Dakota Jump$tart Coalition, Bismarck, ND $4,500 To support the Real World Camps in Bismarck and Fargo, which teach 5th and 6th graders about financial literacy in an interactive setting. North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND $51,321 To provide affirmative therapy services to address mental health issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, couples, and families in rural North Dakota and Minnesota. Northlands Rescue Mission, Grand Forks, ND $100,000 For general operations for Northlands Rescue Mission, which provides support and programs for homeless individuals. Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead, Fargo, ND $125,000 For general operations of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, which provides supportive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bismarck, Bismarck, ND $150,000 To sustain and expand the services of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program which provides access to oral health care for underserved children in western North Dakota. The Arc of Bismarck, Bismarck, ND $50,000 To provide leadership and advocacy training to adults with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. The Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons, Fargo, ND $150,000 For general operations of the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons, which coordinates a collective community-wide approach to addressing homelessness. 7

8 West Fargo Public Schools, #6, West Fargo, ND $142,720 To support the North Dakota Reading Corps, which provides literacy interventions to children age three to third grade. YWCA Cass Clay, Fargo, ND $50,000 To support the YWCA Emergency Shelter program, which provides basic needs, childcare, and mentoring support for homeless students to achieve academic success. Wisconsin Ashland County, Ashland, WI $131,700 To support restorative justice and community service programming aimed at reducing recidivism in Ashland County. Benjamin's House Emergency Shelter, Inc., Rice Lake, WI $60,000 For general operating support for this organization providing shelter and supportive services to homeless individuals and families so that they can attain self-sufficiency. Boyceville Community Ambulance District, Boyceville, WI $56,051 For the purchase of new equipment for the Boyceville Ambulance District to provide complete emergency medical care for patients. Boys and Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Band, Inc., Hayward, WI $50,000 For general operating support for this organization serving young people living in and around tribal communities. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, Inc., La Crosse, WI $25,000 To provide family based legal immigration services. Cooperative Educational Service Agency #11, Turtle Lake, WI $47,510 To provide CPR, first aid, and suicide prevention education for low-income parents in western Wisconsin in order to improve their health. Easter Seals Wisconsin, Inc., Madison, WI $50,000 To expand vocational rehabilitation services for farmers with disabilities in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Dunn, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Polk, and St. Croix counties. Eau Claire City County Health Department, Eau Claire, WI $19,000 To create a collaborative community health assessment and increase the impact on health outcomes in Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties. Family & Children's Center, La Crosse, WI $50,000 To support Hope Academy, which provides an educational environment for teen parents and their children Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County, Inc., Eau Claire, WI $57,588 To offer the services of this organization providing family and child education resources in Dunn County. La Crosse Area Family YMCA, La Crosse, WI $300,000 To support the YMCA s capital campaign to expand existing facilities and programs to ensure children, teens and adults a safe and encouraging environment. Menomonie Public Library, Menomonie, WI $30,000 To improve reading readiness in pre-kindergarten children living in Dunn County, Wisconsin. Osceola Community Health Foundation, Inc., Osceola, WI $15,000 Expansion of givebig Osceola to neighboring communities to assist area nonprofits to build their fundraising capacity and public awareness of their missions. 8

9 Rusk Restorative Youth Programs, Ladysmith, WI $25,000 To sustain programming for the Rusk Restorative Youth Programs and implement other community programs that target issues within the community. United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley, Eau Claire, WI $67,000 To support a volunteer coordinator for the Successful Children s Network, which helps economically disadvantaged families meet the physical, social, emotional and educational needs of their children from birth to five. Village of Siren, Siren, WI $20,000 To provide additional restroom facilities at Crooked Lake Park. YWCA of La Crosse, La Crosse, WI $25,000 To support a truancy intervention project, which supports families and increases attendence in La Crosse-area schools. Other Independent Sector, Washington, DC $150,000 To support the Dialogue on Governance, Ethics and Accountability, and the Future of the Nonprofit Sector Initiatives. Independent Sector, Washington, DC $15,000 For membership renewal for this organization that provides resources for both foundations and nonprofits. The Notah Begay III Foundation, Inc., Santa Ana Pueblo, NM $75,000 For Native Strong, a program that offers technical assistance, research and advocacy in Native American communities in northern Minnesota. About the Otto Bremer Foundation Created in 1944, the Otto Bremer Foundation, based in St. Paul, assists people in achieving full economic, civic and social participation in and for the betterment of their communities. This mission is based on the intent of founder Otto Bremer, a German immigrant and successful banker who was a dedicated community leader involved in civic, financial and corporate life. His vision and longstanding commitment to communities during and after the Great Depression are carried forward today through OBF s work in the places that are homes and neighbors to Bremer Banks. # # # 9