FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kari Suzuki, Director of Operations, 651 227-8036 Otto Bremer Foundation awards 93 grants totaling $5 million SAINT PAUL, April 16, 2014 The Otto Bremer Foundation awarded 93 grants totaling $5,456,033 in March 2014. Grants support programs and organizations in the Twin Cities metro area. A complete list of grants is included below. Otto Bremer Foundation Grants, March 2014 Minnesota 180 Degrees, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $75,000 To develop a multi-faceted Youth Development Campus, which will promote stability, productive behavior and successful outcomes for the East Metro area's at-risk youth. AccessAbility, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $30,000 To support Project Connect, a transitional work program which serves the chronically homeless individuals. Accessible Space, Inc., St. Paul, MN $50,000 To support building upgrades to two accessible and affordable buildings for this organization that serves low-income individuals and families. The Advocates for Human Rights, Minneapolis, MN $50,000 To support a project which works to alleviate poverty by helping refugees seeking asylum to become self-sufficient members of vibrant communities. Ain Dah Yung Center, St. Paul, MN $150,000 For general operating to support the emergency shelter, transitional living programs and mental health case management for this organization that serves children and families. Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, Minneapolis, MN $30,000 To support the HIRE Minnesota Campaign, which works to close the racial employment gap in the Twin Cities region. The Aliveness Project, Minneapolis, MN $35,000 For general operating support for this organization that provides supportive services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Alliance for Sustainability, Minneapolis, MN $20,000 For the Community Table Cooperative, a farmer's collaborative that works to address food production, processing and distribution for immigrant farmers and farmers of color. Alliance Housing, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $35,000 To support a supporting housing program for homeless families living in North Minneapolis.
Ascension Place, Minneapolis, MN $40,000 For general operation to support St. Anne's Place, which provides emergency shelter and comprehensive support to women and children in crisis due to homelessness. Avenues for Homeless Youth, Minneapolis, MN $75,000 To support the "Brooklyn Avenues", a youth designated shelter and transitional housing program. Banyan Foundation, Minneapolis, MN $50,000 For general operating and capital support for this organization that works to develop youth and strengthen families in the Phillip neighborhood. Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, St. Paul, MN $40,000 To support the development of new affordable and supportive housing. The Bridge for Youth, Minneapolis, MN $40,000 For general operating support to end youth homelessness, strengthen family stability, and connect youth in crisis with resources. The Camden Promise, Minneapolis, MN $30,000 To launch the Camden Promise Opportunity Center, which works to address chronic barriers to underemployment and unemployment within this north Minneapolis neighborhood. Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Paul, MN $23,183 For the Fiscally Fit Center, a project which provides financial empowerment, credit literacy and homebuyer training. Canvas Health, Inc., Oakdale, MN $65,000 To support a project which will increase health access and improve outcomes for low-income children, adults, and individuals with mental and chemical health disabilities. Central Minnesota Legal Services, Minneapolis, MN $98,350 For a new staff attorney to provide free legal representation and advice to underserved, lowincome veterans. Centro Cultural Chicano, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $40,000 For general operating and program support for this organization that provides physical, mental and spiritual health services to individuals and families in the Twin Cities. Children's Law Center of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN $70,000 To support direct legal representation, education, and systemic reform to protect the rights of Twin Cities foster children. City of Lakes Community Land Trust, Minneapolis, MN $75,000 To support this organization which works to increase opportunities for low-income households with affordable, supportive, and sustainable homeownership in Minneapolis. Clare Housing, Minneapolis, MN $50,000 To provide affordable housing, supportive services and compassionate care for low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in the Twin Cities. CLUES, Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio, St. Paul, MN $75,000 To support Economic Advancement Services, a culturally relevant programs that help lowincome Latino and other underserved individuals and families move toward economic prosperity. College Possible aka Admission Possible, St. Paul, MN $250,000 To expand programming that supports college admission and success for low-income students. 2
Community of Recovering People, Inc., Wayzata, MN $50,000 To support a scholarship program that defrays the cost of treatment programs for economically challenged individuals suffering from chemical dependency. Community Partners with Youth, New Brighton, MN $25,000 For general operating support for after school and summer programming for at-risk youth in grades K-8 in New Brighton and Mounds View, Minnesota. The Cookie Cart, Minneapolis, MN $50,000 For general operations to provide an employment and training program for economically disadvantaged youth. Daily Work, St. Paul, MN $46,000 For general operating to strengthen and improve the capacity of this organization which provides new skills, financial literacy, and education opportunities for individuals. Eagan Resource Center, Eagan, MN $75,000 To support innovative food distribution and healthy food access for insecure families, seniors and children. East Side Learning Center, St. Paul, MN $25,000 To support a one-on-one reading tutoring program for underserved children living in low-income neighborhoods of St. Paul. East Side Neighborhood Development Company, Inc., St. Paul, MN $45,000 To support the Community of Choice Initiative, which integrates affordable housing, economic development, community organizing, and partnerships to substantially improve the East Side. East Side Neighborhood Development Company, Inc., St. Paul, MN $20,000 For the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center, which will provide early childhood opportunities, native language and culture to children. East Side Neighborhood Services, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $85,000 For general operations of this organization which provides quality human services that serve low-income and immigrant residents. Eastside Meals on Wheels, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $25,000 For general operations of this organization that provides meals for the elderly. ECHO Minnesota, St. Paul, MN $35,000 To support sustainable fundraising efforts to engage, educate, and inform Minnesota's New Americans. Face to Face Health and Counseling Service, Inc., St. Paul, MN $50,000 To increase access to integrated health care and basic needs services for individuals and families throughout the greater Twin Cities area for the Community Health Fund. Family Housing Fund, Minneapolis, MN $35,000 To support a project which works to improve near-term and long-term outcomes for children who have experienced the trauma of homelessness with impacts on child development. FamilyMeans, Stillwater, MN $60,000 To support youth development programming in Land Fall and Cimarron Communities. The Family Place, St. Paul, MN $50,000 For general operating support of this organization that helps Ramsey County families and children transition from emergency shelter to stable community housing. 3
Genesys Works, St. Paul, MN $50,000 For general operating support for this organization that provides training, internships and college preparation for underprivileged high school students in the Twin Cities. Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley, Inc., St. Paul, MN $30,000 To support Girl Scouts ConnectZ, an initiative to bring leadership program to girls in diverse and low-income communities in the Twin Cities area. Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Golden Valley, MN $70,000 To strengthen family relationships and early childhood development in Latino families. Hamline Midway Living At Home-Block Nurse Program, St. Paul, MN $7,500 For general operations of this organization that provides volunteer assistance to enable elders to remain in their homes. Headwaters Foundation for Justice, Minneapolis, MN $40,000 To support the Twin Cities African American Leadership Forum, a project that engages the community on critical issues. Hmong American Farmers Association, St. Paul, MN $50,000 For general operating support for the Hmong American Farmers Association to pursue strategies for economic inclusion for Hmong farmers in the Twin Cities. Holy Rosary Church and School, Minneapolis, MN $30,000 For general operating and capacity building to meet basic needs and provide educational opportunities for immigrants and refugees in the Phillips neighborhood. Hope Community, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $65,000 To support Hope's Wealth Creation strategies, a community-based coaching program for lowincome people. Housing Preservation Project, St. Paul, MN $70,000 To support a project which will employ legal and policy advocacy to preserve and expand affordable housing in the Twin Cities Metro area. Intercongregation Communities Association, Minnetonka, MN $50,000 To support the Employment Services, Mobile Food Shelf and Financial Assistance programs. Inver Hills Community College Foundation, Inver Grove Heights, MN $116,000 To support the TuitionMatch-MN program for a consortium of the metro area community and technical colleges, which offers matched savings accounts, financial literacy, and career coaching to support student success. Juxtaposition, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $50,000 For general operating support for youth-led enterprise and community rooted art and design center for this organization that employs youth. Karen Community of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN $75,000 For general operating support for this organization to better meet the needs of Karen refugees to achieve self-sufficiency. Lifeworks Services, Inc., Eagan, MN $24,000 To support the purchase of equipment and provide staff training to support technology labs to help adults with developmental disabilities obtain and keep employment. The Lift Community Development Corporation, St. Paul, MN $40,000 For general operations of this program offering financial literacy, job skills and employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth on the east side of St. Paul. 4
The Link, Minneapolis, MN $100,000 To support transitional and supportive housing for homeless youth in the Twin Cities. Little Earth Residents Association, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $150,000 To support continued implementation of Little Earth's 10 Year Plan to improve outcomes and achieve economic, educational, and health goals for the American Indian residents of Little Earth. Metro Meals on Wheels, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $50,000 For general operations of this organization which supports Meals on Wheels programs through outreach, sustainability initiatives and collaborative efforts for the senior population. Minneapolis Believers, MN Foursquare Gospel Church, Minneapolis, MN $30,000 To support the Three Deep Leadership Academy, which serves students living in poverty. Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Minneapolis, MN $25,000 To support the creation of Freedom Schools, a literacy-based summer learning program designed for inner city children. Minnesota Council on Foundations, Minneapolis, MN $28,500 For annual membership and support of this regional association of grantmakers. MORE, St. Paul, MN $40,000 For general operating support to help immigrant and refugee adults learn English and meet basic needs. Neighbors, Inc., South St. Paul, MN $80,000 For general operations of this organization which serves low-income families in northern Dakota County. North Hennepin Community College Foundation, Brooklyn Park, MN $40,000 To support the Cornerstones program, which prepares middle and high school students for transition to postsecondary education through tutoring, workshops and summer programming. Northwest Youth and Family Services, Shoreview, MN $15,000 For Service + Learning (STEP), a comprehensive out-of-school program which works to improve the academic achievement of elementary and middle school youth in Ramsey County. Open Cities Health Center, Inc., St. Paul, MN $75,000 To support the expansion of a new community health clinic which serves low-income individuals and families living in St. Paul's North End. Opportunity Partners, Inc., Minnetonka, MN $50,000 To support organizational capacity to expand the Kinect-based technology which supports people with disabilities. Oromo Community, Inc. Mpls, St. Paul, St. Paul, MN $45,000 To support employments services to prepare hard-to-employ clients facing cultural, linguistic and digital barriers. People Incorporated, St. Paul, MN $175,000 To provide post-treatment service to clients of the Huss Center for Recovery and provide uncompensated care for services. People Reaching Out to Other People, Eden Prairie, MN $50,000 To support the wrap-around services and basic needs programs for this organization that helps families experiencing hardship and crisis. 5
People Serving People Charities, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $65,000 For general operating support to provide safe and effective Emergency Shelter, Advocacy, Education and Employment services programs for homeless children and their families. Permaculture Research Institute Cold Climate, Minneapolis, MN $20,000 For general operations of Project Sweetie Pie, a highly-productive, model farm that teaches urban gardening techniques and employs disadvantaged North Minneapolis residents. Reach for Resources, Inc., Hopkins, MN $20,000 To support the REACH Out program, which provides basic needs services and financial skills to adults with cognitive disabilities. Ready Set Smile, PA, Minneapolis, MN $22,500 To support this organization that provides dental services to underserved children at Jefferson School in South Minneapolis and for program expansion. SEWA-AIFW, Minneapolis, MN $45,000 For general operating support of this organization that provides culturally specific services to Minnesota's South Asian communities. Somali American Parent Association, Minneapolis, MN $20,000 To support a college preparatory and post secondary summer program for East African refugee and immigrant youth. South Metro Human Services, St. Paul, MN $35,000 To support the relocation of an intensive outreach program for homeless adults with mental illness in St. Paul. Southside Family Nurturing Center, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $75,000 For general operating support to strengthen fundraising and programmatic capacity to improve and enhance services for children at risk for abuse in the Phillips Community. St. David's School for Child Development and Family Services, Minnetonka, MN $50,000 To support the MDAT program, which works to increase access to comprehensive early childhood mental health assessments and build capacity for parents and caregivers in Hennepin County. St. Louis Park Emergency Program, St. Louis Park, MN $40,000 For general operations of this organization that provides basic services of food and clothing for the vulnerable residents living in St. Louis Park. St. Paul City School, St. Paul, MN $15,000 To support a free Pre-K program which serves low-income, ELL students living in the Frogtown community. The Saint Paul Foundation, St. Paul, MN $50,000 For the Community Sharing Fund, a resource that provides immediate and direct financial support to individuals and families in the East Metro area. Transit for Livable Communities, St. Paul, MN $40,000 To educate front-line social service providers about transportation issues and options in order to improve the economic well-being of their clients. Twin Cities Rise!, Minneapolis, MN $200,000 For general operations to support comprehensive job training for low-income adults with multiple barriers to employment, resulting in increased income and financial independence. 6
University of Minnesota Foundation, Minneapolis, MN $80,000 To support the Community University Health Care Center's Healthy Futures Psychosocial Care Coordination project. Urban Homeworks, Inc., Minneapolis, MN $50,000 For general operations of and technology enhancements for this community development organization. Vineyard Community Services, Burnsville, MN $38,000 For general operations of this food shelf and basic needs program that serves families and seniors in the south metro area. Walk-In Counseling Center, Minneapolis, MN $50,000 For general operations of this organization which provides free, accessible mental health services. Washburn Center for Children, Minneapolis, MN $250,000 To support the capital campaign and case management services for this organization that provides children's mental health and support services. Way to Grow, Minneapolis, MN $150,000 To support the Great by 8 program which provides basic needs, literacy, and health programming for low-income families in Minneapolis. Women of Nations, St. Paul, MN $27,000 For general operations of this shelter that provides housing and support services to women who have experienced domestic violence. Women's Advocates, St. Paul, MN $50,000 For general operations of this organization which advocates and provides outreach services women, children and families affected by domestic violence. Women's Initiative for Self Empowerment, St. Paul, MN $50,000 For general operations of this organization which empowers immigrant and refugee women and their families to be self-sufficient. YouthCARE, Minneapolis, MN $120,000 To support the Multicultural Youth Employment Program, which provides first-time job opportunities to economically disadvantaged urban youth of color in the Twin Cities. About the Otto Bremer Foundation Created in 1944, the Otto Bremer Foundation 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. His vision and longstanding commitment to communities during and after the Great Depression are carried forward today through the Foundation s work in the places that are homes and neighbors to Bremer banks. The Foundation strives to help build healthy, vibrant communities communities where basic needs are met, mutual regard is prized and opportunities for economic, civic and social participation are within everyone's reach. The Otto Bremer Foundation owns 92 percent of Bremer Bank, and receives an equivalent share of the bank profits that are paid out as dividends. This means that a large portion of bank profit is invested back in local communities through grants and program-related investments. In 2013 the Foundation provided approximately $38 million in grants and program-related investments. 7