Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

The Otto Bremer Trust was founded in 1944. Since then, it has granted over $1 billion to help further Otto Bremer’s mission in communities across the region.

Responsive Grantmaking

Addressing challenges and opportunities within Montana in partnership with Otto Bremer Trust.

As a trusted partner to the Otto Bremer Trust the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) will grant out $1.5 Million to Montana organizations from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund. This one-year program will support local organizations that are directly responding to immediate challenges in their communities.

The Otto Bremer Trust’s Community Responsive Fund at MCF will focus on supporting organizations or programs that address relevant community priorities and align with the following funding priorities- Basic Needs, Community Asset Building, Health and Wellbeing, and Restorative and Emergency Responsive.

Applicants for finalists open May 1, 2024 and close on May 15, 2024

Grant Guidelines

We extend our gratitude to every organization that submitted pre-applications to the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund through the Montana Community Foundation. With more than 400 pre-applications received from across the state, and nearly $19 million in funding requests, the depth of need in Montana is clear, as is the commitment of numerous remarkable organizations striving to meet these needs.

The Montana Community Foundation has selected 80 organizations to proceed with full applications, and all applicants have been informed accordingly.

Continue to monitor our website for updates and future funding opportunities.

Important dates:

  • Pre-Applications: Closed.
    • All applicants will receive a response regarding their application by the end of April 2024.
  • Applicants for finalists due: May 15, 2024
  • Funding announcements: June 30, 2024

Program Requirements and Criteria

Organizations or program purposes that address relevant community priorities and align with the following funding priorities:

  • Applicants must be IRS determined 501(c)3 organizations. No fiscal sponsorships.
  • Grant amounts will be between $10,000- $75,000
  • Beneficiaries of grantees must reside in MT. Current Otto Bremer Trust grantees are eligible to apply.
  • Organizations and programs that provide direct service to address immediate needs within their communities.
  • Grants available for program or project support or general operating support.

Funding Priorities:

  • Basic Needs
    The Basic Needs funding priority supports organizations assisting displaced individuals or those encountering various challenges in their journey toward self-sufficiency. These grants include those that focus on short-term assistance.
  • Community Asset Building
    The funding priority for Community Asset Building includes a variety of investments, all with a central focus on strengthening community assets.
  • Health and Wellbeing
    The Health and Wellbeing funding priority seeks to help increase the well-being of adults and youth.
  • Restorative and Emergency Responsive
    The priority of Restorative and Emergency Responsive focuses on assisting organizations dedicated to restoring stability for individuals and families encountering disruptive forces in life.

Please see the Grant Guidelines for a full list of requirements and criteria for applying.

Process

Pre-Application - Closed

  • Pre-Applications will open on March 1 and close on March 31, 2024. The Pre-application is open to all eligible nonprofits in Montana. The pre-application is a simplified form that is readily accessible to all and can be completed quickly.
  • Only one pre-application per organization is permitted. Applicants must choose the funding priority that aligns most closely with their needs.

Application

  • Finalists will receive notifications in late April regarding their eligibility to complete a full application.
  • Full applications will open on May 1 and close on May 15, 2024.
Elisa Fiaschetti's headshot'

We're Here to Help

For additional help, questions or comments, contact Elisa Fiaschetti, Impact Programs Director.

406-441-4953 Email Elisa Fiaschetti