The Community Foundation has distributed $3 million in grants to 79 nonprofit organizations in the region from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund with the Community Foundation. 

Selected as a partner in Otto Bremer Trust’s (OBT) 2024 Community Responsive Fund pilot program, the Community Foundation was one of six intermediary partners chosen across the Trust’s four-state region and one of two in Wisconsin. $3 million in funding was provided from OBT to the Community Foundation for the pilot grantmaking program. At the heart of this fund is OBT’s belief that intermediary partners deeply rooted in communities are best positioned to identify and invest in approaches that are not only relevant and timely but also highly effective.

Curt Detjen, President and CEO

“The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region is honored to have been chosen as an Otto Bremer Trust partner. We are proud of the many nonprofits who serve so capably every day, and to be a bridge between a generous donor and these impact-makers in our region,” said Curt Detjen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

Nonprofit organizations serving residents in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah/Menasha area of Winnebago counties were eligible to apply for grants of up to $75,000. To qualify, requests needed to align with one or more of the fund’s four focus areas: basic needs, community asset building, health and well-being, or restorative and emergency services.

Upon completion of an application, review, and recommendation process conducted by the Community Foundation, 79 nonprofit organizations were approved by OBT to receive grants. Click here to see the full list of 2024 grant recipients and to learn more about the pilot program.

Detjen said, “The response to this opportunity was extraordinary, with 137 applications totaling $7.8 million in grant requests, underscoring the significant need for nonprofit support in the Fox Valley region.” 

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, MN, created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer. It is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $1 billion in people, places, and opportunities in its region. Learn more by visiting the Otto Bremer website. 

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