PRESS RELEASE
Otto Bremer Trust selects Southwest Initiative Foundation as partner for new Community Responsive Fund
Southwest Initiative Foundation will award $400,000 in grants to southwest Minnesota nonprofits
HUTCHINSON, Minn. — Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has been selected by the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) as a philanthropic partner to award funds through its new Community Responsive Fund. SWIF will work closely with OBT to award $400,000 in grants of up to $75,000 each to support local organizations that directly respond to immediate challenges and opportunities in the community.
SWIF will serve as a local expert to ensure that the Otto Bremer Trust is increasing the positive impact in the regions it serves by providing guidance on and awarding grants from OBT directly to the organizations in southwest Minnesota that are providing effective services and programs.
“The Trust’s mission has always been to provide funding to organizations and programs that effectively address challenges and opportunities in the local community. And what better way to have a deeper understanding of where those challenges are than to work with an organization like Southwest Initiative Foundation, which is fully integrated into the community and regions we serve. We look forward to working closely together to increase our impact,” said Frank Miley, co-CEO and trustee, OBT.
Local nonprofits, organizations, and groups may apply for funding from the OBT’s Community Responsive Fund through SWIF. Qualified applicants focus on community asset building, supporting basic needs, health and well-being, restorative and responsive services, and/or bringing stability to individuals and families facing disruptive forces in life.
“We appreciate this opportunity from the Otto Bremer Trust to be a partner in their Community Responsive Fund. There are so many remarkable nonprofits in southwest Minnesota working to help our region thrive, and this funding will be a catalyst for positive change,” said Nancy Fasching, SWIF Vice President for Community Impact.
Applications for the grants are now open for local nonprofit organizations and can be found at swifoundation.org/grants. The grant application deadline is 5 p.m. on April 19, 2024.
The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting an enhanced quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, Otto Bremer Trust has invested more than $1 billion in its region’s people, places, and opportunities.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $115 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.
About the Otto Bremer Trust
The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting an enhanced quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $1 billion in its region’s people, places, and opportunities. Read more about Otto Bremer Trust
