47 survey respondents
Location: 30 7th St E, Ste 2900, Saint Paul, 55101 MN
EIN: 41-6019050
80%
20%
12 hours
Median
80%
20%
78%
22%
2017 Deadlines:
Types of Grants Awarded:
Geographic Focus:
For Fiscal Year
Total Assets:
Total Grants:
Change in Assets FY :
Amount of Grants to Minnesota Nonprofits:
Largest Grant:
Smallest Grant:
Average Grant:
Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
Site visits are part of the application (approval) process, but they're invaluable. The knowledgeable staff of Otto Bremer Trust ask intelligent questions because they already know the context in which you operate as a nonprofit. This is a generous organization and they want to be strategic in their funding distribution.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Array
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Good
Good
Keep staff levels adequate to the task, since you try to manage 4 grant rounds a year, covering multiple regions. An amazing feat, really.
They trust that the nonprofit understands their own work and tries to come alongside (especially legacy, larger nonprofits) with proven track records and real needs.
6
Grant Applicant - applied in 2016
Watch out for a brutal site visit. Doesn't mean you will not get funded, but it will be brutal.
Array
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2016
Average
Average
This foundation has invested heavily in a stunning office space. Given the needs of the community, I wish those resources were better spent.
10
Reviewer 4322 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
This is an organization with a very high level of integrity. You will probably not be funded unless you do very good work that meets community needs. It is worthwhile to let them know about your organization and its funding needs before applying.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
New Jersey
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Good
Good
Keep making general operating grants, as we need them. Remember that the days of seed grants to bring on government or other funding are a thing of the past.
Communication, including face-to-face and phone meetings.
6
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Great foundation to work with - staff are extremely helpful and willing to answer any and all questions.
(Unknown)
Current or former grantee
Funded for greater amount
2017
Good
Good
15
Grant Applicant - applied before 2014
To be successful it is best if you have a contact at the bank and discuss your proposal before submitting an application.
Friendly, Builds relationships, Responsive
(Unknown)
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
Before 2014
Good
Good
The foundation is focused on a wide range of activities that improve Mid-West communities.
Very prompt communication.
More than 15
Thanks for your feedback. Grant seekers who have questions about applying for a grant should contact the Otto Bremer Trust directly.
Reviewer 3289 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
This is a relationship funder although to prevent too much coziness they change up the grant officer. You must start a dialog with your assigned officer, they will give you valuable advice regarding what and how to write your proposal.
This funder may do multi-year grants.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Insightful, Friendly, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for greater amount
2017
Good
Very accessible, they work hard to understand your organization.
Good
This foundation wants to advance communities through health, education, and reduction of poverty. They have had a few audacious goals that may not have fully realized their goals but we appreciate the extra mile they go to assist organizations with their dreams.
They fund rural projects!
Listens, makes suggestions regarding the proposal that often helps make the program better!
More than 15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
We were in communication with a program officer, went through the application process, and then were notified that the program officer wanted to conduct a site visit. This seemed promising. However, from the program officer's tone and line of questions during the site visit, it seemed very clear that she had no intention of recommending our proposal for funding. She didn't seem to like that our organization was a large one, as if we couldn't possibly need a grant. If Bremer doesn't want to fund large nonprofits, that is their prerogative. But why make a large nonprofit jump through their hoops only to decline the proposal.
South Dakota
Applied and not funded
2017
Good
Average
Clarify your guidelines.
The staff does make an effort to be accessible.
20
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about the Otto Bremer Trust.
Reviewer 2122 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2015
My experience with the staff at Bremer is that they are accommodating, plain speaking (including letting us know when we hadn't applied for enough!), and truly interested in learning about your project/program.
Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for greater amount
2015
Good
Good
Even though they have clearly defined what they will fund, they are always open to new ideas and creative solutions. If you are unsure, contact them.
Don't be shy about contacting them and asking questions, but make sure that you have absorbed all the publicly available information first. The staff is very knowledgable and you don't want to be caught out not having done your homework.
Staff creates a sense of trust and understanding by being open to new thinking, speaking clearly about what is not going well or what they won't fund, and always, always returning calls.
0
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
Our experience has been that Otto Bremer wishes to build a relationships with their grantees. This grant took more than a year of meetings, calls, reports, and emails - but it was worth it!
Positive leader in the field, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, Openminded, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Good
Good
Nice people, who care about the Minnesota community.
40
Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate hearing from our grant applicants.
Reviewer 5060 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Developing a relationship with the program manager is key.
Positive leader in the field, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues
Iowa
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
They understand the needs of the community and are willing to provide general operating support.
10
Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback.
