53 survey respondents
Location: 30 7th St E, Ste 2900, Saint Paul, 55101 MN
EIN: 41-6019050
73%
27%
10 hours
Median
72%
28%
71%
29%
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 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.
Reviewer 8568 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
I have serious concerns with the organization's vetting process. I worked for a very irresponsible nonprofit organization that consistently was funded by Otto Bremner and did not have to make any improvements or provide any proof of what the nonprofit was using the funds for. After reading these comments I am shocked that any organization has been denied.
Risk taker, Friendly, Builds relationships
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Average
Please follow through and expect more from your grantees. Friends or relatives are not a good idea to help.
Funds for no results after 7-8 years.
6
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
It is a bit of a formidable grant application but I think that's reasonable given the size of the grants. Although everything is online (application) I've had good luck reaching out to them via email or phone, I always get a timely response to my questions.
Risk taker, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2017
Good
Average
I know that you are perhaps under pressure streamline your funding to make more of an impact. Please just remember that there are many of us doing really great and important work that don't necessarily fall into any specific "issue" like housing. Thanks for your work in the community. You make a huge difference.
I love that they still fund a broad array of programs. So many funders are becoming more and more narrow in who and what they will fund. They are still really open to many things and I'm grateful for that.
6
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback about the Otto Bremer Trust.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Everything is done on-line -- no communication or availability to speak with someone about your project.
Bureaucratic
Michigan
Applied and not funded
2017
Bad
Average
10
Thanks for your feedback. The Otto Bremer Trust’s review process is described in the How to Apply section of our Social Return page. Grant seekers are always welcome to call and speak with program staff. Please visit ottobremer.org to find the program staff member who serves your region.
https://ottobremer.org/social-return/#How-To-Apply
Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
I would be very clear about what you are working on and what their policies and procedures are. There are a lot of areas, like fiscal sponsorship, where they say one thing and do another. It is important to have those conversations up front to save time and frustration.
Minnesota
Applied and not funded
2018
Bad
Be more clear about who you fund and who you don't. I know many people that fit your guidelines, but were turned away for one reason or another. If your policies were clearer, it would save everything the hassle.
The program officer we interacted with was disrespectful, dismissive, and actively misinformed about some of the basic facts that inform our work.
They have relevant funding areas.
0
We appreciate your feedback. Fiscal sponsorships can be complicated. Our fiscal sponsorship policies and other guidelines are located on the Social Return page of our website.
