Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund for 2026 is a philanthropic grantmaking initiative aimed at addressing urgent and evolving needs in North Dakota communities. Administered by the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF), this fund represents a continuation of OBT’s commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of local populations. In 2026, the Trust has allocated $1.5 million to be distributed through NDCF in the form of individual grants of up to $75,000. These grants are specifically designed to strengthen organizations that provide critical services across a set of identified focus areas. The fund’s primary objective is to bolster services that address food insecurity, homelessness, health access, and mental health support for children and youth, as well as disability services. Eligible organizations must operate in North Dakota and deliver direct services aligned with one or more of the five outlined focus areas: meal sites and food pantries (excluding large regional or statewide food banks); emergency or short-term shelter for those facing homelessness; low-income healthcare clinics providing medical, dental, and mental health services; programs supporting individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities; and school-based mental health programs. These areas reflect OBT’s priorities for strategic, localized impact on some of the most pressing challenges faced by communities. To qualify, applicants must hold current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Government entities, including public schools, are not eligible; however, non-public schools may apply. Preference will be given to organizations that have demonstrated at least five years of successful operations with 501(c)(3) status and annual actual expenses exceeding $2 million. Notably, up to 10 awards may be granted to organizations with less than five years of experience or under $2 million in expenses, provided their work aligns with one or more focus areas. Applicants must not have an open OBT strategic grant but may have previously received funding through the 2024 or 2025 OBT Community Responsive Fund. Grant funds may be used for operational expenses, programming, and capital projects. However, no more than 10% of the awarded funds may be directed toward administrative expenses. Furthermore, the amount awarded to any one organization may not exceed 10% of their previous fiscal year’s philanthropic (non-governmental) financial support. Grantees will be required to submit a final report to NDCF and provide data on the impact of the funded project or program. Applications for the 2026 cycle will be accepted from March 1 through April 30, 2026. Submissions must be completed through the NDCF Grants Portal, and applications that remain in draft form after the deadline will be deleted. Review of applications will be carried out by a committee of NDCF board members, followed by full board evaluation and submission of recommendations to the OBT for final approval. Notification of decisions is expected in the fall of 2026. For assistance, applicants may contact Steve Lipp at Steve@NDCF.net or 701-222-8349. This grant is recurring on an annual basis, with new cycles expected each year. Prospective applicants are advised to monitor the NDCF website and sign up for alerts or newsletters to remain informed about future funding rounds and potential changes in focus areas or eligibility requirements. The consistent, annual nature of this program makes it a valuable opportunity for North Dakota-based nonprofits seeking to build sustainable, community-responsive services.

Priority to organizations with strong track record and >$2M in expenses; align clearly with one of five focus areas.