OTTO BREMER TRUST
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OVERVIEW
United Way Greater Chippewa Valley is honored to be named one of the Otto Bremer Trust’s (OBT) participants this year.
In 2026, United Way of Wisconsin will administer $4,000,000 from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund. This page provides information regarding the funding and it's origins.
Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund FAQs
Last Revised: April 23, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
1) Are national organizations allowed to apply on behalf of an affiliated organization or program in our region?
OBT prefers to directly support local affiliates to retain the most financial resources possible for direct service work. Therefore, the assessment of local organizations with national affiliations will be based on the size of the local organization. Local organizations that do not meet the established OBT Community Responsive Fund criteria are not eligible.
2) Our organization is the backbone of a local coalition. Can we apply for a grant on behalf of the coalition?
No. Partnerships and coalitions of nonprofit organizations are not eligible.
3) Can organizations apply as a coalition and consolidate finances into one entity?
No. The legal entity receiving grant funds must have had previous fiscal year’s actual expenses of more than $2 million.
4) Are government-owned hospitals or joint-powers healthcare systems eligible?
No. However, affiliated 501(c)(3) hospital and healthcare foundations may be eligible.
Grant Terms / Finances
5) What information is used to determine the $2M budget minimum?
Line 12, Total Revenue, from your organization’s most recently filed 990.
6) Can you clarify the 10% administrative expense rule?
Ninety percent of grant funds are restricted to programs and direct services. Ten percent may be used for administrative expenses or aligned program costs.
7) What counts as administrative expenses?
Management, general, and fundraising expenses as defined in Form 990 (Part IX). No additional categories beyond standard indirect expenses apply.
8) Can organizations receive multiple grants?
Yes. However, pooling regions for a larger grant is not allowed. Maximum grant per organization is $75,000.
Focus Area – Food
9) Are food banks eligible for food banking activities?
No, but direct meal sites and food pantries are eligible. Large-scale distribution centers are not.
10) Are church-based food shelves eligible?
Yes, if they meet overall eligibility criteria.
11) Are daycare meal programs eligible?
No.
13) Are youth program meal services eligible?
No. Hunger relief must be a primary organizational focus.
Focus Area – Shelter
14) Are hotel stays for overflow shelter eligible?
Yes.
15) Are church overflow shelters eligible?
Yes, if criteria are met.
Focus Area – Low-Income Healthcare Clinics
16) Are low-income targeted programs within larger systems eligible?
Yes.
17) Are government hospitals eligible?
No. 501(c)(3) affiliated foundations may be eligible.
18) Can funds go to a hospital foundation?
Yes.
19) Which financials are used for eligibility?
Hospital financials determine expenses; foundation financials may determine philanthropic support.
Focus Area – Disability Services
20) Are disability services without homelessness focus eligible?
No. Programs must serve individuals experiencing chronic or long-term homelessness with disabilities.
Focus Area – School-Based Mental Health
21) What counts as school-based mental health?
Services delivered in or near schools, including telehealth, coordinated by schools and provided by licensed clinicians.
22) What services are eligible?
Individual and group therapy by licensed clinicians (LPCC, LICSW, LMFT, LP).
23) Are non-clinical youth programs eligible?
No. Only clinical services are eligible.
24) Are Head Start or early learning programs eligible?
No. Only K–12 and older school-based services are eligible.
25) Are public school or government services eligible?
No. Non-public schools may be eligible if all criteria are met.
Timeline
26) Must funds be spent within 12 months?
Yes. Grant period: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.
27) When will award decisions be announced?
Recommendations are reviewed in June. Final decisions are expected by mid-September.