Posted on November 25, 2012

Bremer Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $1.1 Million in Owatonna

The St. Paul-based Otto Bremer Foundation has announced initial grants totaling more than $1.1 million to nonprofit organizations in Owatonna, Minnesota, where a Bremer Bank location recently opened.

Three lead grants totaling $710,000 include $210,000 to United Way of Steele County for an initiative to address disparities in income, education, and health; $250,000 to the Owatonna Public Library for renovations and enhanced technology services; and $250,000 to Owatonna Community Education for expanded access to high-quality programming for preschoolers and middle-school youth.

In addition, the foundation awarded smaller grants totaling $433,900 to ten nonprofits, including the Steele County Communities for a Lifetime ($150,000), Steele County Food Shelf $40,000, and Owatonna Healthy Seniors Program ($35,000).

"We believe these initiatives will make a difference for Owatonna now and in the future," said foundation trustee Brian Lipschultz. "We know that healthy communities provide opportunities for all to participate, that libraries play an important role in community life, and that investment in children pays dividends for the individuals and the community at large."

For a complete list of the grant recipients, visit the Bremer Foundation Web site.