Foundation

We prioritize early childhood education initiatives and programs that develop physical, mental, and social strength and aptitude in young people. Our funding also supports schools of higher learning with special interest in curricula and capital improvements in the study of business, political science, economics, engineering, and natural/physical sciences as they relate to the energy and industrial industries.

We greatly appreciate the generous donation towards the construction of our new childcare facility. The project has enabled us to continue offering opportunities for childcare to our local communities. Thank you for helping change the lives of so many children and families.

-Big Stone City School District Little Lions' Learning Center

Programs and projects that focus on local, regional, or statewide economic and cultural development, including efforts that increase awareness of culture and the arts and encourage their growth, particularly for regions or populations that would otherwise be unable to participate.

Safety is our number one priority at the Club, and we’re grateful for your investment toward the safety of our kiddos and facility. Your donation went toward the purchase of new security cameras around the facility to help keep our building and kids safe. Thank you, Otter Tail Power Company Foundation!

-Shelby Weckwerth, Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area Unit Director

Initiatives and programs that help individuals and families struggling with daily living challenges, including hunger, poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and disabilities.

Our Foundation provides support during times of need. In 2021 we addressed food insecurity in our communities by donating nearly $60,000 to more than 25 local food shelves in honor of our employees.

Programs that emphasize sustainability, preservation, environmental education, and stewardship of our land, water, and air with an emphasis on collaborative programs that strengthen ties between businesses and communities.

Thank you for supporting Bramble Park Zoo’s migratory bird rehabilitation program. Your funds help support the care for hundreds of injured birds we receive annually as well as educational programming to teach youth about the importance of wildlife conservation. Your gift has a positive impact on wildlife and the people in South Dakota.

-Dan Miller, Lake Area Zoological Society Director

What we fund:
We provide financial support to established, publicly supported charitable and educational organizations that directly impact the communities we serve. View our service area here. 

The organizations, programs, and projects we fund align with one or more of our priority areas. Collaborative efforts and initiatives that fit more than one of these areas will receive greater consideration for funding.

Priority funding areas:

• Community, civic, and cultural development
• Education
• Environment
• Health and human services

What we don't fund:

• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status. (Exceptions include public and private educational institutions, volunteer fire departments, and rural EMT services.)
• Requests from outside our service area.
• Individuals or employee salaries.
• Lobbying, political, or fraternal groups.
• Requests for doors, windows, roofs, or heating systems.
• Programs that pose a potential conflict of interest to the company.
• Religious organizations, unless the organization is seeking charitable funds in the direct interest of the entire community and not to promote a particular faith.
• Fundraising events, social events, or goodwill advertising.
• General operating support for educational institutions.

We review and decide on requests under $5,000 in February, May, August, and November and meet twice annually in May and November to determine and distribute funding for requests over $5,000. The 2024 application period has now closed. Please revisit this page in 2025 for a link to the 2025 grant application. 

The Foundation considers financial support on a per-project basis. In general, grant awards total no more than 20% of overall project cost. We provide funding for many grant requests within the $1,000 to $5,000 range and selectively award larger amounts for significant projects aligned with our priority giving areas.

Colleges and universities also may complete an online application through our Scholarship Program to request funds for student scholarships. The Foundation does not award scholarships directly to students.

Be prepared to include:

• A list of your organization's officers and board of directors.
• An overview of the project for which you’re requesting a grant.
• A summary of how your request fits one or more of our priority funding areas.
• An outline of your anticipated impact and how you plan to measure that impact.
• A description of your organization, its history, and the physical location(s) it serves.
• A commitment to completing a Minnesota Common Report Form after fulfilling your project's objectives.
  • Please send your completed form to [email protected].
• Your organizations tax exempt status letter under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.