Farm Rescue Receives Grant from Otto Bremer Foundation

Nonprofit receives $120,000 grant to help family farmers experiencing a crisis.

JAMESTOWN, N.D., February 27, 2007 — Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization founded to help family farmers experiencing a major injury, illness or act of nature which has caused financial hardship, has announced the receipt of a $120,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation.       

The Otto Bremer Foundation grant will be distributed over three years, enabling the Farm Rescue organization to continue its growth to help a larger number of family farmers throughout the region. This financial support, along with many others, makes Farm Rescue operations possible.

“I want to thank the Otto Bremer Foundation for their significant support to help family farmers and rural communities, as well as the health of agribusiness throughout the region,” said Farm Rescue Founder and President, Bill Gross.  "Clearly, the Otto Bremer Foundation shares our commitment to assist people through periods of crisis, which in turn strengthens our communities."

About the Farm Rescue organization:

Farm Rescue is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, which helps family farmers bridge crises so they may have an opportunity to continue viable operations. Eligible farmers may qualify to have their crops planted or harvested free of charge.  Farm Rescue does not distribute funds to farmers.  Funds are used to pay for the expenses associated with planting and harvesting crops. 

About the Otto Bremer Foundation:

The Otto Bremer Foundation is a charitable trust that authorizes grants to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Otto Bremer arrived in the United States from Germany in 1886.  Over the next 35 years, he became a successful banker and deeply involved citizen.  In 1944, Bremer’s knowledge and concern for the strengths and hardships of the rural and immigrant experience, coupled with his commitment to countryside banks, lead to the formation of the Otto Bremer Foundation.  In creating a foundation, Bremer sought to insure the perpetuation of the Bremer banks and the ultimate return of his personal wealth to his “family” of communities.  Sixty plus years later, the Otto Bremer Foundation continues to honor Bremer’s wishes by carrying out his expresses interest and concerns.

In accordance with the principles set for in his trust agreement, the mission of the Otto Bremer Foundation is to assist people in achieving full economic, civic and social participation in and for the betterment of their communities. 

Contact info: Farm Rescue, Bill Gross, President, 701-526-0947 or info@farmrescue.org

                        Otto Bremer Foundation  www.ottobremer.org