We value community. Our mission is to connect with our communities to support young minds, invest in our current and future workforce, create vibrant culture and vital communities, improve health and human services, and protect our natural resources.

Our Priorities

We focus our resources on the communities where we work and live. Our funds are for innovative projects and programs that create measurable impacts in our areas of emphasis.

Collaborative efforts and initiatives that fit more than one of our areas of emphasis will receive greater consideration for funding.

• Education, especially early childhood education initiatives and programs that support 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.
• Health and Human Services, including initiatives and programs that help individuals and families struggling with daily living challenges, including hunger, poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and disabilities.
• Community, Civic, and Cultural Development, 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.
• Environment, 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.

Application Information

To apply for Otter Tail Corporation Foundation funds (501(c)(3) organizations only)

• Your application must include all the below criteria when submitted for consideration:
  • A completed Otter Tail Corporation Foundation application.
  • A completed grant application.
  • A copy of an Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3).
  • Description of organization and list of officers and board of directors.

To apply for Charity Choice and Higher Education funds (employees and board members only)

• Complete and submit the Charity Choice application.
• Complete and submit the Higher Education application.

To submit your application or for more information about the Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, email foundation@ottertail.com