The Otto Bremer Foundation, St. Paul, has shown its commitment to creating opportunities for social and economic justice with its recent round of grantmaking. The grants included support for immigrant and youth programs.

In the area of immigrant programs, the foundation awarded $82,500 to New Americans Community Services to implement fundraising strategies and strengthen financial operations. The foundation also awarded $15,000 to Somserv to support literacy classes for homebound Somali women with children. African Assistance Program received a $15,000 grant for an initiative designed to empower immigrants and make systemic change.

In the area of youth programs, the foundation provided $10,000 to Life Skills Development Center to provide supportive services for students faced with academic problems or placed in the juvenile justice system. The foundation also granted $70,000 over two years to Early Childhood Resource Center for general operations of this organization that provides training in rural communities. Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota received a $20,000 grant for the SMART Moves Prevention Program, a comprehensive curriculum about youth choices.

In total, the trustees of the Otto Bremer Foundation awarded 63 grants in Minnesota totaling $2,281,946. For a complete list of grants, visit the foundation’s Web site.