Oct. 26, 2026 – Washington Co., WI — United Way of Washington County is proud to announce a successful round of funding through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund (OBT-CRF) to three local nonprofits:
Family Promise of Washington County – $75,000 for shelter services
The Threshold, Inc. – $60,305 for Birth to 3 services
Catholic Charities – $37,500 for school-based mental health services
This is the second consecutive year the Trust selected United Way of Wisconsin as a philanthropic intermediary, recognizing the United Way networks’ strong reputation and longstanding support for the nonprofit sector. It is the first year Washington County was included for consideration. The partnership marks a milestone in statewide philanthropic collaboration, facilitating a total of $4 million in Wisconsin communities through 12 local United Way affiliates.
The initiative’s continued success reflects the deep community knowledge and leadership of local United Ways. Drawing on local expertise, United Way of Washington County identified nonprofit organizations for funding based on the OBT-CR guidelines, the Trust’s 2026 Focus areas, and unique community priorities.
“Receiving this support from Otto Bremer Trust through United Way of Washington County is a tremendous gift for the families we serve,” said Lori Prescott, Executive Director, Family Promise of Washington County. “This funding means we can walk alongside more individuals and families as they work toward stable housing and a fresh start.”
“We are deeply grateful to Otto Bremer Trust and United Way of Washington County for this generous investment in Threshold’s Birth to 3 program,” said Michael Hoffman, Executive Director, The Threshold, Inc. “These funds will allow us to reach more families during the most critical window of a child’s development, ensuring that infants and toddlers with developmental delays receive the early support they need to thrive.”
“Thanks to this investment from Otto Bremer Trust through United Way of Washington County, we’ve been able to expand our school-based mental health services in Washington County, and that matters enormously,” said Carey Jacobsen, Chief Program Officer for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
“When counseling is available right where students spend their day, they’re far more likely to ask for help before a struggle becomes a crisis. Through this grant we can provide additional support to teachers and staff to enhance their skills and further support students. We’re grateful for partners who understand that a child’s well-being is the foundation for strong relationships and learning, in the classroom and beyond.”
Twelve United Ways in Wisconsin participated in the partnership this year:
- United Way of Dane County
- Great Rivers United Way
- United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley
- United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
- United Way of Kenosha County
- United Way of Marathon County
- United Way of Portage County
- United Way of Racine County
- United Way of Sheboygan County
- United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties
- United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys
- United Way of Washington County
Each local United Way used its own grantmaking process to nominate organizations for funding. These nominations were vetted for alignment with Otto Bremer Trust’s eligibility criteria, including nonprofit governance standards, financial thresholds, and programmatic impact. For a list of organizations receiving funding or more information, visit www.unitedwaywi.org/page/OttoBremerTrust.
About United Way of Washington County
United Way of Washington County is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that provides resources and solutions for health and human service needs in communities throughout Washington County, Wisconsin. With a focus on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Healthy Community, United Way’s mission is to improve lives and community conditions in measurable and lasting ways. United Way raises funds through an annual campaign and allocates those funds to local nonprofits based on need and results. United Way supports more than 20 local nonprofits through 25+ funded programs.
About United Way of Wisconsin:
United Way of Wisconsin (UWWi) is the statewide association for local and independent United Ways, strengthening their capacity to build stronger communities both individually and collectively. To learn more, visit unitedwaywi.org.
About the Otto Bremer Trust
The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in Saint Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting an enhanced quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $1 billion in its region’s people, places, and opportunities. Visit ottobremer.org.