Otter Tail Corp - About - Charitable Giving

Investing in strong communities

The places we work are more than business locations. They are home to our employees, customers, partners, and neighbors.

Through the Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, we invest in nonprofit organizations and community-led efforts that help communities grow stronger today and prepare for tomorrow. We support practical ideas, trusted partnerships, and lasting resources that expand opportunity, strengthen local capacity, and improve quality of life.

Our giving focuses on communities connected to Otter Tail Corporation and its operating companies. We give particular consideration to projects that address documented needs, bring organizations together, and create meaningful, measurable impact. We invite you to read our 2025 Summary of Giving.

Educational opportunity

We support learning from early childhood through higher education, with particular interest in programs that prepare students for future success and strengthen the workforce. Priorities include education, scholarships, career exploration, and programs related to business, economics, engineering, science, energy, and manufacturing.

Community vitality

We invest in projects that help communities grow, connect, and remain great places to live and work. This includes civic development, arts and cultural opportunities, community gathering places, and practical resources that strengthen local resilience and long-term community vitality.

Health and human services

We support organizations that help individuals and families meet essential needs and navigate difficult circumstances. Priorities include addressing hunger and other challenges that affect well-being and quality of life.

Environmental stewardship

We support efforts that protect and improve the natural resources communities depend on. Priorities include conservation, environmental education, and partnerships that promote responsible stewardship of land, water, and air.

How we make giving decisions

Projects may receive greater consideration when they:

Address a demonstrated
community need.

Create clear and measurable
benefits.

Build lasting community resources or capabilities.

Bring multiple organizations or partners together.

Advance more than one of our giving priorities.

Serve communities where our employees live and work.

Our goal is simple: to invest where we can help create meaningful, lasting value for the communities we serve. This approach reflects the Foundation's growing focus on durable community assets, resilience, workforce readiness, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and long-term community strength.

Apply for support

Organizations interested in applying should be prepared to provide:

An overview of their organization and the communities they serve.
A description of the project or program for which support is requested.
An explanation of how the request aligns with one or more of our funding priorities.
The anticipated impact of the project and how success will be measured.
Documentation of tax-exempt status and organizational leadership.

Apply Now

Employees strengthening communities

Our employees understand their communities because they are part of them.

The Foundation provides opportunities for employees and board members to support nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that matter to them through employee-directed giving and matching programs.

These programs extend the impact of personal generosity while helping strengthen organizations that make a difference in the places where we live and work. The Foundation's employee giving programs are designed to create meaningful, personal connections between our people and the communities they care about most.

Learn more about employee giving programs

Complete and submit the Charity Choice application

Corporate and Manufacturing employees. Otter Tail Power employees, please access the Power of Two option in Otter Connect

Complete and submit the Matching Gifts for Higher Education application

Employees and board members only