In Fergus Falls, Minnesota, OtterCare Community Initiative is poised to tackle economic inequity, hunger and waste through innovative, community-driven solutions. Our nonprofit will unite neighbors through a Community Marketplace, Repair Café, food recovery programs, and hands-on sustainability classes. In order to reach these goals, we need your help to cover critical startup costs!
Why Donate?
Every dollar you give will directly fund:
- A physical hub where residents may repair broken items, sell homegrown goods and access rescued produce or unwanted consumer goods.
- Economic opportunities for low-income families, farmers and local entrepreneurs.
- Food preservation, gardening, repair and sustainability classes.
- Programs that reduce waste by diverting food and repairable items from landfills.
How Your Contribution Will Be Used
Your support will fund essential startup expenses, including:
- Building Renovation & Rent ($130,000):
- First-year rent ($30,000): Securing a central location in Fergus Falls for classrooms, Community Marketplace and Repair Café.
- Remodeling costs ($100,000): Transforming a space into an accessible, multi-use hub using reclaimed materials as applicable (flooring, lighting, walls, etc.).
- Equipment & Tools ($30,000):
- Computer systems ($15,000): Accounting software, POS system and a 3D printer for the Repair Café.
- Repair Café tools ($10,000): Basic tools for fixing appliances, electronics and furniture (many donated but specialized equipment is needed).
- Refrigeration ($10,000): Coolers and freezers to store food from local farms.
- Shelving & Marketplace setup ($5,000): Reclaimed wood shelving for the tool library and vendor stalls.
- Legal & Outreach ($12,000):
- 501(c)(3) certification ($2,000): Securing nonprofit status to accept tax-deductible donations.
- Community outreach ($10,000): Marketing materials, website and workshops to engage Otter Tail County residents.
- Staffing & Operations ($40,000):
- Salaries ($40,000): Operations Manager to oversee daily programs, partnerships and maintenance/remodeling.
The Impact
You’ll help:
- Divert 5+ tons of waste, per year, by repairing items and recycling materials.
- Educate 500+ residents in gardening, repair skills and sustainability through free/low-cost classes.
- Equip 50+ vendors to sell goods in the Community Marketplace, fostering economic growth.
- Rescue 10,000+ pounds of produce annually from local farms by feeding families in need.
Our community is more than a space —it’s a movement to build a circular economy where nothing (and no one) is left behind. With your support, we’ll create jobs, reduce waste and ensure everyone in Fergus Falls has access to education, fresh food and tools for sustainable living.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller
“Propel Nonprofits is the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor for OtterCare Community Initiative.”