Place Matters. So Does Action.
The St. Croix Valley Foundation’s Environmental Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations working to protect, restore, and engage people with the natural beauty and resources of the Valley.
Whether restoring habitats, expanding access to nature, or teaching the next generation to be better stewards, these grants fuel efforts that make our region more resilient—for today and tomorrow.
Launched in 2024 and powered by the St. Croix Valley Environmental Fund, the grant program was created to ensure that the environmental needs of the region are met now and for generations to come. The endowed fund was established in 2021 by Jim and Judy Freund and has grown into a collaborative effort, with dozens of donors contributing.
In just two years, the Foundation has awarded over $266,000 in environmental grants to nonprofits across the St. Croix Valley.
What We Fund
The Environmental Grant Program offers general operating support and program support to organizations that care for the land, water, and wildlife of the St. Croix Valley—or help people connect to it.
Examples of eligible projects include:
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Environmental education and outdoor learning
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Habitat protection and restoration
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Inclusive access to natural spaces
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Community-based sustainability initiatives
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Volunteer engagement and environmental partnerships
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Experiential learning for youth and families
Award Amounts:
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$5,000–$25,000 for General Operating Support
(for organizations with the environment at the core of their mission)
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$500–$10,000 for Program Support
(for environmental or non-environmental organizations delivering hands-on programs)
Grant Cycle: Spring
Who's Eligible
To apply, organizations must:
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Serve communities in one or more of the Foundation’s six counties:
Chisago, Washington (MN); Burnett, Polk, Pierce, St. Croix (WI)
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Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, government, tribal, educational, or religious entity
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Or partner with an eligible fiscal sponsor
Note: Funding is not available for individuals, capital expenses, endowments, or large-scale restoration projects.
Impact in Action: From Rivers to Rain Gardens—Grants in Motion
In 2025, 19 nonprofits received $225,000 in St. Croix Valley Foundation Environmental Grants—powering efforts that protect landscapes, expand environmental access, and bring people closer to the land.
Grants included:
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$25,000 in general operating support to Wild Rivers Conservancy, Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks, and Carpenter Nature Center
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$10,000 to Pollinator Friendly Alliance for biodiversity and habitat restoration
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$10,000 to Belwin Conservancy and Stillwater Area Schools for a joint environmental education program
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$2,150 to The Prairie Enthusiasts for improved accessibility at the Pierce County Alexander Oak Savanna.
“The volume and quality of applications we received was remarkable,” said Angie Pilgrim, Vice President of Community Impact. “These grants are helping nonprofits move forward at a time when they’re being asked to do more with less.”
See the full list of 2025 grant recipients and read the full story below.
The St. Croix Valley Environmental Fund: A Shared Commitment to Place and Planet
Established in 2021 with a founding gift from Jim and Judy Freund, the St. Croix Valley Environmental Fund is an endowed field of interest fund created to meet the environmental needs of the region—forever.
Today, dozens of individuals, families, and organizations have joined them, contributing to a growing fund that continues to expand its impact.
In 2025, the fund reached a milestone—distributing $225,000 in a single grant cycle thanks to a transformational gift from an anonymous donor and continued support from across the region.
“To watch the fund grow so quickly—especially with the extraordinary generosity of an anonymous donor—shows what’s possible when people step forward together,” said donor and former St. Croix Valley Foundation Board Member, Judy Freund.
The fund remains open to future gifts, allowing any donor to be part of a shared legacy of environmental stewardship in the Valley.
Apply
If you're working to protect, restore, or connect people to the environment in the St. Croix Valley—we invite you to apply.
Support
We’re here to help. For questions or guidance on applying, contact: Heidi Herron, Grants and Scholarships Manager.
Donate
Join the growing number of donors who are supporting local environmental impact. To make a gift now, click the button below.