Vibrant Communities Grants

Many Communities. One Shared Commitment.

What happens when neighbors, donors, and community leaders across the St. Croix Valley come together with a shared goal? The Vibrant Communities Grant Program—a region-wide collaboration that turns generosity into action and strengthens the mental health and well-being of communities across the Valley.

Created through a powerful partnership between the St. Croix Valley Foundation, our local community affiliates, and dozens of generous donors, this grant program responds to pressing needs that transcend city limits and county lines. It’s place-based philanthropy at scale—local voices shaping regional impact. 

While the program is flexible and community-driven—designed to evolve with emerging needs—mental health has been the focus for five years running, and for good reason. Mental health challenges touch every corner of the Valley, and this program has become a cornerstone of our regional response.

Since launching in 2021, Vibrant Communities Grants have awarded more than $830,000 to strengthen mental health support—from schools and clinics to community centers and recovery programs. 

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What makes this initiative unique is how it’s funded: the 2025 grant cycle was supported by 28 different charitable sources, including local affiliate funds, donor-advised funds, individual gifts, and matching support from the St. Croix Valley Foundation. That’s what it looks like when a region shows up—together. 

From Amery to River Falls, Siren to Stillwater, this is how we build stronger communities: locally and regionally, side by side. 

And while mental health is the focus today, this flexible model ensures we can respond to whatever comes next—with insight, partnership, and heart. 

What We Fund

The Vibrant Communities Grant Program supports community-driven solutions to the Valley’s most pressing challenges. 

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For the sixth year, the Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program supports organizations advancing mental health and well-being in the St. Croix Valley. In 2026, funding will be offered through two distinct grant opportunities: Regional Mental Health Grants and Local Building Community Connections Grant (please note: organizations may submit only ONE application).

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Regional Mental Health Grants

Regional Mental Health Grants support organizations whose mission, programs, and ongoing work are centered on mental health. These grants invest in organizations providing direct mental health services, prevention, education, or systems-level support. Funds may be used for general operating or program support, offering flexibility to direct funds where they are most needed to strengthen and sustain the organization’s impact.

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Examples of eligible projects include(may include, but are not limited to): 

• General operating expenses (including staffing and personnel costs) 

• Program-related expenses 

• Administrative and overhead costs that directly support the organization’s mission 

Award Amounts: 

• Up to $10,000 

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Local Building Community Connections Grants

Building Community Connections Grants support community-based programs that promote mental health and wellbeing by fostering connection, belonging, and engagement. Mental health does not need to be the organization’s primary mission; rather, these grants recognize that strong, connected communities are essential to mental wellbeing. Funding must be used for specific programs or activities and may not be used for general operating support.

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Examples of Eligible Programs (may include, but are not limited to):

• School districts implementing mental health or social-emotional learning curricula

• Mentorship programs for youth or adults

• Faith-based organizations hosting community meals or gatherings

• Senior centers offering exercise, arts, or social programs

• Libraries hosting programs that reduce isolation or increase community connection

• Environmental and/or arts organizations engaging diverse community groups (such as youth, seniors, veterans, and others) through activities or programming

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Award Amounts: 

• Grant amounts vary based on the number of affiliate communities served and the scope of the proposed work 

Grant Cycle: Spring 
 

Who's Eligible

To apply, organizations must: 

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, partner with an eligible fiscal agent, or be a governmental entity, tribal entity, educational, or religious organization defined as tax-exempt 

• Applicants must provide programming/services in at least one of the nine participating affiliate communities: Amery Area, Chisago Lakes Area, Hudson, Lower St. Croix Valley, New Richmond Area, Northwest Alliance, River Falls, Somerset, Stillwater Area  

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Regional Mental Health Grant (applicants must meet all of the following criteria)

• Regional organization: An organization that serves multiple communities across St. Croix Valley Foundation's six-county region: 
  Chisago, Washington (MN); Burnett, Polk, Pierce, St. Croix (WI) 

• Mental health is a core part of the organization’s mission 

• Programs must directly address and support mental health needs 

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Building Community Connections Grants 

• Local organization serving at least one of St. Croix Valley Foundation's nine affiliate communities

• Mental health does not need to be the primary mission 

• Programs must demonstrate a clear connection between community engagement and mental well-being 

Impact in Action: Collaboration in Motion. Mental Health in Focus.