Fall 2025 Community Grant Opportunities Now Open Across the St. Croix Valley

Local Community Foundations Seek Big Ideas, Bold Solutions,

and Trusted Community Partners

The Chisago Lakes Area Community Foundation, a local affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation, awarded its last ‘Big Idea’ $10,000 grant to Laura Green and Michelle Willey of Project Wild Rooted (under the sponsorship of the Center City Fire Department Auxiliary). The grant was to partner with the Chisago Lakes Area School District to bring outdoor environmental experiential learning field trips to students.

[Hudson, WI, June 16, 2025] — The St. Croix Valley Foundation and its network of local community affiliates are now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 grant cycle, open now through September 15, 2025.

Eight local community foundations, each led by a volunteer board of local residents, will award grants to nonprofits and community partners working to make life better in the St. Croix Valley and beyond. While each affiliate reflects the priorities and personality of its hometown, together they’re inviting bold ideas and community-focused solutions that address real needs and strengthen connections.

“These local grants are guided by the people who know their communities best,” said Angie Pilgrim, Vice President of Community Impact at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. “They reflect deep trust in our neighbors, creative vision from local leaders, and a commitment to long-term community vitality.”

Two Types of Grant Opportunities – One Shared Goal: Community Impact

Some community affiliates are seeking BIG, BOLD IDEAS—creative projects that build community pride, reimagine public space, and spark connection. Others are offering general competitive grants for nonprofits providing essential local services and programs. All applications must be submitted through the St. Croix Valley Foundation’s grant portal.

Affiliate Foundation	Grant Type	Maximum Request	Communities Served
Stillwater Area Community Foundation	Great Idea	$10,000	Stillwater, Bayport, Marine on St. Croix, etc.
Chisago Lakes Area Community Foundation	BIG Idea	$12,000	Chisago Lakes Area communities
Hudson Community Foundation	SPARK	$10,000	Hudson area communities
Lower St. Croix Valley Community Foundation	Big Idea	$25,000	Afton, Lakeland, Lake St. Croix Beach, etc.
Amery Area Community Foundation	General	$5,000	Amery area
New Richmond Area Community Foundation	General Competitive	$2,500	New Richmond area
River Falls Community Foundation	General Competitive	$5,000	River Falls area
Somerset Community Foundation	General Competitive	$1,500	Somerset area

All applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or partner with a fiscal sponsor.

Stillwater Area Community Foundation's last GREAT idea helped launch Union Art Alley, a creative placemaking project that transformed a neglected downtown alley into a joyful celebration of public art. Murals by regional artists now adorn the alley’s formerly forgotten walls, inviting people to linger, dine, and explore the hidden artistic heart of Stillwater. Read more here.

Giving for the Valley. For Good.

Since 1995, the St. Croix Valley Foundation has facilitated more than $100 million in grants and scholarships—fueling local ideas, trusted partnerships, and place-based impact. In 2024, the Foundation supported more than 1,000 grants and scholarships totaling $5.8 million—all made possible by donors who love this incredible place and want to leave a lasting legacy.

From public art and pollinator gardens to food shelves and youth mentorship programs, St. Croix Valley Foundation’s affiliate-led grants ensure community needs and opportunities are met with care, collaboration, and creativity. “These local competitive grants are a powerful expression of generosity rooted in place,” said Pilgrim. “They prove that when we invest in our hometowns, big things happen.”

To learn more or to apply, visit scvfoundation.org/grants or contact Angie Pilgrim at apilgrim@scvfoundation.org with questions.