Your project could get up to $10,000

RIVER FALLS – Could $10,000 bring your Big Idea to life and make the community of River Falls better?

The River Falls Community Foundation (RFCF) is now accepting applications for its Big Idea Grant. The Foundation wants to hear from individuals, groups, businesses, troops, and organizations from the River Falls area who have a big idea and the determination to make it happen (NOTE: Appli- cants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, government entity, educational or religious organization defined as tax-ex –

empt, or partner with an eligible fiscal agent.)

Up to $10,000 will be granted to the winning Big Idea. Just about any innovative community-minded project will be given serious consideration as long as it benefits the com munity by enhancing quality of life, strengthening community connections, or building community pride. The winning Big Idea might make life more enjoyable for residents and visitors, address an environmental concern, help underserved citizens or strengthen community ties.

This is not a grant program to assist with starting a business or developing a fundraiser.

Past winners 2021 – Adoray’s Treasures From the Heart thrift store re- ceived significant funding to establish a sewing workroom for repurposing, rebranding, and selling textile goods from materials previously slated for landfills. The store's program shines a light on textile waste, engages volunteers, and provides an income source for Adoray’s Home Health & Hospice, utilized by many in the community.

2020 – The RFCF committed its Big Idea grant dollars to the COVID-19 Response Fund for the St. Croix Valley, administered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, United Way St. Croix Valley, and United Way Washington County East. Over $1 million was granted to 112 nonprofit organizations including many throughout Pierce and St. Croix Counties.

2019 – The River Falls Public Library received a Big Idea Grant to create a pop-up indoor play and exploration space in the library’s lower level. “The Big Fun Lab” was free for all to use and was open during the winter months prior to the pandemic for babies through tweens and their families.

2018 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin – St. Croix Valley Region received a Big Idea Grant to establish a revenue stream for the organization through the development of Sporting World, a used sporting goods store at 707A N. Main St.

How to apply

Stretch your imagination, tap your creativity, and make River Falls even better.

Applications for the Big Idea Grant are now open and must be received by midnight, Aug. 2, 2022.

For more information and to access the application: tinyURL.com/RFBigIdea or RiverFallsCommunityFoundation. org Questions? Email: [email protected] or call: 715-386-9490 The River Falls Community Foundation is an avliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit orga nization fully accredited by the Community Foundation National Standards Board and the Charities Review Council.

Submitted by The River Falls Community Foundation