RIVER FALLS – The health and resiliency of local community members continues to be a priority for the River Falls Community Foundation, an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. Last month, over $156,000 was granted to 26 organizations region wide. In River Falls, two organizations received $12,500 to support mental health needs of local community members. 

These Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grants are the result of a competitive grant program to support organizations responding to the mental health needs of community residents. The grants are funded primarily via unrestricted endowed gifts to the St. Croix Valley Foundation or one of its ten affiliated community foundations (such as the River Falls Community Foundation).

Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grants are supporting a wide range of local and regional programs addressing mental illness prevention and intervention for school-aged children, adults, elder communities, and vulnerable individuals such as women in crisis and those at risk of becoming unhoused.

In River Falls, the following grants will directly impact local residents. River Falls High School received two grants of $6,000 each for the following programs:

• Co-Located Mental Health Programming (making therapy visits available onsite at school)
• Youth mental health first aid instructor training at River Falls Middle School received $500 for their Mental Health Awareness & Chill Week activities 

Heather Logelin, SCVF President and CEO, said, “Endowed gifts made years ago by trusting donors enable the St. Croix Valley Foundation and its Affiliated Community Foundations to respond to pressing issues such as the mental health crisis. The St. Croix Valley Foundation and its Affiliates are honored to put those generous gifts to work responding to our region’s challenges – today and for generations to come.” 

In addition to these recently awarded grants, the River Falls Community Foundation is offering nonprofit organizations grants ($500 - $5,000) for general operating or program support. Applications are now available at riverfallscommunityfoundation.org – the application deadline is July 28, 2023. 

SCVF’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley; its ten affiliated community foundations encourage local philanthropy in response to local needs. 

For more information about grant programs, contact Angie Pilgrim at apilgrim@scvfoundation.org or 715-386-9490.

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Foundation