HUDSON – The St. Croix Valley Foundation, in partnership with its 10 local affiliate community foundations, is now accepting applications for the Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program. This program funds nonprofit organizations addressing mental health needs across the region—from prevention and early intervention to treatment and long-term management.

Now in its fifth year, the program has distributed nearly $616,000 in mental health funding since its launch in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024 alone, $166,000 in grants supported 27 organizations serving communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin, from Prescott to Balsam Lake and Afton to Chisago City.

“Access to mental health support is critical, and we know that needs vary from community to community,” said Angie Pilgrim, Vice President of Community Impact at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. “By partnering with our 10 affiliate community foundations, we ensure that funding reaches organizations best equipped to address local mental health challenges.”

 The Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program supports a broad range of mental health initiatives, including:

• Direct therapeutic services and programs
• Mental health education and prevention
• Suicide prevention and crisis response.
• One-on-one youth mentorship and senior mental health programming
• Training for mental health professionals and community organizations

Eligible expenses include staffing, training, therapy services, operational costs, and program expansion to increase access to care.

Nonprofit organizations serving one of the 10 participating affiliate communities (see map) may apply for grants ranging from $500 to $6,000. Those serving more than one affiliate community may apply for grants from $500-10,000.

Mental Health in the St. Croix Valley: The need 

Local data reflects national trends, showing that:

• More than half of all adults will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lives.
• 1 in 5 Americans experiences a mental illness in any given year.
• 1 in 5 children have faced a serious mental health condition during their lifetime. 

The grant application is now open. Interested organizations can review guidelines and apply online at scvfoundation.org. Applications are due by March 28, 2025, and funding decisions will be announced by the end of May.

For more information, visit scvfoundation.org or contact Angie Pilgrim at apilgrim@scvfoundation.org.

 The St. Croix Valley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization fully accredited by the Community Foundations National Standards Board and the Charities Review Council. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley. Our 10 affiliated community foundations encourage local philanthropy in response to local needs, including the Prescott Foundation and River Falls Community Foundation.

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Foundation