
COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAMS
(local and regional)
Click here to access the application portal for ALL current St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) and local affiliate grant opportunities and applicant history.
The SCVF currently has five regional competitive grant programs with very specific areas of focus (additional information below). SCVF’s competitive regional grant programs are fueled by a combination of earnings from related endowed field of interest funds and contributions from other SCVF funds and external funding partners.
In addition, many of our local affiliated community foundations also have competitive grant processes that generally support a wide variety of initiatives in their very specific geography. The online portal button above will take you to the current grant opportunities.

MUSIC EDUCATION GRANTS
This grant program was made possible by a donor whose gift established an endowed fund specifically for music education. The donor, a former music teacher, wanted to give the gift of music to students, pre-school through high school. The goal of this grant program is to enhance the quality of music education programs in area schools.
The application process is CLOSED!
Please check back in September 2025.
Application due:
October 25, 2024
Application Live:
August 19, 2024
Notification:
December 2024

FIRST THOUSAND DAYS GRANTS
The First Thousand Days field of interest fund was established by a generous donor in 2022 to support the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of children during the critical “first thousand days of life” (roughly the first three years). The corresponding First Thousand Days grant program will fund organizations and programs that prepare children to succeed when they enter school.
The application process is CLOSED!
Please check back in October 2025.
Application due:
January 10, 2025
Application Live:
November 4, 2024
Notification:
February 2025

VALLEY ARTS GRANTS
The St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) recognizes that participation in arts and cultural activities enriches the region’s quality of life, promotes interaction among residents, and builds community across diverse groups. Therefore, the Valley Arts Initiative grant program intends to fund high-quality arts experiences – supporting artists and nonprofits, engaging the community, and ultimately fostering a rich and diverse arts ecosystem in the St. Croix Valley.
The application process is CLOSED!
Please check back in November 2025.
Application Live:
December 9, 2024
Notification:
February 2025
Application due:
January 17, 2025
VIBRANT COMMUNITIES
This spring, the St. Croix Valley Foundation will once again collaborate with the ten Affiliates to offer this region-wide grant program addressing mental health needs - from prevention to management. Application is open through March 28, 2025.
In 2024, this collaborative effort awarded over $166,000 to 27 nonprofit organizations serving communities from Prescott to Balsam Lake in WI, and from Afton to Chisago City in MN.
This grant program is LIVE
Please click here to begin the application process.
Application Live:
February 17, 2025

ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS
Launched on Earth Day 2024, the Environmental Grants are designed to meet the ever-changing environmental needs of the region... forever. Organizations with the environment at the core of their mission and programs can apply for general operating support ($5,000-$10,000). Organizations (environmental and nonenvironmental) may apply for program support ($500-$2,000) to fund hands-on environmental activities. Please reference the program overview for additional information.
The application process is currently closed.
Please check back in April 2025.
Application due:
June 20, 2025
Application Live:
April 22, 2025
Notification:
July 2025