St. Croix Valley Foundation Celebrates Earth Day with Major Expansion of Environmental Grants

$225,000 Available to Support Hands-On Environmental Efforts Across the Region

This Earth Day, the St. Croix Valley Foundation proudly announces the return of its Environmental Grant Program, designed to protect and restore the region’s natural assets. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor and a growing community of supporters who care deeply about the St. Croix Valley, this year’s program will offer nearly six times more funding.

In 2025, $225,000 in grant funding is available to support environmental education, access and inclusion, volunteer engagement, and the protection and restoration of the region’s natural resources and character.

Launched just one year ago, this grant program was created to ensure that the environmental needs of the Valley are met—now and for generations to come.

“Place-based philanthropy is at the heart of what we do, and the Environmental Fund is a powerful example,” said Angie Pilgrim, Vice President of Community Impact at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. “This collaborative of dedicated donors has made the environment a clear priority. Their shared commitment and generosity are fueling meaningful investments in our waterways, habitats, and the people and programs that will steward this beautiful region for generations to come.”

“We believe in the power of place-based philanthropy—and the Environmental Fund is a shining example,” said St. Croix Valley Vice President of Community Impact Angie Pilgrim. “By coming together as a community, we’re investing in clean water, thriving habitats, and the people and programs that will steward this beautiful region into the future.”

Who Can Apply

Grants are open to nonprofit, governmental, tribal, educational, or religious organizations—or to programs that partner with a qualifying fiscal sponsor. Eligible applicants must serve communities in SCVF’s six-county service area: Chisago and Washington Counties in Minnesota, and Burnett, Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce Counties in Wisconsin.

Two types of funding are available:

• General Operating Support ($5,000–$25,000): For organizations whose core mission is environmental protection and education.

  
  

• Program Support ($500–$10,000): For environmental or non-environmental organizations to fund hands-on, inclusive, and community-based environmental programming.

  
  

Applications open on Earth Day, April 22, and must be submitted by June 20, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified in July. To apply or learn more, click here.

A Legacy of Local Giving

The Environmental Grant Program is made possible by the St. Croix Valley Environmental Fund, an endowed field of interest fund established in 2021 by Jim and Judy Freund. Dozens of individuals, families, and organizations have already contributed, with new gifts continuing to grow the fund’s impact.

“Environmental grants are one more way we connect local generosity with local need,” said Pilgrim. “From rivers to rain gardens, outdoor classrooms to policy advocacy, these grants are helping shape a more sustainable and resilient future across the St. Croix Valley.”

Join us this Earth Day in investing in what matters—our environment, our future, and the place we all call home.