St. Croix Valley Foundation’s (SCVF) brand new Environmental Grants will support environmental education and the promotion, protection, and restoration of the natural resources and character of the St. Croix Valley.

Starting Earth Day (April 22), environmental organizations may apply for general operating support ($5,000-$10,000), and any organizations (environmental and non-environmental) may apply for program support ($500-$2,000) to fund hands-on environmental activities. Grantees must serve Chisago or Washington Counties in Minnesota, or Burnett, Polk, St. Croix or Pierce Counties in Wisconsin. Applications will be open April 22-May 31, with applicants receiving notification in July.

Established out of a deep-seated passion for the environment, the new grant program will be offered annually. A review panel of volunteers with expertise in the environment will select the winning grants, weighing applicants’ ability to provide hands-on educational experiences, accessibility of programming so all can participate, or the degree to which the organization is helping to shape or advance environmental policy.

The grants were designed to be broad in scope while meeting the ever-changing needs of the St. Croix Valley – a region beloved for its scenic rivers, lakes, waterfalls, bluffs, and ample outdoor recreation opportunities.

“We’re thrilled to be launching this Environmental Grant program,” said SCVF Director of Community Impact Angie Pilgrim. “These grants are a perfect example of what a group of passionate people can do when they come together with vision. That’s exactly how SCVF was founded, and we’re delighted to be continuing that legacy through these Environmental Grants, which will benefit our region now and forever.”

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; a governmental entity; tribal entity; educations or religious organization defined as tax exempt; or partner with an eligible fiscal agent. To learn more and apply online, visit https://www.scvfoundation.org/grants.

Environmental Grants are made possible by generous donations to the St. Croix Valley Environmental Fund – a field of interest fund that provides donors with an opportunity to support causes they care about most. Additional donations, including one from All Energy Solar, helped launch the grant opportunity. SCVF invites donations to the St. Croix Valley Environmental Fund, which will help support this grant program for years to come.