HUDSON — The St. Croix Valley Foundation has awarded a record $304,765 to 43 nonprofit organizations through the 2026 Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program.
Now in its sixth year, the Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program has become one of the Foundation’s most collaborative grantmaking efforts. By bringing charitable resources together around a regional shared priority, the program generated a record level of funding this year. That investment is helping organizations strengthen mental health and well-being across the St. Croix Valley.
“Programs like Vibrant Communities help strengthen access to mental health support and build healthier communities across the St. Croix Valley,” said Maria Rudie, volunteer Chair of the Vibrant Communities Grant Review Panel and a St. Croix Valley resident. “We’re fortunate to have funders who recognize the importance of supporting local efforts that expand access to resources, foster resilience, and improve lives,” Rudie said.
The 2026 grant program received 58 applications requesting nearly $475,000, underscoring the growing demand for mental health resources and the critical role nonprofits play in helping individuals, families, and communities thrive.
To help meet that growing demand, Foundation staff invited donors with charitable funds at the Foundation to join the effort. In the end, 31 funds came together to support this year’s grant program, which helped expand funding to more organizations throughout the St. Croix Valley.
“One of the reasons we support the work of the St. Croix Valley Foundation is the opportunity to make a difference in our local community,” said Connie and Steve Smith of Hudson, supporters of the program. “A strong community is built on connection, shared responsibility, and helping one another thrive. We were pleased to join with others in supporting organizations that are strengthening mental health and well-being across the Valley.”
Meeting a growing need
Across the region, nonprofits are experiencing increased demand for mental health services while facing uncertainty around funding, staffing, and community needs.
“Families across our communities are facing growing uncertainty, anxiety, and financial pressures, while many nonprofits are being asked to do more with fewer resources,” said Jim Kroening, President & CEO at FamilyMeans. “Support from programs like Vibrant Communities helps ensure individuals and families can continue accessing critical mental health services when they need them most.”
The 43 organizations receiving grants this year are addressing mental health needs through community-based programs that support individuals, families, youth, older adults, and caregivers throughout the St. Croix Valley.
Those receiving grants in Pierce County/River Falls include:
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, home visiting mental health support, $10,000
Kinnic Falls Inc., general operating support, $10,000
NAMI St. Croix Valley, general operating support, $10,000
Positive Alternatives, supporting youth mental health through staff development, $10,000
Croix Valley Restorative Services, general operating support, $10,000
Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence, fostering belonging, connection and engagement for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, $10,000
Peer Perspective Inc., general operating support, $5,000
The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves a six-county region spanning Washington and Chisago counties in Minnesota, and Burnett, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin. Partnering with donors, nonprofits, and local community affiliates, the Foundation stewards and grows endowments that fuel vital programs—today and for generations to come. Learn more at www.scvfoundation.org
Keywords
St. Croix Valley Foundation,
2026 Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program,
mental health,
grants,
western Wisconsin