Regional Mental Health Grants

The Regional Mental Health Grants, one of two funding pathways under the Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program, represent a regionally coordinated philanthropic effort led by the St. Croix Valley Foundation in collaboration with its nine local affiliates. Since 2021, this initiative has supported organizations that are actively addressing mental health needs across the six-county region encompassing Chisago and Washington counties in Minnesota and Burnett, Polk, Pierce, and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin. The grants aim to strengthen and sustain nonprofit mental health providers and systems through flexible, community-centered funding. In fiscal year 2026, applicants may apply to either the Regional Mental Health Grants or the Local Building Community Connections Grants, but not both. The Regional Mental Health Grant is specifically designed for organizations whose mission and ongoing programming are centered on mental health. Eligible applicants must serve multiple communities across the six-county region. These grants prioritize direct mental health services, preventive care, education, and systemic interventions that promote mental wellness and equity across the Valley. Each award provides up to $10,000 in funding. Grant funds may be used for general operating support, staffing, program expenses, or administrative overhead that directly supports mental health programming. This flexible structure ensures grantees can target funding where it's needed most—supporting sustainability, access, and organizational resilience in a landscape of growing mental health demands. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS guidelines—either as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal or governmental entities, educational institutions, or religious organizations. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed if formal agreements are in place. In addition to satisfying tax status, organizations must demonstrate a regional footprint across multiple communities and a clear alignment between their core mission and the delivery of mental health services. The application for the FY26 cycle is due March 27, 2026. Only one application may be submitted per organization. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept notes. Award notifications will be delivered via email in May 2026. While this cycle emphasizes mental health once again, the broader Vibrant Communities Grant Program remains adaptable, ensuring future cycles can pivot in response to regional priorities. This program is made possible through a shared funding structure that includes contributions from donor-advised funds, local affiliate foundations, individual donors, and matching support from the St. Croix Valley Foundation. This collective effort is rooted in the belief that mental health is foundational to the well-being of every community, and that regional collaboration is essential to address the scale and complexity of these challenges.