St. Croix Valley Foundation

The St. Croix Valley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley region, which spans across Minnesota and Wisconsin. It serves as a community foundation, managing over $90 million in philanthropic assets and operating more than 500 charitable funds. The foundation has distributed over $40 million in grants and scholarships to support a wide range of community needs, including healthcare, social services, education, arts, environmental causes, animal welfare, and civic endeavors[1][2].

Mission and Values

The St. Croix Valley Foundation's mission is centered on improving the quality of life in the region by leveraging the deep connections people have with their community. Its core values emphasize trust, community, collaboration, generosity, and impact. These values guide the foundation in managing philanthropic assets, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring that its work benefits the Valley's residents[1].

Financial Overview

As per recent tax filings, the foundation primarily relies on contributions as its main source of revenue, followed by investment income. Program services also contribute to its revenue. Donations to the St. Croix Valley Foundation are tax deductible, supporting its charitable purposes[3].

Types of Funds

The St. Croix Valley Foundation offers a variety of fund options to donors, allowing them to tailor their philanthropic efforts according to their interests:

• Unrestricted Funds: Used to address emerging community needs.
• Donor Advised Funds: Allow donors to recommend grants to various charitable organizations.
• Field of Interest Funds: Focus on specific areas such as education or the environment.
• Donor Designated Funds: Provide automatic grants to pre-selected nonprofits.
• Agency Funds: Support nonprofit organizations by handling their investment and administration needs.
• Scholarship Funds: Help students pursue their educational goals.
• Fiscal Sponsorship: Provides financial oversight for projects that are not officially recognized as 501(c)(3) organizations but are aligned with the foundation's mission[4].

Strategic Planning

The foundation has developed a strategic plan for the years 2023-2028, which involves engaging community members, donors, and partners to envision a future that maximizes long-term benefits for the St. Croix Valley[1]. This plan reflects the foundation's commitment to collaborative leadership and community development.

History

Established over 25 years ago, the St. Croix Valley Foundation has grown into a significant philanthropic force in the region. It marked its 25th anniversary in 2020, celebrating its history of fostering positive change through community engagement and strategic grantmaking[2].