Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program is an initiative of the St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) designed to enhance the resilience and long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations across the St. Croix Valley region. Recognizing the essential role nonprofits play in addressing pressing community needs amidst limited resources and evolving challenges, the foundation has structured this program to provide flexible support. Funding is made available through the Nonprofit Stability Collaborative Fund, with the express aim of strengthening organizational infrastructure and leadership across six counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The program emphasizes four funding tracks tailored to the unique readiness levels and strategic priorities of nonprofit applicants. First, the “Experiences” track focuses on professional development for staff and leadership, supporting activities such as executive coaching, DEIB learning journeys, and participation in leadership conferences, with awards of up to $10,000. Second, the “Planning” track funds efforts to assess and strategize organizational growth and sustainability, such as succession planning, system audits, or consultant engagement, with grants up to $25,000. The third track, “Implementation,” supports the execution of strategic capacity-building initiatives including CRM installations, DEIB program rollouts, and operations upgrades, with grants reaching up to $100,000. Lastly, the “System-Wide Infrastructure” track provides up to $250,000 to support sector-wide collaborations such as shared data systems, joint advocacy efforts, or HR service platforms. To be eligible, organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least five years, with a current IRS Form 990 on file, and be based within SCVF’s service region: Chisago and Washington counties in Minnesota and Burnett, Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce counties in Wisconsin. Entities such as private foundations, government agencies, fiscal sponsors, and organizations seeking to expand into the region from outside are not eligible to apply. Additionally, projects related to capital expenditures or sectarian religious programming are excluded. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and while there is no fixed deadline, funds are reviewed quarterly, making early application advisable. To begin the process, organizations must first register on SCVF’s online grants portal, which will determine eligibility and activate access to the application form on the applicant’s dashboard. Further guidance and eligibility clarification are provided in the downloadable grant guidelines. The grant program emphasizes alignment with organizational mission, potential for long-term impact, and readiness to implement proposed changes. Though there is no requirement for matching funds, awards are competitive, and applicants are encouraged to submit thorough, mission-aligned proposals. All inquiries regarding the program can be directed to the SCVF team via phone at 715-386-9490 or email at [email protected]. This opportunity does not operate on a fixed annual cycle but is reviewed quarterly. As a result, applications are considered continuously, with rolling review ensuring flexible entry points for organizations across various stages of planning and execution. The foundation encourages thoughtful proposals that enhance nonprofit stability, leadership, and collaborative capacity across the region.