Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Grant

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Grant supports community-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity and self-sufficiency within the St. Croix Valley. The foundation prioritizes asset-based programs led by the communities they serve, particularly those benefiting children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and located in designated counties. The foundation does not fund individual scholarships or loans, lobbying, or fiscal agents, aiming for collaborative funding efforts.

Note: The Foundation considers letters of inquiry. Letters of inquiry are generally recommended for organizations new to the Foundation or outside the St. Croix Valley. Organizations may choose to submit either a letter of inquiry or a full proposal. Letters of inquiry are reviewed at the Foundation’s next board meeting. If the board determines that the request falls within its guidelines and interests, a full proposal will be requested from the applicant for review at the following board meeting.
Paper proposals (or letters of inquiry) must be received in the Foundation’s office (not postmarked) on or before the deadline date.
Overview
The Foundation is particularly interested in asset-based programs created, initiated, supported or staffed by the constituency for whom benefits are sought. This type of effort builds upon and further develops individual and community capacities. These programs or projects are internally motivated and organized, rather than need-based, service-oriented systems brought in and directed by nonconstituents
Programmatic Focus
Within the primary geographic focus areas, the Foundation is particularly interested in direct service programs:

• Serving children and youth, especially those that provide personal development activities.
• Providing various social support services to the community at large.
• Providing access to health-related services and information.
• Providing educational opportunities and enrichment to the general community.

The Foundation will only consider the following types of programs and organizations if services are provided in the St. Croix Valley – Washington County in Minnesota and Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin:
Special projects or programs in public schools.Programs for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities.Programs for seniors.Public/civic projects and activities

Eligibility

Awards grants only to qualified charitable organizations that are designated as tax exempt under Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c)(3) and are not classified as private foundations.Geographic FocusThe Foundation’s primary geographic focus area is the St. Croix Valley: Washington County in Minnesota and Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties in Wisconsin. Programs in St. Paul, Minnesota unduplicated in the St. Croix Valley and utilized by St. Croix Valley residents may also be considered.From time to time the Foundation may consider programs in other parts of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and Greater Minnesota.

Ineligibility

Does not make loans, and does not provide grants or scholarships to individuals.Does not provide grants for lobbying activities, fundraising dinners and events, or travel.Will generally not consider the following types of organizations and programs for funding: Agencies/Divisions/Councils/Programs that have counterparts in St. Paul or the St. Croix
Valley
Arts Organizations exclusively focused on Music, Dance or Visual Arts
Religious Institutions
In addition, the Foundation:Will generally not fund the entire project budget, but prefers to be part of an effort supported by a number of sources. Typically, Foundation funding is a small percentage of the project’s budget.Considers major endowment and capital requests for funding to be a low priority.Does not provide funding through fiscal agents.