John Coughlin Hope Fund (JCHF) Grant

United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys
The United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys works to improve the health, education, and financial stability of individuals and families across Western Wisconsin, serving Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties. Guided by a vision that all residents lead healthy lives, receive quality education, and achieve financial security, the organization invests in community-driven solutions that address local needs. Funding decisions are made locally and aligned with a Community Care agenda focused on three priority areas: education, financial stability, and health. United Way partners with nonprofit agencies, schools, county human services, faith-based organizations, and emergency service providers to deliver measurable outcomes. Through an annual citizen review process, community members help evaluate funding requests and recommend allocations, ensuring accountability and impact. The organization supports programs that demonstrate results and advance long-term community well-being.
The John Coughlin Hope Fund (JCHF), administered by United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys, provides compassionate, short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing urgent crises when no other resources are available. Grants help cover essential expenses such as rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, utility bills, medical costs, transportation needs (including car repairs), and other critical necessities. JCHF works in close partnership with local community agencies to identify households experiencing temporary financial hardship. The fund ensures that all other available community resources are explored first and then provides gap funding when unmet needs remain. The fund honors the legacy of John Coughlin, longtime Executive Director of United Way St. Croix Valley, whose leadership and dedication to helping neighbors in need shaped the region for more than two decades. Reflecting his compassion and action-oriented spirit, the Hope Fund continues his commitment to offering a helping hand during times of unexpected hardship.

Eligibility

Residency: Must reside in Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, or St. Croix County.Shared Responsibility: The applicant must be able to contribute some funds toward the total expense.Previous Grants: Neither the applicant nor any member of their household may have received a JCHF grant within the past 12 months.Nature of Need: The request must be for a basic health or human services-related need.Emergency Circumstances: The need must result from an unforeseen event that has led to an emergency. The grant must address a one-time problem that is not expected to reoccur.Exhaustion of Resources: All other community resources must have been explored and/or exhausted before applying.Maximum Funding: per request is on a case-by-case basis and is typically not more than $500 in the following categories:Housing AssistanceTransportation NeedsMedical ExpensesUtility Costs