Submitted by Steve McCarthy, Executive Director, UW Valleys
WESTERN WISCONSIN – United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys (UW Valleys) is pleased to announce the approval of $180,000 in Community Impact Grants to 30 nonprofits throughout its six-county service area of Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties.
These grants will provide crucial support to organizations focused on improving the lives of area ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. Out of 49 nonprofit applicants, 30 were selected to receive UW Valleys funding, with a primary focus on supporting basic needs. In Western Wisconsin, about one in four households are ALICE. When combined with those living at or below the Federal Poverty Level, more than one in three Wisconsin households are struggling to make ends meet.
Community Impact Grants are a cornerstone of UW Valleys’ long-standing commitment to improving lives across Western Wisconsin. Aligned with UW Valleys’ mission to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the region, these grants are made possible through generous contributions through local United Way workplace campaigns. Funding is reinvested directly into local nonprofits that are working to support ALICE individuals and families—those who are working yet still struggle to meet basic needs. These grants help advance long-term, community-driven solutions in critical areas such as housing, hunger, safety, and other basic needs.
“The ALICE population is one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities,” said Steve McCarthy, Executive Director of UW Valleys. “We’re grateful to partner with local organizations to help ensure that these families have access to the resources they need not only to survive, but thrive.”
By supporting local nonprofits that are directly addressing community needs, UW Valleys aims to foster a stronger, more resilient region. UW Valleys is committed to ensuring that all individuals and families, regardless of their economic status, have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
2025-2026 UW Valleys Community Partners to receive grants are: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, Bridging Brighter Smiles, Burnett County Family Resource Center, CASA of St. Croix County, Cesa11 HeadStart, Dunn County Health Department. Family Pathways, Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, Free Clinic of Pierce & St. Croix Counties, Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County, Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County, Kinship of Polk County, Mental Health Task Force of Polk County, Northwoods Homeless Shelters
Operation HELP/ Hudson Area Backpack and Food Programs, Our Neighbors’ Place, River Falls Community Food Pantry, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Good Shepherd Conference
Spring Valley Seniors Staying Put, St. Croix County Public Health, St. Croix County Senior Center Board Coalition, St. Croix Valley Food Bank, St. Croix Valley Restorative Services, St. Croix Valley Sexual Assault Response Team, Stepping Stones of Dunn County, The Bridge to Hope, The Salvation Army/Grace Place, Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance, Inc.
For more information about the Community Impact Grants and how UW Valleys is making a difference, please visit uwvalleys.org.
United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys (UW Valleys) fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Western Wisconsin. UW Valleys is committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties. Through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives, UW Valleys helps address critical community needs and create lasting change.
