The First Thousand Days Grant Program

The First Thousand Days Grant Program, administered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF), is rooted in a deep understanding of early childhood development and the science behind the first thousand days of life—from conception through age three. This period is recognized as one of the most crucial for shaping a child's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Founded through the vision and generosity of Bill and Rita Lawson of Somerset, Wisconsin, the program began in 2022 with the creation of the First Thousand Days Fund. Since its inception, the endowed fund has received contributions from multiple donors and has awarded over $275,000 to nonprofits serving young families across a six-county region in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The program awarded more than $167,000 in 2025 alone, and because the fund is endowed, it will continue supporting these critical initiatives in perpetuity. The primary objective of the First Thousand Days Grant Program is to provide both general operating and program-specific support to organizations that serve families during pregnancy, infancy, and toddlerhood. Grants are offered in two tiers: general operating support awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are available to regional organizations whose core mission focuses on early childhood development, while smaller program support grants of $500 to $5,000 are intended for local initiatives operating within SCVF’s six-county service area. The program explicitly supports a broad spectrum of services, including home visiting, parent coaching, prenatal education, maternal health, early learning, trauma-informed care, and culturally specific outreach initiatives. Eligibility for the grant is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, as well as government, tribal, educational, and religious entities. Entities that do not meet these criteria may still apply if they formally partner with an eligible fiscal agent. Applicants must serve families in one or more counties within SCVF’s defined service region, which includes Chisago and Washington counties in Minnesota and Burnett, Polk, Pierce, and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin. Eligible programs must demonstrate a focused commitment to supporting children and families during the first 1,000 days of life. The application process is straightforward and designed to facilitate access for community-based organizations. Applications are submitted directly through the SCVF website. While the specific components of the application are not detailed in the source, applicants can expect to provide information on their organizational mission, target population, program structure, and anticipated impact. The foundation serves as a connector, aligning donor generosity with regional needs to create a powerful engine for local impact. The grant cycle operates on an annual basis, with a winter application deadline. The next deadline is January 9, 2026. While no pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent are required, applicants are encouraged to begin preparations well in advance. Awards for the current cycle will likely be announced in the early part of the following year, allowing funded organizations to plan and implement programs during a critical time in a child’s development. For organizations with questions or in need of assistance during the application process, Angie Pilgrim, the Vice President of Community Impact at the St. Croix Valley Foundation, is the main point of contact. She can be reached via phone at 715-386-9490 or by email at info@scvfoundation.org. The foundation’s office is located at 1830 Hanley Rd, Suite 200, Hudson, WI 54016. With its focus on early intervention, strong community engagement, and evidence-based practices, the First Thousand Days Grant Program stands as a vital opportunity for organizations seeking to make a lasting difference in the lives of young children and their families across the St. Croix Valley.

Focus on early intervention, culturally specific outreach, and parent-child bonding; use brain science evidence in program framing.