Founding board members of the St. Croix Valley foundation were honored at a gathering in 2005. (From left to right) Front Row: David Brandt, John Baird, Linda Jacobson, Lynn Shafer, Marilyn McCarty, Jean Scheuerman MacDonald for Tom Scheuerman (deceased). Back Row: Jim Bradshaw, JC Pfeiffer, Erv Neff, Ron Kroese, John Coughlin, Sarah Andersen. Not Pictured: Orv Johnson, Lou Fuller (deceased), Rod Hofland, Larry Severson, John Tunheim. Photo: St. Croix Valley Foundation
Thirty years ago, guided by a vision of generosity and community, a group of civic leaders formed the St. Croix Valley Foundation to connect the Valley and grow generosity for generations. Three founders share reflections on its 1995 origins and why it matters today.
David Brandt, a Stillwater community leader, was a key voice in early talks. “We looked at many options and decided a community foundation—supported by local donors, managed for growth and focused on local needs—was best,” he says.
Orv Johnson believed the foundation should serve the whole region, emphasizing shared problems and desires. “We’re bound together by the river, not separated by it,” Johnson says.
Sarah Andersen, deeply engaged in civic life on both sides of the St. Croix River, brought energy and heart to the effort, often contributing to events with food and hosting gatherings until they could rent an office. “The foundation became the bridge,” Andersen says. “And the seeds we planted are still blooming.”
Their grassroots approach built the base of what is now the St. Croix Valley Foundation—over 500 funds, $120 million in assets, nine affiliates and more than $100 million in grants across six counties.
As founding board members and lifelong champions of the foundation’s mission, Brandt, Johnson and Andersen helped launch and live the vision. They have served on the board, dedicating time and resources for decades, and made legacy gifts to sustain the community spirit they inspired across the Valley.
Lori Schaefer is the director of marketing and communication at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. Learn more at scvfoundation.org.
