The John Coughlin Hope Fund is temporarily closed to new applications. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211.
About the John Coughlin Hope Fund
The John Coughlin Hope Fund (JCHF) provides compassionate financial support to individuals and families facing urgent needs when no other resources are available. UW Valleys offer grants to help cover essential expenses such as rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, utility bills, medical costs, transportation (including car repairs), and other critical necessities.
JCHF works in close partnership with local community agencies to identify those experiencing short-term financial crises. Together, we ensure all available community resources are explored, while stepping in with direct support when gaps remain.
Honoring John Coughlin’s Legacy
John Coughlin served as the Executive Director of United Way St. Croix Valley for over 20 years, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion, leadership, and service. Until his passing in 2015, John was a deeply respected figure throughout the St. Croix Valley, known for his unwavering dedication to helping others and for inspiring those around him to support neighbors in need. His commitment to building a stronger, more caring community continues to guide our mission today.
As John's widow, Mary Beth, shared, "John would have been proud to have the Hope Fund named in his honor. He realized that unexpected events could find people in need of an extra helping hand. John was a compassionate, 'get things done' kind of person, and when he saw a need, he jumped right in to find ways to meet it."
Eligibility & Funding Criteria
To qualify for support from the John Coughlin Hope Fund (JCHF), applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Residency: Must reside in Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, or St. Croix County.
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Shared Responsibility: The applicant must be able to contribute some funds toward the total expense.
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Previous Grants: Neither the applicant nor any member of their household may have received a JCHF grant within the past 12 months.
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Nature of Need: The request must be for a basic health or human services-related need.
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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.
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Exhaustion of Resources: All other community resources must have been explored and/or exhausted before applying.
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Maximum Funding: per request is on a case-by-case basis and is typically not more than $500 in the following categories:
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Housing Assistance
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Transportation Needs
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Medical Expenses
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Utility Costs
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For full details, please review our John Coughlin Hope Fund Policies & Guidelines.