651-583-8485
GIVING STATEMENT
The Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation was established in 1959 on the core value that charitable grant making advances and builds thriving communities. With the goal of being a guiding hand and supporter of community health and stability, the founders believed in the importance of helping the underserved and under-resourced and in being a quiet leader in building healthy strong communities.
NEW HIRE ANNOUNCEMENT
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We are thrilled to welcome Alyson Sauter to the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation team! Alyson's role as
Program Officer will be focused on the Foundation’s grantmaking activities, managing a diverse portfolio of grants,
cultivating relationships with grantees and community stakeholders, and assisting the team in the development of
strategic programs.
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Alyson brings over a decade of experience working with local communities, nonprofits, and public partners to support
strong organizations and meaningful change. A proud St. Croix Valley native, Alyson now lives in Hudson with her
husband and young son. Her personal and professional roots in Western Wisconsin have helped shape her commitment
to approaching grantmaking and community building with care, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the people and
places that make this region home.
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After getting her start in community work as an AmeriCorps member based in Western Wisconsin, Alyson has long
continued to focus her career on building partnerships, supporting nonprofits, and helping communities thrive. She has
since served as the Community Impact Director at United Way St. Croix Valley, where she managed multi-county
grantmaking, led community needs assessments, and fostered cross-sector collaborations, bringing people together to
work on shared issues like mental health, housing, and early childhood care. Most recently, she worked as a Community
Development Educator with UW–Madison Extension, where she supported nonprofits and local governments across the
region through strategic planning, leadership development, and capacity-building.
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In this new role, Alyson looks forward to building strong relationships with grantees and addressing the unique needs and
strengths of organizations across the St. Croix Valley. She believes that the people doing the work every day are the ones
who know their communities best, and that good grantmaking starts with trust, conversation, and shared goals.
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Alyson feels lucky to be stepping into a role that allows her to support the good work already happening across the St.
Croix Valley. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, reading, and time at her family’s cabin.
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Please join us in welcoming Alyson to the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation!
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Contact Information:
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Alyson Sauter, Program Officer
Email: alyson.sauter@fkandersen.org
Direct Phone: 651.583.8513
Main Office: 651.583.8485
MISSION
The Mission of the Foundation is to provide resources to nonprofit organizations that build thriving communities and improve the quality of life primarily in the St. Croix Valley geographic region of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
The Foundation has established a focused set of priorities and welcomes requests for general operations, programs, or projects. Capital requests may be considered on a more limited basis.
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Priorities | Areas of Focus |
|---|---|
Healthcare | Medical research, mental/chemical health, hospitals |
Housing | Affordable housing for families and seniors |
Education | Youth education initiatives |
Human Services | Basic needs, food insecurity, employment |
Civic | Local initiatives, community projects |
Environmental | Environmental education |
GEOGRAPHIC AREA
The Foundation primarily serves and prioritizes funding to organizations that are working and delivering services in the geographic region of the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, consideration may be given to organizations outside of the geographic footprint, if they are delivering services that address a funding priority.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDANCE
Organizations seeking funding must be 501c(3) public nonprofit organizations. Endowment funding does not fall within the guidelines of the Foundation. The Foundation also does not provide funding to individuals, political campaigns, sponsorships, or lobbying activities.