Strategic
Planning
Our Path Forward
La Crosse Area Community Foundation’s strategic plan guides how we strengthen philanthropy, invest in community well-being, and build social capital across La Crosse County.
Rooted in our mission and shaped by conversations with community members, donors, and nonprofit partners, this plan outlines clear priorities and measurable outcomes that will guide our work through 2028.
A Framework Grounded in Social Capital and Poverty-Informed Practice
At the heart of our work is social capital: the relationships, trust, and connections that help a community thrive. We pair this focus with poverty-informed practice, recognizing how systemic barriers, lived experience, and access to resources shape opportunity and participation.
Across lines of difference, we aim to ensure people in La Crosse County can participate fully, feel a sense of belonging, and engage in meaningful ways. This includes listening closely to community voices and designing approaches that reduce barriers rather than reinforce them.
Together, these principles influence how we approach grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership, and how we continue to grow as an organization, always with an eye toward access, trust, and long-term community benefit.
Four Directions, One Shared Vision
Building on our mission and values, the plan identifies four strategic directions:
Direction
1
Grantmaking
that advances equity and supports organizations responding to real, identified community needs.
Goal
Help build equity with those in our community who need investment and resources to have their needs met
2024 Progress
- Created an ad hoc committee to study new grantmaking models
- Evolved the unrestricted grantmaking program to include ongoing leadership support from the nonprofit resource center
- Developed a competitive grantmaking program to a trust-based community practice to build efficacy and equity
- Began work on data mapping project to identify priority needs in the community
Direction
2
Donor Services
that help donors give with confidence, steward charitable resources responsibly, and align giving with both donor intent and community priorities.
Goal
Enhance our ability to enable, steward, and deploy charitable capital as a trusted philanthropic partner to generous people
2024 Progress
- Maintained a high level of service to fundholders and donors with annual memorable themes- The Magic of Philanthropy!
- Implemented a brand update by adding "Area" to our name and a logo refresh
- Enhanced relationship building with Professional Advisors
- Hosted memorable events including open houses at our new office, the annual appreciation event, and donor education events
Direction
3
Community Leadership
that strengthens a healthy, collaborative nonprofit sector and encourages shared learning and partnership.
Goal
Champion a healthy, collaborative, and impactful nonprofit sector in La Crosse County
- Continued development of effective collaboration with our affiliate organizations highlighted the ongoing opportunities for shared learning, and collaboration amongst local nonprofit organizations
- Served as an educational and resource support for our local nonprofits
- Advanced social capital awareness by hosting community gatherings like the Join or Die film event
Direction
4
Operations & Governance
that invest in strong internal systems, thoughtful decision-making, and long-term sustainability.
Goal
Invest in our own infrastructure, growth, and organizational health to better serve personnel, donors, and grantees
- Increased staff with 2 new part-time positions
- Moved to a new office space to best serve all constituents
- Continued staff support and professional development
- Updated foundation name, logo, and tagline
Together, these directions help ensure philanthropy remains responsive, effective, and grounded in the evolving needs of our region.
Built for Measurable Impact
With clear destinations for 2028 and defined metrics to track progress, the plan provides a transparent roadmap for how we will serve donors, nonprofits, and the community, now and into the future. It reflects our belief that when people, purpose, and resources come together, the entire community benefits.
Learn how we ensure transparency and accountability as we track progress.
Related Resources
Annual Reports
La Crosse Area Community Foundation publishes annual impact reports for friends and supporters of our mission.
Mission & History
We strengthen quality of life in La Crosse County by connecting generous people, proven nonprofits, and shared community goals.
Transparency & Stewardship
Being good stewards of our donors’ charitable giving is our top priority.