Stronger communities start with stronger connections

May 5, 2025

By Chad Dull, Chief Executive Officer

The role of bridging social capital in creating a more resilient community

At La Crosse Area Community Foundation, we often talk about the importance of connection. That’s because connections — between neighbors, between different groups of people, and between ideas — are what help communities grow stronger. One way to describe that kind of connection is “bridging social capital.”

What is bridging social capital?

Social capital is a formal term for the relationships and networks that help people work together, trust one another, and feel like they belong. Bonding, bridging, and linking are the three main types of social capital.

Bonding social capital happens among people who are similar in some way, like close friends, family members, or people who share a common background. Bridging social capital, on the other hand, is about forming ties across different groups — people who may not look, live, or think the same. Linking social capital builds on bridging and bonding capital by developing relationships with community leaders who hold power and influence over policy. Because each type of social capital reinforces the others, it’s important to cultivate all three.

Why it matters for our community, and for your giving

Bridging social capital helps create a more inclusive, resilient community. When people from different walks of life work together, we all benefit from new ideas, broader perspectives, and stronger systems of support.

In fact, studies show that communities with higher levels of bridging social capital, especially when complemented by linking social capital, have better health outcomes, higher levels of education, lower crime rates, and more economic opportunity. They also report greater trust in civic institutions and more engagement in community decision-making.

For donors, this matters because the causes you care about — whether it’s education, health, the environment, the arts, or something else — can go further and last longer in a community where people are connected and looking out for one another. Investing in connection isn’t just good for relationships; it’s a smart strategy for long-term impact.

What you can do to help build bridges

You don’t need to start a movement to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways to help strengthen bridging social capital in the greater La Crosse area.

• Support programs that bring people together, like community events, youth mentorship, or cross-cultural arts programs. These create natural spaces for connection.
• Fund efforts that focus on inclusion and equity. Grants that reach across neighborhood, income, or cultural lines often have lasting ripple effects.
• Encourage collaboration in your giving. Partner with others or invite people with different perspectives to help guide your charitable goals.
• Volunteer somewhere new. Engaging with a nonprofit or group outside your usual circle is a powerful way to build bridges.

What gets in the way — and how to move past it

Even when we care deeply about community, stepping outside our usual circles isn’t always easy. Sometimes the barriers to bridging are external, like not knowing where to start or which organizations are doing this kind of work. Other times, the barriers are internal:

“I don’t want to overstep.”

“I’m not sure I understand the issues well enough.”

“What if I say the wrong thing?”

These are normal thoughts. But avoiding discomfort can keep us from forming the kinds of meaningful relationships that move the whole community forward.

If these thoughts are stopping you, here are some ways to begin moving past them.

• Start with listening. Attend events, panels, or storytelling gatherings that lift up voices different from your own. Listening builds empathy and helps you give more wisely.
• Partner with grassroots organizations. These groups are often already doing the work of bridging, and your support can help expand their reach.
• Be willing to learn. You don’t have to have all the answers. Simply showing up with humility and curiosity can open doors to new connections.
• Ask for help. Not sure where to begin? We’re here to connect you with trusted local efforts that align with your values.

Bridging isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present. And every action you take toward broader connections makes La Crosse a stronger place for everyone.