Q4 2025 Competitive Grants Announcement

As winter settles in and the pace of the season slows, there’s a natural pause that invites both gratitude and intention. The first snowfalls soften the landscape, neighborhoods glow with warm light, and our community leans into the steady work of caring for one another.

Much like this season of preparation and reflection, our grantmaking process continues to respond to the evolving needs of the greater La Crosse area. In Quarter 4, our focus turned to our Mini and Standard Grant Programs—small but mighty investments that spark connection, innovation, and meaningful change across our community.

We reviewed a wide range of applications from organizations working to meet immediate needs, pilot solutions, strengthen relationships, and increase access to vital programs and services. Through this cycle, the Board of Directors approved new Mini Grants that help nonprofits test ideas, build social capital, and remove barriers for participation, as well as Standard Grants that support longer-term, strategic efforts aligned with community well-being.

As always, these grants reflect the generosity of donors who believe in the power of collective action and the commitment of nonprofits who show up every day to make La Crosse a more welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant place for all.

This season reminds us how much we can accomplish when we come together. We celebrate what has been made possible and acknowledge the continued work ahead. If you’re inspired to help build more capital for La Crosse area nonprofits, whether through giving, volunteering, or sharing their stories, we invite you to join us.

Click here to learn more about ways to make an impact.

	Fund Type	Best For	How it Works	Why Donors Choose it
	Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)	Donors who want flexibility and ongoing involvement	You make a charitable gift and recommend grants over time	A flexible, meaningful way to stay engaged in your giving, without the administrative burden of a private foundation
	Designated Fund	Donors who want to support specific nonprofits year after year	LACF makes regular distributions to the organizations you select	Peace of mind knowing your chosen organizations receive steady, ongoing support
	Field-of-Interest Fund	Donors passionate about a cause or issue area	You define the focus area; LACF identifies nonprofits working in that space	A thoughtful way to provide timely support to a cause you care about while trusting local expertise
	Scholarship Fund	Donors who want to support students	You set the criteria; LACF administers the scholarship	A meaningful way to honor someone or help students pursue education
	Named Unrestricted Fund	Donors who want to meet changing community needs	LACF uses the fund to respond to emerging community priorities	A flexible way to support the community as needs evolve over time
	Community Impact (Unrestricted) Fund	Donors who want to support the community’s most pressing and emerging needs	LACF directs grants to address evolving priorities and opportunities	Your gift has the broadest possible impact and responds where support is needed most
	Agency Endowment	Nonprofits seeking long-term sustainability	A nonprofit entrusts assets to LACF for investment and long-term stewardship	Professional management that helps nonprofits build long-term stability
	Supporting Organization	Donors who want hands-on philanthropy without private foundation burdens	Donors stay actively involved in grantmaking while LACF handles administration	Hands-on involvement paired with simplified governance and oversight