Blog

Q1 2026 Competitive Grants Announcement

April 29, 2026

By Lauren Journot, Impact Director

As spring arrives and our community steps into longer days and brighter skies, there’s a renewed sense of possibility in the air. The landscape softens and reawakens, neighbors reconnect, and the season invites fresh ideas alongside continued care for one another.

In this spirit of growth and forward movement, our grantmaking continues to respond to the evolving needs and opportunities across the greater La Crosse area. In Quarter 1, we focused on our Standard Grant Program; flexible investments that help organizations nurture new ideas, strengthen connections, and build lasting impact at the local level.

This cycle brought forward a wide range of applications from nonprofits working to address immediate needs, expand access to programs, deepen relationships, and pilot innovative approaches. Through thoughtful review, the Board of Directors approved Standard Grants that allow organizations to support more sustained, strategic efforts aligned with community well‑being.

These investments are made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in shared prosperity and the dedication of nonprofits who do the steady, often unseen work of strengthening our community. Together, they reflect what’s possible when care, collaboration, and trust take root.

Spring reminds us that meaningful change is both patient and active; built over time, yet fueled by momentum. As we celebrate what’s taking shape this season, we also recognize the work still ahead. If you’re inspired to help grow support for La Crosse area nonprofits, whether through giving, volunteering, or sharing their stories, we invite you to join us.

Organization NameProject NameAmount AwardedFunding
Family and Children's Center, IncTeen Support Group$23,560.00Ostreng Fund for Children
Franke Fund
Freedom Honor FlightAircraft Funding $25,000.00Ostreng Fund for the Elderly
Community Giving Fund
Pump House Regional Arts CenterPurposeful Strategic Planning 2026-2029$10,000.00Community Giving Fund
Fund for the Arts
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse RegionHome Maintenance Workshops$25,700.00Susan M. Quillin Fund
Harold E. Lemke Fund
Rudy and Jean Schnurrer Fund
Franke Fund
The Salvation Army of La Crosse CountyPublic Health, Safety, and Skill Building$25,000.00Norman L. Gillette, Sr. Family Fund
Margery J. Stansfield Fund
Legal Action of WisconsinCivil legal aid to low-income La Crosse area residents$15,000.00Johns Flaherty Collins-Michael Stoker Memorial
Franke Fund
Seven Rivers RoboticsRobotics Growth and Sustainability$10,000.00Louis I. Rehfuss Fund
Franke Fund
Black Leaders Acquiring Collective KnowledgeLet's Talk$45,000.00Black Empowerment Fund
Franke Fund
La Crosse Chamber ChoraleFestival of Voices$8,000.00Maureen L. Kinney Fund
Jenny and Tom Walter Fund
Community Giving Fund
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers RegionEmpowering Minds: Building Mental Health Through One-to-One Youth Mentoring$25,000.00Franke Fund
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin - BadgerlandGirls in Action$15,000.00Franke Fund
Combined Funded Total:$227,260.00