Q2 Competitive Grants Announcement (Mini Grants 2026)
June 11, 2026
| By Lauren Journot, Impact Director |
As summer unfolds, bringing longer days and renewed energy, we’re inspired by the ways our neighbors are stepping up to care for one another. This season, we’re proud to share a new round of awards focused on mini grants (up to $15,000) designed to support timely, community-driven solutions. Guided by insights from the local COMPASS community health initiative and LACF’s recent Data Mapping Report, the committee prioritized projects working to reduce barriers to basic needs, including food, transportation, housing, and mental health. We received 15 thoughtful applications and, through a careful and strategic process, selected 11 to support, each one a reflection of the creativity and compassion rooted in our region. We invite you to explore the full list of grants, including efforts like breaking down financial barriers for immigrant children who have only known this country as home and investing in upgraded kitchen equipment and food options. If this type of community impact resonates with you, we invite you to explore ways to give and be part of the La Crosse community’s story of success and hope – For good. Forever.
| Organization Name | Project Name | Amount Awarded | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coulee Region Immigration Task Force | Renewal of DACA Fees | $15,000.00 | Franke Fund |
| The Salvation Army | TSA Food Program | $15,000.00 | Margery J. Stansfield Fund James and Ellen Heinecke Fund Franke Fund |
| Mormon Coulee 4-H | Learn to Live Local Youth Day Camp | $10,800.00 | Susan M. Quillin Fund Margery J. Stansfield Fund Bonnie and Mike Jones Fund |
| The Nature Place | For the Benefit of Both: Community Engagement Series | $8,600.00 | Lenna Campbell Fund |
| Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin | Building Connection & Access: Family-Centered Support for Developmental Disabilities | $12,000.00 | Alice O. Gordon and Viola Forshler Fund Franke Fund |
| Junior Achievement | Preparing Youth for School, Work, and Life | $7,500.00 | Franke Fund |
| 1000 Generations Safe Families for Children | Connected Families Project: Monthly Connection Nights & Community Workshops | $7,500.00 | Franke Fund |
| Chileda | Skills for Daily Living and Wellness Program | $12,750.00 | Franke Fund Paul and Jessica Felion Fund Harold E. Lemke Fund PMJ Fund |
| Centro Latino | Program Coordinator | $8,800.00 | Franke Fund |
| Hope Restores | Juneteenth 2026 | $2,500.00 | Community Giving Fund |
| HorseSense for Special Riders, Inc. | Safe Passage - Horse Trailer | $14,000.00 | Bramschreiber Family Fund in Memory of Karl Bramschreiber Lenna Campbell Fund Franke Fund |
| Combined Funded Total: | $114,450.00 |