Unrestricted
Funds

Flexible Giving That Responds to Real Community Needs

Unrestricted giving allows La Crosse Area Community Foundation to respond to the most pressing needs and the most promising opportunities as they arise in our community.

Gifts to LACF’s unrestricted funds (or setting up a named unrestricted fund) support grantmaking and community initiatives that strengthen quality of life across La Crosse County, especially when needs are urgent, emerging, or not yet fully defined. This type of giving enables you to make an in-the-moment impact that can last forever.

What Is Unrestricted Giving?

Unrestricted giving means your gift is not designated for a specific nonprofit, program, or purpose. Instead, it’s stewarded by La Crosse Area Community Foundation and used where it can have the greatest impact at any given time.

In practice, unrestricted funds help LACF:

  • Respond to emerging community needs
  • Support nonprofits facing unexpected challenges
  • Invest in initiatives that strengthen long-term community well-being
  • Fill gaps that restricted funding cannot address

This flexibility is especially important during times of economic uncertainty, public emergencies, or rapid change.

Why Donors Choose Unrestricted Giving

Many donors choose unrestricted giving because it:

  • Provides flexibility — allowing funds to address needs as they evolve
  • Amplifies impact — supporting a broad range of community priorities in a timely manner
  • Reduces barriers — helping nonprofits access support where it’s needed most
  • Builds trust — relying on LACF’s local knowledge and grantmaking expertise

Unrestricted gifts complement other forms of giving and play a critical role in ensuring the community has the resources it needs, not just today, but in the future.

How Unrestricted Funds Are Used

Many donors choose unrestricted giving because it:

  • Provides flexibility — allowing funds to address needs as they evolve
  • Amplifies impact — supporting a broad range of community priorities in a timely manner
  • Reduces barriers — helping nonprofits access support where it’s needed most
  • Builds trust — relying on LACF’s local knowledge and grantmaking expertise

All unrestricted grantmaking is guided by LACF’s mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to trust-based, poverty-informed philanthropy.

Ways to Give Unrestricted Support

You can support unrestricted giving in several ways:

  • Make a one-time or recurring gift to an unrestricted fund at La Crosse Area Community Foundation
    • Greatest Need Fund
    • Community Giving Fund
  • Include unrestricted support in a donor-advised fund to nonprofits you care about
  • Create an endowed unrestricted fund to LACF so we can provide lasting community impact
  • Include unrestricted giving in your estate plans as part of a legacy gift to LACF

If you’re deciding how unrestricted giving fits alongside other goals, our team is happy to talk it through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unrestricted Giving

What makes unrestricted giving different from other funds?
How does LACF decide where unrestricted funds go?
Can unrestricted funds be endowed?
Is unrestricted giving tax-deductible?
Can I combine unrestricted giving with other types of giving?

Ready to Support the Community Where It’s Needed Most?

If you’re interested in unrestricted giving or want help deciding how it fits with your overall philanthropic goals, we’re here to help.

Related Resources

Forever Society

Join hundreds of others in the foundation’s forever society who have entrusted the foundation with legacy gifts.

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Start a Fund

Learn how to start a charitable fund at La Crosse Area Community Foundation.

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Types of Funds

Funds that support a specific need or area of interest, or one that is multipurpose and flexible.

Learn More