Blog
Laura Olson brings leadership rooted in listening to Foundation
Collaborative leadership and deep regional commitment A results-oriented executive known for principled leadership and an ability to build trust across complex stakeholder environments, Olson brings more than sixteen years of executive leadership experience, and a leadership style rooted in listening, partnership, and community impact. She has spent more than a decade investing in the region…
Alliance Women’s Clinic helps people from all walks of life
Crisis doesn’t discriminate. It can affect people of any age, income level, background, or circumstance. Yet many misconceptions persist about the women and families facing unexpected pregnancies and other difficult life situations. In this month’s Good Works column, Rachel Smith, regional director of Alliance Women’s Clinic, offers a closer look at the people she serves,…
Generational Philanthropy: Key Points for Professional Advisors
For many clients, wealth is about more than passing down assets. It’s about passing down values, purpose, and opportunities to make a lasting difference. Professional advisors can help clients create a charitable legacy that strengthens family engagement, prepares future generations for responsible stewardship while supporting thoughtful, tax-efficient wealth planning. Include adult children One of…
Transfer of Wealth: An Opportunity for Professional Advisors
Last year, La Crosse Area Community Foundation partnered with several Wisconsin community foundations and the University of Minnesota Extension’s Department of Community Development to analyze the historic transfer of wealth expected in La Crosse County over the coming decades. The findings point to one of the most significant financial planning opportunities many advisors will…
Q2 Competitive Grants Announcement (Mini Grants 2026)
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…
Q1 2026 Competitive Grants Announcement
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…
From Conversation to Connection: Introducing the “For Good, Forever” Podcast
Hello, friends. At La Crosse Area Community Foundation, our work has always been rooted in connection. We connect people to causes they care about. We connect generosity to opportunity. And more often than not, we connect those things through stories. Because stories are where the work becomes real. They’re how we understand why someone gives,…
Celebrating a Trusted Partner in Philanthropy: Maureen Kinney
La Crosse Area Community Foundation is grateful to partner with professional advisors who help clients turn charitable intentions into meaningful impact. These partnerships are essential in ensuring philanthropy is thoughtful, effective, and aligned with the needs of our community. One such partner is Maureen Kinney, whose long-standing relationship with LACF has strengthened charitable giving across…
Donor-Advised Funds vs. Private Family Foundations
Whether a client is considering establishing a private foundation or is currently managing one, donor-advised funds (DAFs) can offer meaningful advantages. For many donors, a DAF delivers the core benefits of a private foundation — strategic philanthropy, family engagement, and long-term impact — without the administrative burden, cost, and regulatory complexity. Donor-advised funds operate much…
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…
