Blog
Building connection through investment
LACF’s first social impact investment in Haven on Main is helping create inclusive housing — and a stronger, more connected La Crosse Community is built in the spaces where lives intersect — where people find common ground and begin to understand one another. La Crosse Area Community Foundation exists to make those intersections possible. Every…
LACF welcomes new impact specialist
La Crosse Area Community Foundation has welcomed Keli Frigo as its new impact specialist. She succeeds Ellen Heydon, who recently transitioned to a new professional opportunity. Frigo brings nearly two decades of experience in communications, alumni engagement, and client management to her new role. Most recently, she served as an account manager with Vendi Advertising,…
Why funding nonprofit overhead matters more than you might think
Not long ago, someone asked me what percentage of their donation “actually goes to the cause” and how much is “just overhead”. I get that question a lot. Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing. The idea is that dollars spent on overhead are somehow wasted — money that never directly benefits the real work of…
Tax-smart strategies for year-end giving
Charitable giving always starts with a generous heart. As the year winds down, many people consider where they want their generosity to make a difference. If you’re among them, there are tax-smart strategies that can help your gifts go further — for the causes you value and for your financial goals. Why October is the…
How La Crosse Area Community Foundation reviews and decides on grants
If you’ve ever applied for a grant, you know the anticipation that comes after hitting “submit.” What happens next? At the La Crosse Area Community Foundation, we want you to know how the process works — not just because transparency matters, but because it helps you prepare stronger applications and helps our community understand how…
Quarter 3 nonprofit Capacity Building Grants announced
As summer winds down and the rhythm of fall begins to stir, there’s a sense of both reflection and momentum in the air. Gardens are in full bloom, pollinators are busy with their final stretch of the season, and our community is soaking up the last golden days of warmth. Much like the natural world…
Where you open a donor-advised fund matters
Why donor-advised funds at your community foundation offer something special Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have taken off in recent years — and for good reason. They’re flexible, tax-smart, and easy to use, making them a great option for individuals and families who want to make a meaningful impact. A neat way to think about a DAF…
What charitable giving tax law changes mean for local philanthropy
A new deduction for everyday donors and growing scrutiny of endowments are reshaping how we give — and how we build trust Starting in 2026, new charitable giving tax law changes will affect how Americans, including residents of the La Crosse area, support the causes they care about. Part of a federal legislative package known…
What do a mechanic, a language table, and a reporter have in common?
Four grant-funded projects, one shared goal At first glance, a mechanic, a language table, a reporter, a back-to-school bash, and a health educator might seem like they’re working in different lanes. But together, these local efforts reflect a shared theme: building community resilience by increasing access, connection, and voice. This season, we’re proud to highlight…
From cooperation to collaboration — what’s the real difference?
Cooperation is comfortable. Collaboration changes everything. We’ve all seen it: well-meaning nonprofits and public agencies working side by side, attending the same meetings, even referring people back and forth. That’s cooperation, and it has its place. But collaboration? That’s a deeper level of partnership where organizations co-design strategy, share resources, and hold each other accountable…