Blog
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…
When trust breaks down: Gen Z and La Crosse’s future
Why rebuilding trust starts with listening, not lecturing Some stories don’t begin with hope; they begin with the hollow feeling of absence. A missing hand at the table. A voice that’s quiet when we need it loud. That’s where we find ourselves today with Generation Z. Not because they aren’t present, but because many are…
Trivia tribute — celebrating 95 years
In celebration of our 95th anniversary, we’re putting your knowledge to the test! This fun and informative quiz delves into the foundation’s rich history, community impact, and role in local philanthropy since its inception. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, see how much you really know — and maybe learn…
Making endowments work for the long haul
Smart strategies for spending and stewarding your fund An endowment fund can be one of a nonprofit’s most powerful tools, providing a reliable source of income and building financial resilience. But how and when you use those funds matters just as much as having them in the first place. Whether your organization is navigating its…
The road that led to Bertie
Meet the office mascot In March, as showchoir season was in full swing, we found ourselves heading home from a long, high-energy weekend in Iowa. It was the break of dawn, and the roads were quiet as we wound our way through rural farmland, trying to make it back in time for an early appointment….
Carol Taebel named 2025 Forever Friends Award recipient
La Crosse Area Community Foundation honors educator and community champion La Crosse Area Community Foundation honored Carol Taebel, a beloved educator, volunteer, and lifelong advocate for community and compassion, with its 2025 Forever Friends Award recipient. A retired elementary teacher and active volunteer, Taebel has quietly and consistently shaped the community through a lifetime of…
Celebrating Juneteenth Through Community Art
Launching a Juneteenth community art project in La Crosse On Juneteenth in 2023, we launched something special. At La Crosse Area Community Foundation, we believe art has the power to bring people together, spark conversation, and reflect the vibrant diversity of our community. To honor Juneteenth and celebrate Black freedom and culture, we kicked off…
Norah Miller steps into community engagement at LACF
La Crosse Area Community Foundation is excited to welcome Norah Miller as this year’s Community Engaged Fellow! Originally from Menomonee Falls, Norah attends the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, where she is studying marketing with minors in international business and sustainable business. At UWL, she serves on the board of Students for Sustainability as…
Quarter 2 Mini Grant Awards
The frigid weather is finally behind us and the sun is giving Vitamin D that is life-giving, warming, and energizing! As the pollinators and plants move into the next season, so does our competitive grantmaking. For Quarter 2, we received over $400K in requests and had approximately $100,000 to distribute for this round. However, that…
Stronger communities start with stronger connections
The role of bridging social capital in creating a more resilient community At La Crosse Area Community Foundation, we often talk about the importance of connection. That’s because connections — between neighbors, between different groups of people, and between ideas — are what help communities grow stronger. One way to describe that kind of connection…