Blog
Boosting Nonprofits Where It Counts
New LACF Capacity Building Grant program focuses on operations and growth Nonprofits often face a daunting reality: their passion for their mission doesn’t always align with the skills required to manage complex operations, from accounting to board governance to staff management. Leaders frequently find themselves stretched thin, juggling their core work with responsibilities for which…
Sandy Castek’s Mission for Mothers
Empathy for struggling single moms stems from experience Sandy Castek’s journey from struggling single mom to founder of the Sandy Castek Fund for Empowering Women is both profound and inspiring. Her story begins with a personal trial that ignited a lifelong mission: to help single mothers navigate the challenges of self-sufficiency and education. “I was…
LACF chief decides to step away for family
Schloegel leaves after six years as LACF CEO CEO Jamie Schloegel has stepped away from her role at La Crosse Area Community Foundation. She wants to dedicate more time to her family as her children approach their final years before leaving home. Significant growth during Schloegel’s leadership Since 2018, Schloegel has led LACF through remarkable…
Third Space: Indy bookstore cultivates community connections
Downtown bookstore serves as a third space Pearl Street Books owner Beth Hartung has created a uniquely welcoming space in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The independent bookstore not only curates new and used books; it cultivates community connections and a joy for reading. Since acquiring Pearl Street Books in 2021, Hartung has turned it into a…
Everybody Can Dance meets special needs
Finding its groove After 15 years of throwing dance parties for people with special needs, their loved ones, and the entire community, Everybody Can Dance has undeniably found its groove. The nonprofit organization hosts two dances annually in La Crosse, Wisconsin — one in late April and the Oktoberfest Special Fester Ball in early September…
“Welcoming Week” Proclaimed in La Crosse, September 13-22
La Crosse County Board Chair Proclaims Welcoming Week Honoring the diversity and inclusion that makes La Crosse County a vibrant and thriving place for all residents, including immigrants and newcomers, La Crosse County Board Chair Tina Tryggestad today officially proclaimed September 13-22 as Welcoming Week in La Crosse County. “Welcoming Week reflects La Crosse County’s…
The Uncommon Philanthropy of Marta & Bill
Philanthropy has been a way of life The story of Marta Martinez and Bill Katra illustrates how personal journeys and shared values can intertwine to improve communities. The two met in 1966 during Bill’s two year-service with the Peace Corps in Marta’s small, rural hometown in Uruguay. Their story, marked by separation (of 41 years!)…
Local Nonprofits Turn Ideas Into Impact
Local nonprofits crushing creative solutions It’s no secret that local nonprofits rise to the occasion to meet needs across the region. Check out a handful of recent grantees meeting a variety of needs including safety, transportation, and community learning and support. Chariots4Hope is providing a vehicle repair shop that offers repairs on a need-based sliding…
La Crosse Nonprofits Set Vibe for Community Grants
New community grants program created by and for local nonprofits As many local nonprofits know, La Crosse Area Community Foundation took a break from grantmaking earlier this year to listen, learn, and evolve our community grant processes. During that time, we learned much from nonprofit representatives in our community, including directors, board volunteers, and paid…
Community Engaged Fellowship Benefits LACF and Student
Community Engaged Fellow Nainil “NJ” Jariwala at La Crosse Area Community Foundation is wrapping up his first quarter with us as a new school season is about to begin. Here he shares what he’s accomplished and learned so far. Lucky for us, he’ll be with us through spring semester 2025. LACF Community Engaged Fellowship Experience:…