Blog
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:…
The Lois Craig Playbook
Much-loved coach’s influence will impact students forever Lois Craig was a coach on and off the field, training students to give their best in the gym, classroom and life. With a career as vibrant as the red lipstick she famously wore, Lois’s path from a young girl in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to an influential educator…
Community Screening: “Join or Die”
La Crosse Area Community Foundation and DB Reinhart Center for Ethics in Leadership Present Free Movie & Pizza Night La Crosse Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University, will host a special screening for the award-winning documentary “Join or Die.” The critically acclaimed film, which…
La Crosse Area Community Foundation Expands Team
La Crosse Area Community Foundation has expanded its team. Ellen Heydon is the foundation’s new grants specialist, and Andi Reisdorf is its new donor services specialist. The expansion comes as LACF has experienced significant growth in the last five years, adding more than 100 new funds and three new affiliate partner organizations. Heydon brings over…
Impact Investing 2.0
Creating Positive Change and Financial Return The word ‘investment’ has evolved to mean much more than just financial success. One prime example of this new understanding is impact investing. It suggests our investment choices today should work towards a better, more equitable and sustainable future. In this future, an ‘investor’ is someone who not only…