Blog
Big Brothers/Sisters make big difference in kids’ lives
Sometimes the biggest difference in a child’s life starts with something small — like an hour a week spent with a trusted adult. That’s the idea behind Big Brothers Big Sisters, which connects young people with caring adult mentors for steady, one-to-one relationships. Here in the Coulee Region, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7…
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…
‘Art in the Wild’ expected to come alive in October
This October, in the woods of La Crosse, a skeleton will ride a tall bicycle — powered not by ghostly energy, but by the laughter and legwork of passersby. It’s part sculpture, part playground, and wholly an invitation to slow down, look closer, and remember that art can be just as alive as the people…
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…
For the love of Chloe: Racing forward with heart
Honoring Chloe Kay Eckelberg’s short but joyful life When Jonathan and Amy Eckelberg talk about their daughter, Chloe, their voices are full of love — and purpose. “She had crazy, fluffy hair that stood straight up,” Amy said. “Everyone remembers that about her. That, and her giggle.” Chloe Kay Eckelberg was born in September 2019….
Misfits Hair Studio owner creates refuge for belonging in region
From haircuts to community meetups, Felix Murphy creates spaces where difference is celebrated and belonging is a given Felix Murphy isn’t trying to blend in — and that’s exactly what makes his contributions to the La Crosse area so valuable. As a neurodivergent hairstylist, owner of Misfits Hair Studio and a board member at The…
La Crosse Local: A source for connection
La Crosse Local is an online hub that connects people with the events, businesses, and stories shaping the Coulee Region. Part of a broader network of hyperlocal sites, it offers a steady stream of timely, relevant content to strengthen community ties and highlight what makes the places here distinct. At the center of this effort…
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…