Blog
Friends’ Forever Gift: The Judy and David Bouffleur Fund
It began with the gift of service For many La Crosse County residents, community service is part of everyday life. Judy and David Bouffleur exemplify such a life. Born and raised in La Crosse, the Bouffleurs have served the community for decades. Judy volunteers her time and talents to various organizations and events, and David…
Donating with a bang — Make your year-end giving count
Maximize your year-end giving impact As the year draws to a close, many donors reflect on how they can make a difference through charitable giving. In fact, nearly one-third of all charitable donations in the U.S. happen in December, and many organizations raise up to 50% of their annual revenue in November and December, according…
Why House Your Donor Advised Fund at a Community Foundation?
Seven reasons a community foundation may be your best choice for a donor advised fund When it comes to charitable giving, a donor advised fund is one of the most flexible and effective tools available. A DAF allows you to set aside assets for philanthropy, receive an immediate tax deduction, and distribute those assets to…
Long-Time Donors Use QCDs to Give More, Gain More
QCDs, or Qualified Charitable Donations, allow Chris Haskell and Bob Carney to give more After giving to La Crosse Area Community Foundation for more than 20 years, retired educators Bob Carney and Chris Haskell came up with a new way to give that would allow them to have greater financial impact while streamlining their giving….
Building Social Capital CHALLENGE!
Social Capital Strengthens Communities Through Connection Social capital is at the heart of thriving communities. The more we engage with each other — by joining groups, volunteering, or simply connecting with neighbors — the stronger our shared foundation becomes. These interactions create a network of support that’s healthy for individuals and communities alike, offering everything…
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…