3 survey respondents
Location: 401 Main St Ste 205, La Crosse, 54601 WI
EIN: 39-6037996
100%
0%
2 hours
Median
83%
17%
83%
17%
2017 Deadlines:
Types of Grants Awarded:
Geographic Focus:
For Fiscal Year
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Amount of Grants to Minnesota Nonprofits:
Largest Grant:
Smallest Grant:
Average Grant:
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
We have received funding from the La Crosse Community Foundation for a number of projects over the years, and most recently, in February of 2020. The Foundation works hard to be a strategic partner to community groups and nonprofits - they take interest in our work, participate in activities to best understand the needs of the community, and educate their donors on those needs. This is why they are highly effective at funding high-impact projects, big and small.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded
Wisconsin
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
This funder is very accessible and responsive. In addition to being available for one-on-one meetings, they frequently host community presentations and grant-seeker meetings to connect with potential applicants. As stated above, the Foundation likes to be a strategic partner and therefore, be included in the work. So it is encouraged to invite them to events and other opportunities to learn about your work.
Good
They are not a niche funder, funding only one area or type of effort. They fund a broad range of initiatives. For example, funding to our organization has supported educational grants for low-income single parents, new affordable housing developments and repairs, translation materials and services for people with limited English proficiency, housing vouchers and support for people experiencing homelessness, matching dollars for a community data coordination project, and more. We would highly recommend this funder, but would encourage you to meet with them before applying for a grant, as they like to understand the work and how funding will make a difference. Additionally, while we are an example of an organization that has received several grants from the organization, they do not limit their work to long-standing organizations. There are many examples where they have funded small or start-up nonprofits, and initiatives that needed seed money. So if you are a an organization like this, do not hesitate to reach out to them. They like innovation.
Nothing - they have worked hard to streamline processes and encourage grantee feedback. This is appreciated.
This funder is not afraid to invest in innovative projects, or new ideas. They are very collaborative with grant seekers and grantees. They are also very involved with the community and in serving on community committees, boards, and events.
2
Grant Applicant - applied in 2019
It is best to contact them prior to applying. Their staff are very open and honest on thoughts and suggestions for your application. They will also continue to work with you throughout the process and offer feedback if given enough advance notice.
Gives more than money, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Wisconsin
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2019
Good
The La Crosse Community Foundation grant process is very user friendly, and their staff are easy to connect with. They are very helpful and return calls/emails in a very timely manner.
Good
The La Crosse Community Foundation not only offers grants that better our community, but they also focus on sustainability of the programs to ensure there is long term success for those who apply.
The La Crosse Community Foundation works to come up with creative ways to improve their community other than simply offering grant opportunities. They provide workshops to inform donors of current community issues and also skill based workshops to improve nonprofit professionals. In addition they creative fun ways to encourage philanthropy in our community on all giving levels.
0
Grant Applicant - applied in 2019
Develop a relationship with them. Staff need their egos stroked. Board, and many of their donors, are not well versed in modern granting practices. Grants are always short-termed. Will give to things like an ill-placed coffee shop developed by people not in the business. Magical thinking.
Wisconsin
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2019
Average
Average
They don't trust applicants to know what they need. They are inconsistent in what they would like to fund. They also highjack applicants and their donors thru questionable matching fundraising efforts as long as they get to take credit for the new-to-them donors.
Consider multi-year project funding that does not exclude new asks during the multi-year project.
Provides money to those they like and as long as the ask is unique each time.
20
