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Place Based Scholarships as an Economic Tool
What is the La Crosse Community Foundation?
Since the La Crosse Community Foundation was established in 1930, its endowment has awarded over $15 million in total scholarships and grants. The Foundation is funded by charitable contributions represented by unrestricted gifts, donor advised funds, designated funds, field of interest funds and supporting organizations. Community based support is vital to the Foundation mission to serve people and agencies that improve the quality of life for all La Crosse area residents. Contributions to the Foundation build better tomorrows for our families, neighbors and local charitable agencies.
The purpose of the La Crosse Community Foundation is to enrich the quality of life in the greater La Crosse area by:
- Attracting charitable gifts, chiefly in the form of endowment funds, promoting community philanthropy;
- Serving as a steward for entrusted funds and using these precious resources wisely and efficiently;
- Supporting programs and activities of economic, educational, social and cultural non-profit organizations;
- Providing leadership by serving as a convenor/catalyst in identifying problems and opportunities and shaping effective responses to them;
- Being a community resource and providing services to donors, non-profit agencies and the community-at-large.
What is an endowment?
Endowment funds are the roots of a community foundation, the anchor of support for the long-term needs of the community. Endowment funds are permanent funds invested in order to provide annual income to benefit specific nonprofit organizations or charitable purposes. They are not reserve funds or savings accounts, but instead are a resource to provide revenue for current needs as well as to address future challenges. Because only endowment earnings are spent, the corpus of the fund can provide stability and support to ensure that important community programs continue into the future. Endowment funds exist as a result of donors who want to provide long-term support for specific organizations and programs in the community.
How to help
Individuals may contribute any amount to an existing fund, or initiate a fund of their own. These contributions to the Foundation impact thousands of people every year. Because of donors' generosity, the Foundation is able to provide grants and scholarships to strengthen this community in the face of shared challenges such as poverty issues and conditions, the need for education, a desire for a healthy arts community, and concerns associated with aging or disabilities.
Making a contribution
People are invited to send a contribution to the Foundation by mail or online. Contributions may be earmarked for a particular fund or the general or unrestricted fund.
La Crosse Community Foundation
300 N. Second St. Ste. 320
La Crosse, WI 54601
For your convenience, we offer the option of making secure online donations through Network for Good.
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The La Crosse Community Foundation is one of 22 Wisconsin community foundations that have met all standards set forth by the Council on Foundations for community foundations.