Competitive Grants

Geographic Scope: La Crosse area, Wisconsin

Background: The Foundation has awarded nearly $90 million in grants and scholarships since 1930. Competitive grants are one of the primary funding mechanisms offered.

Key Information:

• Foundation manages nearly 300 funds and adds approximately 20 new funds annually
• Multiple grant types available including: General Fund, Minigrant, Zielke, Sieber, Global Awareness, and Kjome grants
• Grantees must complete follow-up reports at the completion of the grant period

Grant Conditions:

• Funds must be used only for purposes described in the grant application; prior authorization required for any other use
• Organizations must notify Foundation of changes in legal/tax status, staff changes related to grant, or inability to expend grant as intended
• Must maintain books and records for at least 4 years after grant completion
• Foundation has reasonable access to files for audits, verifications, and investigations
• No funding for: Political or lobbying activities
• Must return unused portions of grants
• Foundation must approve content of publicity before release
• Must recognize Foundation in all publicity materials
• Must allow Foundation to include grant information in Foundation's publicity (amount, purpose, photos, videos, logos, organizational information)

Contact Information:

• Address: 601 7th St N., Suite 203, La Crosse, WI 54601
• Phone: (608) 782-3223
• Hours: Monday–Thursday 8AM–4PM, Friday by appointment only
• Website: lacrosseareafoundation.org

Application Process

Online Portal: Applicants must apply through the Foundant Grant Management System

Follow-Up Reporting:

1. Grant recipients must complete a follow-up report at the completion of the grant period
2. Reports are attached to the grant application in the Foundant Grant Management System
3. For General Fund, Minigrant, Zielke, Sieber, Global Awareness, or Kjome grants: sign into your account on the Foundant Grant Management System to access your follow-up report

Required Grant Compliance:

• Use funds only for purposes as described in grant application
• Notify Foundation of any changes in legal/tax status, staff changes, or changes in ability to expend grant
• Maintain complete books and records demonstrating proper use of funds
• Do not expend funds for political or lobbying activities
• Return any unused portions of the grant
• Allow Foundation to review and approve publicity before release
• Recognize the Foundation in all publicity materials
• Complete report promptly following end of grant period