LCCF Mini Grants

The LCCF Mini Grants program, offered by the La Crosse Community Foundation, provides funding between $1,000 and $15,000 to nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With a total allocation of $100,000 for the year, the program seeks to support result-oriented projects that address community needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities or have a fiscal sponsor and serve the local community, promoting engagement and social capital.

Funding
La Crosse Area Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from charitable organizations with missions aimed at enhancing the quality of life in La Crosse County Wisconsin. Last year, we awarded $1,023,144 in competitive grants across our eight impact areas: Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement, Culture & Diversity, Education, Environment, Faith, Health & Human Services, and Recreation & Wellness.
Mini grants are part of our historic competitive grants program to be responsive to the needs of nonprofit organizations serving La Crosse County. La Crosse Community Foundation has allocated $100,000 this calendar year specifically for nonprofits seeking awards of $1,000 - $15,000 for result-oriented projects and programs that address a proven community need or priority aimed at making La Crosse County a better place now and for future generations.

Eligibility

The primary eligibility criteria are:Applicant organization must be a public charity, exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or governmental bodies, including schools and municipalities, as long as the project is above and beyond regular budgeted items and does not fill budget gaps OR;Must have a formal fiscal sponsor relationship with an IRS verified 501(c)3 nonprofit.Must be located in and primarily serve residents of La Crosse County.Agrees to meet all Grant Awardee Requirements & Expectations.Organizations must comply with “Appendix A” of LCF’s DEIB Policy.Limitations:Units of Government (city, county, township, etc.): The Foundation does occasionally fund units of government whose proposal extends beyond the traditional governmental functions that impact the broader community or when the request for support is judged to be an effective means to address a priority issue.Schools: The Foundation will consider funding for public, charter, and private/parochial Pre-K-12 schools and post-secondary educational institutions, when the request for support is judged to be an effective means to address a priority issue, particularly when the issue addresses the needs of a substantial or underserved portion of the population.

Ineligibility

Ineligible mini grant expenses include the following:Repeat grants to the same project on an open-ended basisPartisan political activitiesOrganizational endowmentsScholarships or grants to individualsReligious activities for the primary purpose of religious education or proselytizationProselytization: The purposeful intent to convert one’s faithRetroactive expenses or activities that occur before notification of an awardLoan or debt payments