Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse: Annual Grant

The Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse offers annual grants to support innovative projects that empower women and girls. Since 1998, over $1 million has been awarded, focusing on education, transportation, and housing to foster economic independence. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 entities and public agencies serving designated counties. Grants range from $1,500 to $15,000. Priority is given to programs that address critical needs and promote inclusivity across all races, ethnicities, and religions.

Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse Grant: Annual Grant
Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse (WFGL) enriches the lives of women and girls so they can do the same for others. We do this by making grants each year to support local nonprofit programs that elevate women and girls in our community. Our grant program is funded by our two endowments and annual donors.
Despite the dramatic advancement of women in recent decades, women are still far more likely than men to be homeless, live in poverty, be unemployed or under-employed, face violence, and have substandard housing and inadequate healthcare. Through our grant program, we aim to support local programs that are working to increase literacy, prevent violence, promote social, educational, physical and emotional health and well-being, and encourage artistic and personal growth and economic self-sufficiency for women of all ages.
Since our founding in 1998, we have granted over $1,000,000 to local organizations that:

• Foster an impact on attitudes and actions that benefit women and girls
• Promote opportunity for health and self-sufficiency for women
• Encourage women and girls to develop as philanthropists
• What We Fund

We are committed to helping make the greater La Crosse area a more inclusive and equitable place for all women and girls. In general, we fund programs that:

• Serve mostly or all women and girls
• Address women’s and girls’ current and critical needs

Are welcoming and inclusive of all identities of women and girlsPromote the inclusion of women and girls in all of society, including giving back to the community
Areas of Impact for this Year
In 2026 we will continue our commitment to prioritizing awards for programs that are working to remove barriers to transportation, education, or housing for women and girls. Safe, affordable, and uncomplicated access to transportation, education, and housing can create pathways to economic independence and self-sufficiency.
Grant Award Availability
This RFP includes the opportunity to apply for one of two types of grants: standard or signature. Specific limitations apply to each grant type.
● Standard grants award one-year of funding. Organizations may request support for the same program for up to three years. WFGL will fund the first year at 100%, the second at no more than 75%, and the third at no more than 50% of first-year funding. You must apply each year for funding. Funding in years two and three is not guaranteed.
● Signature grants award multi-year funding. Funds for multi-year awards are limited, and not all programs that apply for multi-year funding will be awarded multiple years. Programs that apply for multi-year funding may be declined for a multi-year award but still approved for a standard one-year award. Signature grant awards are only available to programs that exclusively serve women and girls.
Funding
Grant awards typically range between $2,000 and $15,000.

Eligibility

Organizations that meet the criteria below are eligible to apply:Public charity, exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or governmental bodies, including schools and municipalities, if 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 women and girls in La Crosse, Monroe, or Trempealeau Counties in Wisconsin and Houston County in Minnesota

Ineligibility

Applicants cannot be seeking funding for programs designed for both boys and girls or men and women (i.e. playground equipment at a school that serves both boys and girls).Requests for programs for boys and men that relate to healthy relationships and support women and girls may be considered.We do not provide funding to:Individuals
Debt retirement
Building or capital improvements, unless needed to address an imminent safety need for women and girlsProjects or programs that require specific religious participation or affiliation.