APPLY FOR A GRANT

Apply for a Grant
Read the Grant RFP

BACKGROUND
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

Review a list of previous grantees.

2026 GRANT AWARD AVAILABILITY
The Women’s Fund Board of Directors has made $94,200 available for new grant awards in 2026. Grant awards typically range between $2,000 and $15,000. Organizations seeking funding less than $2,000 will have the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant later this year through a simplified process.

This grant cycle 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.

    2026 FUNDING PRIORITIES
    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 girls
    • Promote the inclusion of women and girls in all of society, including giving back to the community

    We know that real, long-lasting change happens when there is a focus on removing existing barriers to self-sufficiency. 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.

    Additional details are available in our full 2026 Grant Program Request for Proposal.

    2026 APPLICATION TIMELINE

    March 5 – May 5: Applications open
    May 6 – July 24: Funding requests under review
    By July 25: Awards announced
    August: Grant awards disbursed
    August 2026 – July 2027: Annual funding cycle

    We highly encourage applicants to seek technical assistance from the Executive Director to help ensure you submit your most competitive application. The Executive Director’s role in the evaluation process is to ensure the most equitable application and evaluation process possible.

    Technical Assistance Contact:
    Jamie Schloegel, Executive Director
    executive_director@womensfundlacrosse.org
    608.780.5710