Overview
With the support of donors and two endowments, we fund organizations and programs that work to enrich the lives of women and girls so that they can do the same for others.
Since 1998, we have granted nearly one million dollars to local organizations that give women and girls the chance to achieve their potential by creating new opportunities and supporting their economic well-being.
These programs help prevent homelessness, provide hair care and hygiene supplies, support women and girls looking to continue their education or advance their careers, promote health and well-being, build confidence, and more.
Apply For A Grant
Since 1998, Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse has given over $1 million to programs and projects that enrich the lives of women and girls.
We consider grant requests of $1,500 – $15,000.
We encourage you to write your application as clearly and thoroughly as possible. You are invited to take advantage of opportunities to work with Women’s Fund as you develop your request before the May 1 deadline.
If you’d like to learn more about our annual competitive grant process and how to apply, please email executive_director@womensfundlacrosse.org.
What We Fund
We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable life for all women and girls so they can do the same for others.
We fund programs that:
- Serve mostly or all women and girls
- Address women’s and girls’ current and critical needs
- Are inclusive of all races, ethnicities and religions
- And promote the inclusion of women and girls in all of society
Who We Fund
Priority is given to programs that directly impact or serve mostly women and girls.
We invite the following organizations to apply:
- Registered 501(c)3 organizations
- Public agencies (like health departments or school districts)
- Special projects with a fiscal sponsor relationship with a 501(c)3 organization
- Serves women and girls in La Crosse, Monroe, or Trempealeau Counties in Wisconsin and Houston County in Minnesota
What We Don't Fund
Requesting programs cannot be part of a program designed for both boys and girls or men and women (i.e.: playground equipment at a school that serves both boys and girls). 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
- For-profit businesses
- Lobbying efforts
- Political campaigns
- Annual campaigns
- Debt retirement
- Gift campaigns
- Building or capital improvements. We reserve the right to allocate funds to support the safety and viability of programs within critical Women’s Fund focus areas.
- Projects or programs that require specific religious participation or affiliation.
When To Apply
March 1- May 1: Applications open
June 30: Funding decisions are made
July 31: Funds are distributed
August – July: Annual funding cycle
Grants Issued
Women’s Transportation Fund
Administered by La Crosse County, the Women’s Transportation Fund exists to assist women who face transportation-related barriers. These challenges negatively impact their ability to meet daily needs, pursue school or employment-related goals, and maintain self-sufficiency. The fund offers flexible funding to meet a variety of transportation-related needs. Over the past 20 years, approximately 1,658 women have benefited from the Women’s Transportation Fund by receiving various transportation-related assistance.
Survivor’s Fund
New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers provides financial assistance to victims and survivors of abuse through their Survivors Fund. The Survivor’s Fund is an unrestricted pot of money that enhances victims’ safety and empowers recipients toward self-sufficiency and financial stability.
The Period Project
The FEM Club at Logan High School will provide menstrual supplies for students at Logan High School. They will expand offerings to include cabinets in every department that are stocked with supplies for student use.
Women in Crisis Fund
Administered by La Crosse County, the Women in Crisis Fund is a limited-time fund designated to fill identified gaps in community resources. This flexible fund is a last resort after all other known options have been thoroughly investigated. It eliminates barriers and provides a pathway to financial self-sufficiency.
Uplifting Women’s Education (UWE)
Western Technical College’s UWE project aims to mitigate education barriers women experience, with a focus on low-income, justice-involved, and parenting women. Aiding in areas other sources cannot provide by covering tuition costs, overdue balances, educational supplies, and childcare while also building opportunities for connection and belonging, UWE will help women successfully complete their education allowing them to seek out competitive employment to improve their economic conditions
Training and Mentoring for Women Entrepreneurs
The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Support Corporation (WWBIC) will provide 15 women entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs in La Crosse County with one-on-one business mentoring, training, and access to responsible capital. This project aims to increase the success rate of women-owned businesses and promote economic growth and empowerment for women entrepreneurs through one-on-one mentorship with La Crosse area entrepreneurial experts.
Rooted & Rising: Creative Healing & Grounded Joy
Bluff Country Family Resources will provide a wellness program designed for survivors of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA); blending expressive arts therapy, trauma-informed yoga, sound healing, laughter coaching, & empowerment-focused guest speakers — all centered in a survivor-led, community-driven space. A signature element of the series is a Mini Healing Garden Project, offering participants a hands-on opportunity to connect with the earth, cultivate growth, and reclaim peace through nature-based healing.
REAL GIRLS- State Road Edition
REAL Girls is a 9-week after-school program for State Road 4th and 5th-grade girls. Regular meetings will do several things: invest in girls and convey the message, “You are worth it!” The goals are to encourage and support girls, introduce them to healthy opportunities, provide a safe space for them to discuss their struggles, develop leadership skills, and challenge them physically to train for and participate in a 5K race.
Niam Tsev Koom Siab – Mothers’ Unity
Mothers’ Unity is a Hmong Women’s Line Dance Program hosted by Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency, Inc. that promotes social engagement, unity, wellness and cultural pride. Through traditional and modern line dancing, support group and health and wellness education, the program fosters friendship through community bonding in an inclusive environment. It empowers Hmong women by blending wellness with culture, encouraging self-identity, building confidence, and supporting healthier, more connected lives.
GROWing Strong Bodies & Minds: Garden Fuel for Learning Family Cooking Class
GROW and UW-Extension FoodWIse will partner to invite WIC-qualified families to join in a school garden to learn how to prepare an easy, healthy school night meal. Attendees will leave with everything needed to recreate the meal at home: a crockpot, recipe, ingredients and knowledge. We will host three events in three different gardens. Participants will then be invited to a garden party at Kane Street Garden to introduce them to a sustainable resource for free produce.
Mattresses for Women
Beds are the single most requested item at theExchange. With this grant funding, theExchange will purchase mattresses for single females and female heads of households, as well as their children.
Grace in Every Step: Footcare Services for Older Adult Women
Bridges Health, PC is addressing a critical, often overlooked, health issue among older women: foot health and mobility. This initiative offers local, accessible, welcoming, and free footcare clinics to improve mobility, reduce fall risk, and restore dignity through respectful, holistic care.
Legal Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence in La Crosse
Legal Action will provide a dedicated family law attorney to support victims with compassionate, holistic legal assistance. The attorney will explain victims’ rights under laws such as the Violence Against Women Act, stalking laws, immigration laws, and more. Eligible clients include residents of La Crosse, Trempealeau, and Monroe counties
Girls’ Groups
Hope Restores hosts two support groups for African American girls, held five times a year, each lasting eight weeks, impacting approximately 100 girls. It’s essential to build healthy mental health habits at an early age. Through a supportive community, young Black girls connect with others who look like them, access community resources and education, and reconnect with themselves to build lives that promote thriving. Little Women of Melanin gathers girls aged 5-10 and the Girls Group, aged 11-18.
Empower
YWCA La Crosse will expand Empower, their restorative practice. This gender-specific weekly group promotes open dialogues, peer support, conflict resolution, and a sense of belonging for girls in middle and high schools in the La Crosse Community. Research shows that this approach is particularly beneficial for female students, in light of the CDC report in 2023, which found that girls are struggling with mental health more than any other group.
Farm to Early Care and Education Conference for Child Care Professionals
The Parenting Place will host a Childcare Conference centered around Farm to Early Care and Education. This conference, to be held in La Crosse, will be an all-day event that supports primarily women business owners in implementing Farm to ECE practices. These practices aim to enhance child nutrition, the financial viability of their businesses, and the social and emotional well-being of children. The event will be designed to offer networking opportunities for ongoing support
Girls Circle®: Promoting Resilience in Girls and Young Women
This project aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede the growth and development of girls and young women by providing an emotionally safe setting and structure within which they can develop caring relationships and express themselves authentically. The program integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training in a specific format designed to foster positive connections, enhance personal and collective strengths, and promote competence.
Emergency Reproductive Health Kit
Cia Siab, Inc. will supply emergency reproductive health kits for youth, adult, and elder victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence who participate in their group support and/or Transitional Housing programs.
Bras, Sanitary & Hygiene Products, Leggings, Lint Rollers & Merchandise Bags
The Women’s Clothes Closet will provide high-demand basic-need items to the women they serve, including bras, sanitary and hygiene products, leggings (popular for work, casual and for layering especially in colder weather), lint rollers, and merchandise bags. Merchandise bags are new and generously sized, allowing women to carry all their selected items in one bag. Having new bags and clean clothing instills a sense of self-worth.