Giving
Help Us Continue The Foundation's Work
Since its inception, the La Crescent Community Foundation has provided donors with opportunities to fund initiatives that support our mission, and the greater La Crescent community, in ways that are personally meaningful to the donor. Through endowments, trusts, and donations to dedicated funds, we provide a variety of opportunities to give.
How We Work
Donations
Donors can contribute to our general fund, or specific projects and grants. We also consider new funds established by donors based on personal interests or wishes within the Foundation mission. To discuss ideas and opportunities to give, please contact us
Current Funds
General Fund
Our general fund is used to fund a variety of grants by area groups that have included projects such as park shelters, gazebos and beautification; economic development initiatives, heritage projects, etc.
Additional Funds include
- Post Secondary Scholarship Fund
- La Crescent Summer Recreation Scholarship Fund
- La Crescent Robotics Program
ways to Give
There are many ways to give to the La Crescent Community Foundation. The easiest way is to mail us a check or donate online.
See below for more information on other ways to donate.
Donating cash or writing a check to a foundation is a straightforward and traditional way for individuals and organizations to contribute to causes they care about. When someone chooses to donate in this manner, they are providing a direct financial contribution to the foundation, which can be used to support various initiatives, programs, and community projects. Donations in the form of cash or check offer simplicity and immediacy; the donor can provide assistance without the need for complicated transactions or online platforms. This method also allows individuals to maintain a tangible record of their charitable giving, often in the form of a receipt from the foundation, which can be used for tax purposes.
Additionally, donating cash or check provides a sense of personal connection and transparency for the donor. It allows them to physically hand over their contribution, fostering a direct link between the donor and the cause they are supporting. This face-to-face interaction, especially in community-based foundations or local charities, can enhance the donor's trust in the organization and its ability to use the funds effectively. Furthermore, this method of donation allows individuals who may not have access to online banking or digital payment methods to participate in philanthropy, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for everyone to contribute to the betterment of society.
Please Mail Donations to
La Crescent Community Foundation
PO Box 170
La Crescent MN 55947
Donating in memory of someone is a meaningful and heartfelt way to honor the legacy of a loved one who has passed away. It serves as a tribute to the person's life and the impact they had on those around them. When individuals choose to make a donation in memory of a friend or family member, it not only preserves their memory but also allows for a positive and lasting contribution to a cause or organization that was important to the deceased. This act of philanthropy can provide a sense of purpose and comfort during a time of grief, as it transforms the loss into an opportunity to create a lasting impact. Such donations can also have a profound effect on the organization or cause they support. They often represent a generous and thoughtful way to fund initiatives and projects that align with the values and passions of the deceased. Many organizations offer specific memorial giving options that allow donors to contribute to a particular aspect of their work, such as medical research, scholarships, or community development, creating a lasting legacy for the individual being remembered. This form of giving serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting influence that individuals can have on the world, even after they have left it.
Please Mail Donations to
La Crescent Community Foundation
PO Box 170
La Crescent MN 55947
Donating in honor of someone is a touching and compassionate way to celebrate and recognize an individual's achievements, milestones, or enduring impact on your life or the community. This form of giving allows you to express gratitude, admiration, and respect for that person, while also contributing to a cause or organization that holds particular significance for them. It serves as a meaningful tribute, marking special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or career milestones, and can even be a heartfelt gesture to acknowledge someone's dedication to a specific cause. These donations not only honor the person being celebrated but also create a lasting legacy by supporting endeavors that align with their values and passions.
These contributions in honor of someone can also have a profound effect on the recipient organization. They often signify a positive and personalized endorsement, and the funds can be directed towards projects, initiatives, or research areas that resonate with the honoree's interests or beliefs. Such donations can serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging others to follow suit and contribute to the cause, further amplifying its impact. Donating in honor of someone is a beautiful way to show appreciation and convey the importance of their influence, all while making a tangible and lasting difference in the world.
Please Mail Donations to
La Crescent Community Foundation
PO Box 170
La Crescent MN 55947
Donating through deferred gifts, such as bequests in wills and charitable trusts, is a powerful and thoughtful way for individuals to leave a lasting legacy and support the causes they are passionate about long after they have passed away. Bequests in wills allow donors to allocate a portion of their estate or specific assets to a charitable organization of their choice. This method offers individuals the assurance that their assets will continue to make a positive impact in alignment with their values and philanthropic interests. Charitable trusts, on the other hand, provide a versatile and strategic means of donating, offering potential tax benefits, income generation, and flexibility in asset distribution to both charities and beneficiaries. These deferred giving options enable individuals to ensure their legacy endures by supporting causes that matter to them deeply, contributing to meaningful social change for years to come.
Donors who choose to make deferred gifts through wills or charitable trusts exemplify a profound commitment to philanthropy. They demonstrate a vision for the future, dedicating their resources to foster positive change and to advance the causes they hold dear. By providing long-term support through these methods, individuals create a sense of stability and security for charitable organizations, which can plan and execute projects and programs with the confidence that resources will be available in the future. Additionally, these forms of giving often come with potential financial benefits, such as reduced estate taxes or a stream of income for beneficiaries, making them an attractive option for donors who wish to support their chosen charities while also taking care of their loved ones. In essence, donating through deferred gifts is a strategic and impactful approach to philanthropy that leaves a profound legacy of generosity and positive change.
Please check with your legal or tax advisor on setting up deferred gifts.
Please Mail Donations to
La Crescent Community Foundation
PO Box 170
La Crescent MN 55947
Gifts of stock and real property are valuable ways to support charitable organizations while also providing potential financial benefits to donors. Donating appreciated stocks or securities to a charitable organization is a tax-efficient strategy. When donors transfer these assets to a nonprofit, they can potentially avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated value, all while receiving a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the donated assets. This not only benefits the donor in terms of reduced tax liability but also provides much-needed resources to the charitable organization to support its mission. Additionally, it's a straightforward process that allows donors to leverage their investments for charitable giving, promoting both financial responsibility and philanthropic impact.
Gifts of real property, such as land or real estate, can also be a meaningful way to make a substantial contribution to a charitable cause. While these donations are often more complex and require careful appraisal and legal considerations, they can have a significant and lasting impact. Donating real property not only offers potential tax benefits in terms of deductions but also allows donors to support the community or cause that aligns with their values. Nonprofits can utilize the donated real estate for various purposes, including housing, community development, or generating revenue through sales. These gifts provide an opportunity for donors to leave a legacy by contributing a valuable asset that can be put to good use by charitable organizations, promoting positive change and growth in the community.
Please contact us to discuss more about this giving opportunity
La Crescent Community Foundation
PO Box 170
La Crescent MN 55947
Donating with matching gifts is a powerful way to amplify the impact of charitable contributions. Many employers offer matching gift programs, where they pledge to match their employees' donations to qualified nonprofit organizations, effectively doubling or even tripling the original contribution. This initiative not only encourages employees to participate in philanthropy but also significantly enhances the financial support that nonprofits receive. When individuals take advantage of matching gift programs, they maximize the value of their donations, allowing charitable organizations to access more resources for their vital work. It's an easy and effective way to make every dollar count in support of the causes one is passionate about.
Matching gifts provide a win-win situation for both donors and nonprofits. Donors see their charitable efforts go further without any additional financial burden, as their employer's contribution adds to their own. For nonprofits, matching gifts can translate into a substantial source of funding that helps them carry out their mission more effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of philanthropy within organizations and can be a compelling incentive for employees to engage in charitable giving. It's a remarkable example of how the corporate world and the nonprofit sector can work hand in hand to drive positive change and address critical societal issues.
Check with your employer on opportunities for matching gifts.
Please Mail Donations to
La Crescent Community Foundation
PO Box 170
La Crescent MN 55947
Donating online has become one of the most convenient and accessible ways to support charitable organizations and causes. With the rise of digital platforms and secure payment gateways, individuals can make contributions from the comfort of their own homes, and often within minutes. Online donations enable donors to support their chosen organizations 24/7, breaking down geographical barriers and allowing them to contribute to causes worldwide. The process is user-friendly, typically involving just a few clicks, and it's often accompanied by options for recurring donations, providing a consistent source of support for nonprofits.
The online donation experience is not only convenient but also transparent. Donors can usually access detailed information about the organization's mission, financials, and programs, which helps build trust and confidence in the charity's work. Additionally, many online donation platforms offer receipts and documentation for tax purposes, making the process efficient and accountable. In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics, online donations can be rapidly mobilized to provide immediate relief and support to affected communities. This ease of access and responsiveness has revolutionized philanthropy, democratizing the act of giving and making it more inclusive for people from all walks of life.
Fundraising on social platforms has evolved into a dynamic and impactful tool for nonprofits and individuals alike. The rise of social media has enabled fundraisers to reach a vast and engaged audience, harnessing the power of online communities to support various causes. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer intuitive features for launching and promoting fundraising campaigns. By sharing personal stories, images, and videos, individuals can emotionally connect with their network and motivate them to contribute. This creates a sense of urgency and shared purpose, encouraging friends, family, and even strangers to get involved in supporting a cause they care about.
Moreover, fundraising on social platforms enhances transparency and trust. Donors can easily track the progress of a campaign, view real-time updates on how their contributions are being used, and interact with organizers directly. This level of transparency fosters confidence in the effectiveness of the fundraising efforts and the organizations involved. Additionally, the ease of sharing and virality of social media allows campaigns to quickly gain momentum, making it possible for grassroots initiatives to gain national or even global attention. It's a versatile and inclusive approach to fundraising that empowers both individuals and nonprofit organizations to make a significant impact, leverage their network, and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.