First Lutheran has grown because of the generosity of its members. Watch this short video to learn more about the First Lutheran Foundation.
The Foundation/Endowment Fund was established in December 1989 upon the passing of Ms. Mabel L. Anderson. Mabel was a longtime member of First Lutheran, having been baptized and confirmed here. Her will/trust bequest a substantial sum to First Lutheran in memory of her parents Peder and Johanna Anderson. It was Mabel’s wish that this monetary gift would enable further growth of our church, its ministries and stewardship within the community.
Per the Foundation Fund bylaws, 5% of its total assets can be spent each year toward four categories:
Mabel Anderson Scholarships (for graduating high school seniors)
Community Outreach (grants to agencies to which the congregation relates and to programs designed for those in our parish area who are in spiritual or economic need)
ELCA Related Missions (home and overseas)
Capital Improvements of First Lutheran Church. The Foundation has graciously donated over $100,000 to various organizations over the past ten years.
Contributions to the Foundation Fund are not spent, but invested. The money is currently invested in mutual funds managed by two fiduciary investment money managers. As such, contributions made to the Foundation Fund serve as "seeds" that keep on giving. Contributions can be made through gifts, wills and estates through estate planning, memorials, beneficiary designations through life insurance polices and other ways. The generous gifts of our past and present members have allowed for grants to be made on behalf of First Lutheran Church.
Be a Mabel!
If you would like to give a gift to First’s Foundation, you can do so easily by sending a check to First Lutheran Church and designating it for the Foundation, or by donating online.
If you are interested in more information on how you could start a scholarship fund, or have questions on estate giving, please contact the First Lutheran church office by emailing office@firstlu.org or calling 608.783.2236. The Stewardship and Foundation Committees will be happy to help you.
More Information & Downloads
Scholarship Application: Applications are due by April 1 each year.
Grant Application & Survey: Applications are accepted January 1–June 1 each year. As part of the grant award, we ask recipients to complete a short survey after they utilize the funds awarded. Due by March 1 the following year.
Recent Updates
Upcoming Events
Foundation’s Annual Report for 2025
The Foundation Committee approved disbursements totaling $18,354 for 2025 consisting of the following:
Category 1: Scholarships…$5,400
Category 2: Community Outreach…$2,750
La Crosse Learn-To-Ski - $500
OASIS Respite Program - $500
Holmen Area Community Center - $750
Coulee Region RSVP - $1,000
Category 3: ELCA Related Missions…$5,338
First Lutheran Helping Hands Fund (gas cards) - $500
First Lutheran Quilters - $500
First Lutheran F.L.Y. - $500
First Lutheran Caring Cards - $300
First Lutheran Camp Counselor Fund - $500
First Lutheran Service Trip Excess Transportation Costs - $1,463
First Lutheran Preschool - $1,200
Category 4: Capital Improvements…$4,866
Asbestos abatement in Preschool - $4,866
Several First Lutheran organizations including the Knitters, First Helping Hands, Quilters, F.L.Y., Caring Cards and Preschool received the ELCA ministries grants.