As part of Dairyland’s Mission to improve the quality of life for cooperative members, Dairyland’s Contributions Committee manages an annual budget of charitable funds to be donated throughout the year. The committee meets monthly to review requests and make decisions on whether requests meet Dairyland’s guidelines.
Recent donations approved by the Contributions Committee include:
The Hunger Task Force – Taste of the Garden fundraiser (Aug. 20): The event not only provides funding for the organization’s food programs but it also directly helps produce nearly 30,000 pounds of food annually for those experiencing food insecurity. Produce grown at the garden is distributed free to the community and beyond, providing nearly 3,000 individuals with healthy food.
Great River Folk Fest (Aug. 22-24): Great River Folk Fest is the longest running nonprofit music festival in La Crosse. The event is put on by volunteers whose mission is to celebrate and cultivate folk culture rooted in the Driftless Region by uniting independent artists and community.
Irishfest La Crosse (Aug. 8-10): The 20th Annual La Crosse Irishfest is a festival for the whole family with Irish & Celtic music from all over Ireland, Scotland and the U.S., including local musicians. The event includes a Wee Folks area with games and activities, sheep shearing, bagpipe demonstration, Irish dogs, puppet theater, music and contests. There are a variety of activities throughout the festival such as a Kilt run/walk, Highland Games and more.
Mississippi Valley Conservancy: As a non-profit organization, the MVC helps increase the pace, permanence and quality of land conservation and restoration in our area. They are committed to protecting the best our landscape has to offer and ensuring the area’s land and natural resources are healthy and plentiful for generations to come. Currently, this organization has conserved over 25,000 acres. They serve the Wisconsin counties of Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon.
Alma Area Chamber of Commerce – Best Dam Day (July 26): The first-ever Best Dam Day will bring people to Alma to learn about the historic lock and dam system, visit shops and business, and learn about the wonderful atmosphere their great city has to offer. The event includes tours of the lock and dam, River Valley Raptors presentation, live music, bouncy house, face painting and more.
About Dairyland's Contributions Program: Contributions support community events, specific projects for charitable organizations or general donations focused in our service territory or areas in which Dairyland employees live. Organizations are mainly non-profits and donations are targeted toward organizations and services that focus on community service, education, environmental stewardship, economic development or emergency crisis funds.