2026 grant recipients chosen from CLA employee nominations
Today, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) announced the CLA Foundation has awarded $2 million in grants to 158 nonprofit organizations nationwide through its 2026 Community Action Fund. The grants support organizations demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding opportunity and delivering measurable impact in the communities they serve.
The Community Action Fund is an annual, employee-driven grantmaking program, funded entirely by CLA professionals. Each year, nearly 9,000 CLA professionals from over 120 offices across the country are asked to nominate nonprofit organizations advancing education, employment, and entrepreneurship in their own communities. For the third consecutive year, CLA professionals collectively contributed $2 million to the fund.
“Our people bring CLA’s purpose to life through their commitment to the communities where they live and work,” said Ben Aase, CLA Foundation board member and digital growth leader. “The Community Action Fund reflects what we can accomplish together by supporting organizations that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.”
This year’s grants will reach nonprofit organizations serving communities with efforts such as learning and skill development, preparation for employment, career advancement, and entrepreneurship.
“Our people bring an understanding of their communities that helps the foundation connect resources with organizations positioned to make a lasting difference,” said Brita Midness, CLA Foundation grants and operations director. “That local perspective is central to the Community Action Fund and helps strengthen the relationship between our people and the nonprofits they support.”
Since its inception in 2015, the CLA Foundation has awarded more than $18.5 million to local organizations across the country. To learn more about the CLA Foundation and its purpose-driven giving, visit the CLA Foundation page on CLAconnect.com to view the 2025 Impact Report.
About the CLA Foundation
The CLA Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) organization established in 2015 and funded solely by donations from CLA family members. Its mission is to connect diverse networks to create career opportunities through education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Grant nominations originate from CLA professionals; the foundation doesn’t accept unsolicited grant proposals.
About CLA
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 120 U.S. locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.