The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, a community foundation with $530 million in assets, provides two essential functions for the capital region.

One, the Foundation connects philanthropists with capable nonprofits to make sure the needs of our communities are met. For example, our donors support the Shaw Center for the Arts, buy eyeglasses for needy children, fund services to care for abused women and children, and underwrite the symphony and Manship Theatre. We help donors create a lasting legacy and fulfill their philanthropic goals.

Two, the Foundation invests in and manages pivotal projects that can change the community. Our Plan Baton Rouge initiative spearheaded the downtown revitalization plan and now is working to revive Old South Baton Rouge. Our real estate asset revived the abandoned Capitol House, and is set to work on other groundbreaking projects in Baton Rouge. The Center for Planning Excellence, an offshoot land planning division, is deeply involved in building a new future for South Louisiana. What's more, the Foundation is working with community partners from the Northshore to Lake Charles in creating an economic corridor.

The Foundation also has a partner on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain and another in Southwest Louisiana. The Northshore Community Foundation is overseen by an independent board and run by CEO Susan Bonnett. The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana is managed by CEO Lisa Verrette, who reports to a board from the region anchored by Lake Charles.