Long Lasting Impact
Disasters often strike unexpectedly, but at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), we believe in proactive preparation and collaborative action. Our disaster response efforts are characterized by dedication and resilience, aimed at making a long-lasting impact on communities facing adversity.
Long Lasting Impact
Disasters often strike unexpectedly, but at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), we believe in proactive preparation and collaborative action. Our disaster response efforts are characterized by dedication and resilience, aimed at making a long-lasting impact on communities facing adversity.
Effective disaster response relies on strong partnerships & collaboration
That’s why we work closely with local government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to form a resilient network capable of addressing complex challenges head-on. Through collaborative efforts, we assemble resources swiftly, ensuring a coordinated response to disasters.
In times of need, BRAF mobilizes to assess real-time needs, identify resources to fill those gaps, and – when communities are ready – help impacted areas build back in a more resilient manner. Our disaster response strategy emphasizes organizational readiness, achieved through meticulous planning, regular training, and clear protocols. Our teams are well-prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to evolving situations.
BRAF has developed robust fundraising mechanisms
This includes public appeals, corporate partnerships, and grant funding to support disaster response efforts. Consistent mobilization of resources enables us to support affected communities and mitigate the impact of disasters effectively.
Community support is central to our approach
We prioritize building strong relationships with local stakeholders, fostering trust, facilitating communication, and empowering communities in their recovery processes. Active involvement and cooperation of affected communities are essential for effective crisis management.
BRAF excels in orchestrating seamless collaboration and coordination among multiple agencies and stakeholders. Through our extensive network, we facilitate the exchange of information, resources, and expertise, ensuring a unified and coherent response to crises.
Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund:
Our Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund addresses immediate needs and lays the groundwork for long-term recovery. Donations to this fund support community foundations and nonprofits responding to needs in impacted areas. To support our disaster relief efforts, consider donating to the Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
Historical Efforts:
BRAF’s coordination and grantmaking has made significant impacts on communities affected by various disasters
These efforts have supported communities across Louisiana after events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consider Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a pivotal moment where our region rallied together in the face of unprecedented devastation. With over $45 million in donations flowing into our Foundation, we provided immediate relief and enduring support to those seeking refuge in Baton Rouge. This funding helped support families temporarily displaced in Baton Rouge by bolstering our school system and nonprofits working with students, identifying pathways for temporary housing, making mental health services readily available, and more. Later, we coordinated with municipal and nonprofit partners in New Orleans to support planning efforts as the region transitioned from short-term relief activities to long-term recovery.
Following the Great Flood in Baton Rouge and the hurricanes Laura and Delta in Southwest Louisiana, our existing relationships with local non-profits and service organizations enabled us to identify high-demand resources and find ways to get gifts quickly and responsibly into the hands of the people who needed them. Grants helped secure food and potable water, stand up emergency shelters, and fill other immediate needs for those impacted by relentless flood waters. Long-term planning was also conducted to equip communities with a blueprint to rebuild.
In 2020, the U.S. ushered in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Just like in natural disasters before, the Foundation mobilized to support our community in the wake of this biological disaster. We collaborated with our Health District to provide meals and source personal protective equipment for our first responders, coordinated with local nonprofits and our school system to ensure students had access to healthy meals, issued disaster relief grants through Employees 1st funds, and more. As Hurricane Ida pummeled South Louisiana in 2021, we engaged our partners in the Greater New Orleans area, just as we had in the wake of Hurricane Katrina 16 years before.
Donations to the fund support more efforts like these
The Foundation will continue to partner with nonprofits and municipal and state officials to ensure any donations to the fund are directed to impactful disaster response efforts.
In times of crisis, solidarity and compassion drive us forward. Together, with your support, we navigate the literal and metaphorical storms, emerging stronger and more united in our commitment to supporting those in need. Thank you for standing with us during times of crisis.
Questions?
For inquiries or assistance regarding our disaster response initiatives, contact us.
Lauren Jumonville
VP of Enterprise Strategy
