Baton Rouge Area Foundation

Baton Rouge Area Foundation The Foundation improves the quality of life for people across South Louisiana.

09/03/2026

We asked our recent graduates to sum up their fellowship experience in just one word. Here’s what they had to say! 💭

Through BRAF’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Development Fellows helps nonprofit professionals build skills, make connections and grow in their work.

Learn more about BRAF’s support for the nonprofit community at braf.org/nonprofits.

When local organizations have the resources to expand their impact, more of our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive...
09/01/2026

When local organizations have the resources to expand their impact, more of our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive.

BRAF recently hosted a summer reception with recipients of our 2025 Impact Grants, bringing together nonprofits working in early childhood education and community safety. This funding opportunity was issued in response to findings from our Opportunity Data Project and seeks to address some of the challenges and areas for greatest impact highlighted within those briefings.

The gathering provided a special moment to celebrate their achievements, strengthen connections, and learn more about how these organizations are expanding opportunities for families throughout our region.

We’re proud to support these organizations and grateful for the important work they continue to do in our communities.

BRAF’s 2026 Board Fellows program is off to a great start! 🚀During their first session, fellows got to know one another,...
08/29/2026

BRAF’s 2026 Board Fellows program is off to a great start! 🚀

During their first session, fellows got to know one another, learned more about the Foundation and explored the work of our Civic Leadership Initiatives and Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

Instructor Kay Irby then led a thoughtful conversation about the importance of board service and the responsibility of stewarding the trust communities place in their institutions.

We look forward to seeing this cohort continue to learn, connect and grow throughout the year!

08/27/2026

Why are programs like Development Fellows important for Baton Rouge’s nonprofit community?

They give nonprofit professionals opportunities to learn, connect and grow, strengthening the people behind the organizations serving our region.

Hear from one of our recent graduates. 💬

Find nonprofit programs, resources and services offered by BRAF at braf.org/nonprofits.

Last week, BRAF staff, including John O’Donnell, community resilience officer; Brenna Benson Lamb, chief operating offic...
08/26/2026

Last week, BRAF staff, including John O’Donnell, community resilience officer; Brenna Benson Lamb, chief operating officer; and Eric Dexter, vice president of civic leadership, joined leaders and experts from across Louisiana and the nation at the Leaders for a Better Louisiana’s Future Louisiana Conference.

Together, participants explored the challenges and opportunities shaping our state and shared ideas for moving Louisiana forward.

Brenna represented BRAF on the “Lessons of Local Impact” panel, where she discussed the Foundation’s impact investing work and the role locally focused investments can play in strengthening communities.

Throughout the conference, our team learned about promising approaches from outside Louisiana and gathered insights that can help inspire new possibilities for our state’s future.

The Foundation is pleased to welcome the members of its 2026 Nonprofit Board Fellows cohort!Selected from a competitive ...
08/24/2026

The Foundation is pleased to welcome the members of its 2026 Nonprofit Board Fellows cohort!

Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, 28 fellows will participate in a tuition-free, seven-session program designed for civic-minded individuals who are new to or preparing for nonprofit board and committee service.

Throughout the program, fellows will gain the knowledge, skills and connections needed to serve as thoughtful, engaged board members. We look forward to supporting this year’s cohort as they grow and prepare to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve.

Learn more about the programs and resources offered by BRAF’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence at braf.org/nonprofits.

Please join us in celebrating Eric Dexter, vice president of civic leadership initiatives, on three years at BRAF! 🎉When...
08/21/2026

Please join us in celebrating Eric Dexter, vice president of civic leadership initiatives, on three years at BRAF! 🎉

When asked what he enjoys most about working at the Foundation, Eric shared:
“The opportunity to bring people together around ideas that could shape our community for generations. Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of working alongside extremely talented colleagues and dedicated partners who care deeply about Baton Rouge's future. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that's willing to tackle big challenges and invest in meaningful, long-term impact.”

When he’s not helping move big ideas forward at BRAF, Eric is rarely short on an interesting story. He has a song lyric or movie quote ready for almost any conversation, has gone skydiving for his birthday and would happily do it again, and has even appeared as an extra in two movies!

Eric, thank you for three years of thoughtful leadership, collaboration and commitment to Baton Rouge and our region. We’re grateful to have you on the BRAF team. Happy anniversary!

08/20/2026

What did our Development Fellows take away from the program? 💬

From essential fundraising skills to lessons they can bring back to their organizations, BRAF’s tuition-free fellowship programs give nonprofit professionals tools they can put into action right away.

We asked our recent Development Fellows graduates to share what they learned. Hear what they had to say!

Communities from across the country gathered in Chicago at the Obama Foundation's My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Accelerat...
08/18/2026

Communities from across the country gathered in Chicago at the Obama Foundation's My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Accelerator Cohort Convening. Members of BRAF's civic leadership initiatives team attended alongside partners from the Mayor's BR Office of Violence Prevention, the YMCA Baton Rouge, and My Brother's Keeper Alliance Baton Rouge.

Together with other cohorts, they shared progress on current initiatives and exchanged lessons, tools, and strategies focused on enhancing the safety and well-being of youth in our communities.

Please join us in celebrating Patience Butler-Gasper, BRAF’s grants manager, on two years with the Foundation! 🎉Patience...
08/14/2026

Please join us in celebrating Patience Butler-Gasper, BRAF’s grants manager, on two years with the Foundation! 🎉

Patience brings thoughtfulness and dedication to her work each day, helping support BRAF’s grantmaking and strengthen our connections with communities across the region.

“I enjoy working at BRAF because it has allowed me to connect with the community of Baton Rouge and beyond in many ways. Being part of a foundation and team that encourages philanthropy, education and economic prosperity makes me proud, and it is an honor to serve.”

Outside of her work at BRAF, Patience is a second-year part-time law student, balancing her role at the Foundation with a full course load and plenty of study time. During semester breaks, she enjoys slowing down with a nonfiction book and catching up on the shows she missed while in class.

Patience, we’re grateful for all you bring to our team. Happy two-year anniversary!

Address

451 Florida Street, Suite LL 100
Baton Rouge, LA
70801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+12253876126

Website

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