Baton Rouge Area Foundation

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

10/13/2026

One year ago today, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation moved into its new home at I Rivermark Centre in downtown Baton Rouge. 🏙️

Since then, our space has served as a gathering place for friends, partners and neighbors to connect, collaborate and share ideas for our region’s future.

Now, we’re welcoming you back for BRAF’s second annual Open House! 🎉

Join us to tour the office, meet our team and learn more about the Foundation’s work.

📅 Thursday, November 19
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
📍 451 Florida Street, Suite LL 100

Free and open to all. RSVPs are kindly requested.
Register through the link in our profile.

We are proud to celebrate the graduation of BRAF’s 2026 Nonprofit Board Fellows cohort. Over seven engaging sessions, 28...
10/12/2026

We are proud to celebrate the graduation of BRAF’s 2026 Nonprofit Board Fellows cohort. Over seven engaging sessions, 28 fellows built valuable knowledge, skills, and connections to serve as impactful, dedicated nonprofit board and committee members.

Watching these dedicated individuals learn and grow has been truly inspiring. We look forward to the positive impact this cohort will continue to have on organizations across our community.

Congratulations to our graduates as they help shape a brighter future! 🎉

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

Our 2026 Nonprofit Board Fellows wrapped up their final two sessions with a focus on fundraising, effective governance a...
10/05/2026

Our 2026 Nonprofit Board Fellows wrapped up their final two sessions with a focus on fundraising, effective governance and finding the right board fit.

In Session 6, Fellows explored how board members support fundraising by building relationships and connecting nonprofits with the resources they need to advance their missions. Thank you to Charlene Montelaro, Dr. Robert Easley and Gwen Palagi for sharing their insights and experience with our cohort.

For the final session, facilitator Kay Irby led a conversation on strong governance and choosing a board role that aligns with each Fellow’s interests and strengths.

Across seven sessions, our Fellows have built a foundation for thoughtful, effective nonprofit board service. We’re grateful to Kay for guiding the cohort, to all of our guest speakers for sharing their expertise and to our Fellows for the time, energy and perspectives they brought to each session.

Next up: graduation! 🎓

BRAF Fellows alumni recently gathered at Community Coffee’s headquarters for Coffee & Conversation: Philanthropy in Prac...
09/26/2026

BRAF Fellows alumni recently gathered at Community Coffee’s headquarters for Coffee & Conversation: Philanthropy in Practice.

Community Coffee Company owners Matt and Donna Saurage joined Tammy Abshire, CFRE, BRAF’s senior vice president of philanthropic impact, for a candid conversation about giving, governance and community impact.

Attendees explored what builds trust between donors and nonprofits, how donors evaluate impact and what effective stewardship and board leadership look like in practice, while reconnecting with others across the Fellows community.

Guest facilitators Donna Saurage, Emi Gilbert Henry and Johnnie Brown joined our Nonprofit Board Fellows last week for a...
09/17/2026

Guest facilitators Donna Saurage, Emi Gilbert Henry and Johnnie Brown joined our Nonprofit Board Fellows last week for a hands-on session focused on real-world board governance scenarios.

Through small-group discussions, Fellows had the opportunity to learn from seasoned community leaders while putting their board governance knowledge and training into practice.

We’re grateful to Donna, Emi and Johnnie for sharing their time and perspective with this year’s cohort!

BRAF President and CEO Chris Meyer recently joined the Valdry Center for Philanthropy as the featured speaker for “D.A.F...
09/14/2026

BRAF President and CEO Chris Meyer recently joined the Valdry Center for Philanthropy as the featured speaker for “D.A.F. 101,” a session focused on one of the fastest-growing giving vehicles in philanthropy.

Meyer guided attendees through the fundamentals of donor-advised funds, why more donors are using them and how organizations can build stronger relationships with DAF holders and their advisors.

Drawing on his experience leading the Foundation, he also shared practical strategies for engaging donors and supporting thoughtful, effective philanthropy.

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.

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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