Dedicated to making a difference in Southern Louisiana since 1964
With a mission to enhance the quality of life in our region, we unite human and financial resources to drive positive change and foster community growth.
Among the largest community foundations in the country, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in greater Baton Rouge and across south Louisiana.
The Foundation pursues its mission by serving donors to build the assets that drive initiatives and solutions, supporting local nonprofits with strategic consulting to ensure overall impact and sustainability, engaging community leaders to develop appropriate responses to emerging opportunities and challenges, and by partnering with others to leverage collective resources and create the capacity to be a stimulus of positive regional change.
Our North Star
At BRAF, our north star is clear:
We strive to build a thriving and resilient future for all in Baton Rouge and beyond. Through strategic initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and thoughtful philanthropy, we work tirelessly to address emerging challenges and opportunities in our community.
How We Fulfill Our Mission
We pursue our mission through three key avenues:
Catalyzing change and positive opportunity in our community.
The Foundation leads civic projects with annual support from our members. This work seeks to address the most pressing barriers to opportunity and is guided by data and community need.
Fostering a strong philanthropic environment.
We believe philanthropy is for everyone. The Foundation supports philanthropists at every stage of their journey of giving – providing education, counsel, and tools to help them support nonprofits and the community at large with their time, knowledge, and resources.
Empowering changemakers and nonprofits.
Our Center for Nonprofit Excellence provides strategic and technical support to nonprofit organizations. We build relationships with and between nonprofits in our area, connect organizations to funding opportunities, offer consulting services for fundraising and planning, and lead educational fellowships.
Get Involved
Ready to join us in our mission to create positive change in Southern Louisiana? Become a donor or member of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation today and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.