Sara Judson Guest Column: Fueled by Philanthropy and Collaboration
Published first in the American Press on December 30, 2025
Great things are happening in Southwest Louisiana, and much of that is fueled by the collaboration of nonprofits and governmental partners, as well as corporate and individual philanthropy. Our region is fortunate to have a community foundation, especially one that is a hub for these partnerships. Together, we are carrying out the Community Foundation Southwest Louisiana's mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter.
Did you know the Greek root of philanthropy may be literally translated as "loving people”? A shining example of philanthropy is the Just Imagine SWLA 50 Year Resilience Plan which was sparked by a transformational $2.5 million gift to the Community Foundation from Angela and David Filo. That generosity launched our community’s vision, the Just Imagine SWLA plan, which continues to be implemented through a team effort. 2025 saw the opening of the first phase of the Mid City Neighborhood Transformation project. When completed, the area will consist of more than 500 units of new, resilient, mixed-income housing at Lake and 18th Streets. Once completed in its entirety, the neighborhood will include a new park, buildings constructed to Fortified Gold standards, and opportunities for small businesses to start-up and thrive.
People are giving generously to causes that matter most to them, whether close to home or across the world. This year, individuals, families and companies who give through charitable funds at the Community Foundation, such as Donor Advised Funds, gave over $2.4 million to 188 organizations! Through their generosity, these donors advanced missions in education, social services, and arts and culture. A local Mardi Gras krewe created a fund to offer a unique way to honor members of their Royal Court. This was the first fund of its kind established at the Community Foundation and will be used to support meaningful causes selected by the Krewe of Mystique.
Nonprofits in our region are fortunate that some individuals and families choose to create endowment funds to support their favorite causes both during their lifetimes and through their wills. Recent examples include a family establishing funds to benefit Catholic Charities and the Haiti Education Mission at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, as well as another family whose endowment supports the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana. These legacy funds ensure that the causes chosen by the donors will be supported forever.
Some individuals choose to establish endowments that are funded entirely through their wills. One such individual was Beverly Schalon, a longtime chemist and quality professional at PPG, who passed away last December. Beverly created an endowment fund to provide annual support for causes that were important to her and her late husband, David, including their three universities, United Way of Southwest Louisiana, and the Community Foundation.
Corporate partners play a vital role in our region’s philanthropy through the Community Foundation. Area industries, in collaboration with the Foundation, are providing scholarships through their Women in Industry program. Sempra Energy funds career coaching and counseling for their scholarship recipients at SOWELA. Cameron LNG’s Employee Giving Program provides quarterly grants to local nonprofits, which are selected by its employees. Through Woodside Energy’s LEAD Program at Sulphur High School, students selected the Just Imagine project focused on Strong Downtowns. The mural on the side of Village Coffee House, along with the planter boxes and banners throughout downtown Sulphur, showcases the leadership skills students gained and the community impact made possible through corporate philanthropy.
We love sharing these stories through the American Press, social media, and in person with civic clubs, classrooms, and community groups across SWLA—from Rotary clubs to Boards of local nonprofits. If you or your organization would like to learn more about supporting a cause that is important to you, we’d be glad to visit and continue the conversation.