Community Foundation News

Here you will find the latest Foundation stories, info, and fund announcements.

board member spotlight

"I’d like more people to know how the good of charitable giving can be leveraged so effectively through the Community Foundation.”

Member spotlight

Marshall joined the Foundation board in 2014 and completed his service when he became Mayor. He served on the Civic Initiatives and Executive teams and ultimately as the Board Chair. Marshall describes the Foundation as the "fabric" of our community.

member spotlight

Christi and Joey Jarreau are passionate about serving others and strengthening Southwest Louisiana.

From education to small business, they lead with purpose and generosity. Discover how their commitment is making a lasting impact across the community.

new member spotlight

Meet Eloise and Daniel Pruitt

member spotlight

Heather works for Woodside Energy. After learning more about the Foundation through her company’s involvement, she was inspired to become an annual member.

member spotlight

Learn why Paul continues to support his hometown Community Foundation even though he lives in Massachusetts.

board member spotlight

Get to know Kade, his family business, and what he values about the Community Foundation.

member spotlight

“I support the Community Foundation because of what I see as a commitment to building a better community for all people.”

endowment fund spotlight

Celebrating 10 years of giving from the Wayne Simmons Memorial Endowment Fund!

american press column

It’s not just about money: The Five T’s of Philanthropy by Sara Judson

board member spotlight

“We learned quickly that we had made the right choice and that Lake Charles and SWLA would serve as a great place to raise a family and live a fulfilling life.”

-Kody Cannon, Board Member

member spotlight

This story exemplifies how collaboration between families, financial advisors, and community foundations can create a lasting impact.

american press column

Connecting people who care with causes that matter by Sara Judson

member spotlight

Jill, Director of Civic Initiatives for the Community Foundation, and her husband Tom, grew up in Ohio and spent 13 years in Charleston so they offer a neat perspective on the developing SWLA region.

american press

Effort to bolster skill sets of local professionals with goal of nurturing philanthropy across SWLA

by Emily Burleigh

annual member spotlight

Discover Jim’s thoughts on his unwavering dedication to the Hector San Miguel Fund, Just Imagine, and the Foundation.

annual member spotlight

The Queenan family have been annual members of the Foundation for many years and now, Angela is on the Board of Directors.

member spotlight

The Nodiers have been our partners for over ten years, with a Donor-Advised Fund and annual members. Plus, Mike had the vision for Bayou Greenbelt!

board member spotlight

Read about Board Chair, Jim Rock and the many “hats” he wears.

annual Member spotlight

Sonny Marks and his wife Louise are long-time members of the Community Foundation. Sonny currently chairs the Hector San Miguel Memorial Fund Advisory Committee.

fund and annual member spotlight

The Avery Family –Supporters of our community and the Community Foundation

member spotlight

Learn more about annual member Lauren Olsen and what originally sparked her interest in the Foundation.

New fund spotlight

The fund will honor Brent’s legacy by making an annual donation to the Children’s Museum forever.

annual Member spotlight

Meet Hiren and Niki Zaveri

Sulphur family wins on family feud

T-Boy Breaux Fund is created with the winnings

board member spotlight

“What’s important to us is what’s important to the Community Foundation of SWLA... taking care of each other and our neighbors!” -Karen Chamberlain

Making the most of your giving

Denise Rau spent the majority of her career in the world of finance. But even with her years of experience in banking and financial advising, she was able to learn new tools that would make the most impact on her philanthropic giving

annual member spotlight

Lauren has quite a connection to our Foundation, the SWLA community, the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc., Buddy Russ, and the whole Conrad family.

DONOR ADVISED FUND spotlight

Frank and Heather Williams give to causes that matter to them.

annual member spotlight

Read about a true family of givers, The McCormicks.

nellie lutcher memorial park

The neighborhood was designed based on the history of jazz legend Nellie Lutcher herself.

leaving a legacy

How Ellen Lock looked forward and continues to give back

qualified charitable distributions

January is the new December