Community Foundation News

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

american press

Sara Judson guest commentary: Connecting people who care with causes that matter

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 SW La.

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.

american press

DeRidder’s storm-damaged West Park not just a rebuild, but an enhancement

by Emily Burleigh

member spotlight

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

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.

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

board member spotlight

Get to know Lake Charles native Julie Moore Miller.

wayne simmons memorial fund

Local Veteran's Endowment Fund marks 9 years of giving!

annual member spotlight

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

brent fenet mcginley fund benefitting the children’s museum

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

big brothers big sisters big defender fund

BBBS of SWLA uses transformative MacKenzie Scott donation to launch Big Defender Fund

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.

new member spotlight

Meet Eloise and Daniel Pruitt

board member spotlight

Learn about Lee Boyer’s family, his involvement with Bayou Greenbelt, and more!

bayou greenbelt

LSU Students Create Change

leaving a legacy

How Ellen Lock looked forward and continues to give back

new member spotlight

Meet Maria and William Laborde

qualified charitable distributions

January is the new December