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