The Women’s Philanthropy Network (WPN) is a dynamic community of caring women who are dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in Caddo Parish. Founded in 2005, the WPN was established as a way for local women of all generations and philanthropic capacity to leverage their charitable giving to address pressing issues in the community. Through the power of collective philanthropy, the members make a greater impact than they could individually.
Each year, members pool their annual dues and award a grant to a nonprofit focused on improving school readiness and student achievement. Grant applications are solicited annually in January, and after a rigorous review process by the WPN Grants Committee, finalists are presented at the Annual Meeting, where the entire membership votes to select the recipient. Since its inception, the WPN has granted over $1.7 million to effective educational initiatives in our community.
At the Annual Meeting on May 20 at Shriners Children’s Shreveport, the membership voted to award two $60,000 grants, totaling $120,000, to Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) and Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA).
Volunteers for Youth Justice received a $60,000 grant for its School Based Resource Center. VYJ’s School Based program is a trauma-informed, relationship-based program designed to provide on campus support for at-risk students struggling with educational challenges, particularly those related to truancy and trauma. Rooted in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles, the program focuses on building resilience, strengthening emotional regulation, and restoring a sense of safety for students who have experienced adversity.
Volunteers of America North Louisiana received a $60,000 grant for Broadmoor STEM Academy Communities in Schools (CIS) and The Lighthouse (LH). CIS primarily serves K-12 students enrolled in Achievement Zone schools in Caddo Parish. CIS is located in twelve Caddo Parish schools, and The LightHouse is in six schools. The CIS partnership is based on a national model focusing on attendance, behavior, and course performance. The program removes barriers to academic success. Broadmoor is one of six locations with both CIS and LH co-located on campus. This grant will provide continued, sustaining program support for the CIS and LH programs at the Broadmoor STEM Academy. Without the need to transport LightHouse students after the school day, VOANLA can seamlessly transition into afternoon and evening programming and activities, bolstering its impact on these students.
Each year, 20% of the membership dues are invested in an endowed fund, now valued at over $600,000. The endowment ensures future grant availability and builds a lasting legacy for the WPN. Community Foundation of North Louisiana manages the WPN funds, administers the grant application, and handles the administrative duties.
In addition to strategic grantmaking, the WPN also hosts social and educational events to keep members informed of community programs and needs. All activities are open to members and guests. To learn more about the WPN, visit cfnla.org/wpn.