CFNLA/WPN Documentary Screening: Addicts Among Us
2023-03-23 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
Join us for the next CFNLA event: a screening of the film, Addicts Among Us, a documentary investigating the connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and addiction. The event will be held at Robison Film Center in the Willis Knighton Theater room on Thursday, March 23 at 5:30 PM. Tickets are available here.

CFNLA Competitive Grants Announcement
2023-04-25

Give For Good 2023
2023-05-02
Give for Good is North Louisiana’s largest day of giving! Established in 2014 by Community Foundation of North Louisiana, Give for Good has raised over $16 million for our community. The event empowers the entire community to get involved in causes they care about while building awareness and support for hardworking local nonprofits. Give for Good provides a platform for all donors to transform our community for good! Visit giveforgoodnla.org to learn more.

Give For Good: Celebrating 10 Years Event
2023-05-02 08:15 - 09:00 UTC
Give For Good is celebrating its 10th annual giving event on Tuesday, May 2. Please join us on May 2, 2023, at 8:15 am for donuts & coffee in celebration of the 10th giving year.
May 2 | 8:15 AM
401 Edwards Street (1st Floor Lobby)

Women's Philanthropy Network Annual Meeting
2023-05-24 17:00 - 19:00 UTC

Grant Applicant Training Session 1
2023-07-19 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
The next Competitive Grant Cycle opens on August 1. Community Foundation is offering three Grant Applicant training sessions for all applicants. Training is optional but is highly encouraged for first-time applicants.

Session 1 – July 19 at 10 a.m.
Session 2 – July 25 at 10 a.m.
Session 3 – July 27 at 10 a.m.

Reservations are required and can be made with the link below. All sessions will be held in Community Central at Community Foundation. 401 Edwards Street, Suite 125, Shreveport, LA 71101. Sign up for a session.

Step Forward's Growing Children Celebration
2023-07-22 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
Step Forward, Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana, and the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Louisiana present the first Growing Children’s Celebration. This event is for families with children from birth to third grade in Caddo Parish. The purpose of the event is to shine light on the importance of early learning and kindergarten readiness. During the event, children will be engaged through fun activities provided by organizations servicing families and children in Caddo Parish and surrounding communities. Parents and caregivers will be given the opportunity to learn first hand how to engage with their children to foster brain development while being able to celebrate their young child’s developmental journey. Each family will leave the event with an extensive knowledge on resources provided by community organizations to ensure that each family in our community has all access and every opportunity to thrive.

Grant Applicant Training Session 2
2023-07-25 10:00 - 11:00 UTC

Grant Applicant Training Session 3
2023-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 UTC

Grayson Foundation Spring Cycle Grants Awards Announcement
2023-07-31

CFNLA Competitive Grants Application
2023-08-01 08:00 - 2023-08-21 16:00 UTC

G. Scott Griffin Award Applications
2023-09-05 08:00 - 2023-10-09 17:00 UTC
Calling All Artists – 2023 Scott Griffin Award Applications Open
Community Foundation of North Louisiana will accept applications for the annual G. Scott Griffin Award starting September 13th, 2023. The award, which features a cash prize of $1,000, will be given to a local artist who has contributed to the community through his or her art while overcoming adversity. The deadline for entries is October 9th, 2023, at 5:00 PM. The application and guidelines can be found below. The winner will be announced publicly at an event at Artspace (date and details TBA).
The award is named in honor of G. Scott Griffin, who was a multidisciplinary, multimedia artist with accomplishments in musical composition, instrumental performance, photography, and film. Because of these achievements, it was often unrecognized that Griffin overcame many adversities in the execution of his art. From his childhood, Griffin coped with a visual handicap, congenital nystagmus, which would have been the reason for most talented artists to cease performing. Rather than giving up his artistic dreams, Griffin invited his audiences to join him on a journey of discovery and beauty that was possible through the lens of his camera and his varied canvases. His legendary music enchanted listeners because he played from the heart and not by sight.

Scott Griffin

Griffin died of complications related to cancer on October 7, 2007 at the age of 45. The Scott Griffin Fund was created at the Community Foundation to keep his memory alive and to honor those artists who approach their art and life with the same passion and persistence as Griffin.
Past recipients include: Susan Duke, Cathy Cobb, Ian Quiet, Larry Sanchez, Aaron Cox, Bertha Cooper Harris, Angelique Feaster-Evans, Poetic X, Carlos Colón, Buddy Flett, Bobby Darrow and Matthew Cipolla.
2023 Scott Griffin Award Guidelines
2023 Scott Griffin Award Application
All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Monday, October 9th, 2023.

Women's Philanthropy Network Fall Social
2023-09-21 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
Enjoy an evening with members of the Women’s Philanthropy Network to learn more about Shreveport’s first women’s giving circle and how they are making an impact on children in Caddo Parish. Wine and hors d’oeuvres provided. Members and nonmembers are invited and encouraged to bring friends.
Please register here.
Hosted by WPN member, Misty Alexander.

Grayson Foundation Grant Applications
2023-10-01 08:00 - 2023-10-31 16:00 UTC
The Grayson Foundation is a private foundation that is committed to improving the quality of life in Shreveport-Bossier. The Grayson Foundation accepts grant applications twice annually, however, organizations may apply only once every twelve months. Applications are submitted through the Community Foundation grant portal.
The Grayson Foundation is now accepting applications for the fall grant cycle. The deadline to apply is October 31st at 4:00 PM. Learn more at cfnla.org/grants/grayson. Apply via CFNLA grant portal.
Contact Liz LaBorde for questions: laborde@cfnlaweb.rubyshore.com.

2023 Community Counts
2023-10-03 16:00 - 17:00 UTC
Accurate data is essential to help our community set priorities, track progress, formulate policy, and allocate resources. To help drive change in our area, the Community Foundation has been tracking data and publishing Community Counts since 2008. Data for the Shreveport-Bossier Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is collected and tracked in six categories – Population, Economics, Human Capital, Health, Social Environment, and Physical Environment. For the Community Foundation, this data guides all that we do. We encourage all to use Community Counts to start and accelerate community discussions, as a roadmap for social capital investment, or as a call to action for philanthropy and volunteerism. The presentation will begin at 4 PM at Centenary College in the Whited Room of Bynum Commons. See campus map.
Seating is limited. Please register here.

Shreveport Ideas Festival: My Ascension Documentary Screening
2023-10-17 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
Join CFNLA and the Women’s Philanthropy Network for a screening of MY ASCENSION, a documentary about suicide prevention for teens. The screening will be held at Robinson Film Center in the Willis-Knighton Theatre on Tuesday, October 17th starting at 5:30 PM.
At 16 years old, varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit attempted to end her life. MY ASCENSION is the story of the day that changed Emma’s life, and everything that’s happened since. For Years, Emma quietly struggled with anxiety and depression, too ashamed to share her pain with family or friends. Through navigating the challenges of recovery, she discovers purpose and passion in helping other struggling teens. MY ASCENSION is an inspiring look at Emma’s story, and includes firsthand experiences of families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts. The film does not shy away from the difficult realities of the ongoing youth suicide crisis, but shares valuable resources to help keep teens safe.
REGISTER HERE.

Crisis Response Stakeholder Panel Discussion with Q&A
2023-11-02 08:15 - 10:00 UTC
Join us for the Crisis Response Stakeholder Panel Discussion with Q&A on Thursday, November 2nd at BHP Billiton YMCA, hosted by Community Foundation of North Louisiana (CFNLA) and Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (CADA).
CADA has been named the provider for Crisis Response Services in Region 7, and it will change the way our community approaches addiction and other mental health issues. This massive initiative belongs to our entire community. We want to hear from stakeholders and service providers like you: your stories, your concerns, and your ideas. We hope you’ll attend to learn more about Crisis Response Person-Centered Care, and how your organization can be included in our resource and referral list.
Breakfast will be served at 8:15 am.
Open to the public, but please REGISTER HERE.

Shreveport Ideas Festival: Trauma and Early Brain Development with Dr. Charles Zeanah
2023-11-07 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
Join CFNLA and the Women’s Philanthropy Network for a presentation by Dr. Charles Zeanah about the effects trauma has on early brain development. Dr. Zeanah is the Vice Chair of Tulane School of Medicine’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Executive Director of The Institute of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. He conducts research on the effects of abuse, neglect, serious deprivation and exposure to violence on young children and on interventions designed to help them recover.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The event will be held at Robinson Film Center starting at 5:30 PM.
Dr. Charles Zeanah

Step Forward: Gratitude Gathering
2023-11-21 17:00 - 18:00 UTC
Parents and caregivers with young children are invited to a gratitude gathering to share good food and fun with friends and family. Join Step Forward’s Growing Children and LSU Ag Center as we try healthier versions of our holiday favorites while making lasting memories with the people we are thankful for.
Story Time | Music | Games | Crafts
3 gift cards valued at $100 are up for grans to spend on Thanksgiving dinner. Families will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card and other door prizes.
Register HERE.
Contact Tiffany Ann White for questions: 318-584-0885.

CFNLA Office Closes at Noon
2023-12-22 08:00 - 12:00 UTC

CFNLA Office Closed
2023-12-25 - 2023-12-26, 2024-01-01

ECE Gift of a Brighter Future
2023-12-28 - 2024-01-09
To start the New Year, please consider honoring your family and friends with the Gift of a Brighter Future by making a contribution to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Fund at Community Foundation of North Louisiana.
High quality early learning fosters healthy brain development during the critical first years of life and equips children for success in school and in life. However, for many families in our community, the average cost of $8,500 per year for quality childcare is simply unaffordable. Every gift made to the ECE Fund is matched by the State of Louisiana to provide scholarships for children ages 0-3 from low income households to attend a high quality preschool.
How Does It Work? With a minimum donation of $20 per card, CFNLA will mail a hand addressed Gift of a Brighter Future card to notify the loved ones on your list of the gift made in their honor. You can donate online using the button below or mail a check to 401 Edwards St., Suite 105, Shreveport, LA 71101. Please include a list of the recipient’s names and mailing addresses with your check or email them to info@cfnlaweb.rubyshore.com.
Help us build a brighter future for our community by giving all children a strong educational start.
Give Now

Year-End Giving Deadline December 31
2023-12-31
Community Foundation of North Louisiana will ensure your year-end giving is simple, easy, effective, and meaningful. Donations to charitable organizations like CFNLA are deductible for donors who itemize when filing tax returns. We work with you and your tax advisor to achieve the maximum impact for the causes you care about. As you make your holiday gift list, consider one or more of the following donation strategies as a gift that will enhance our community.
Give the gift of appreciated stocks or mutual funds.
An effective strategy to maximize your charitable giving is donating appreciated stock. Donating an appreciated non-cash asset will help you avoid the capital gains tax normally incurred when selling the asset. In some cases, there may even be advantages to selling stocks at a loss and donating the sale proceeds. We are happy to discuss these options with you and your tax advisor.
Contribute multiple years of contributions to a Donor Advised Fund.
Donors who itemize rather than take the standard deduction typically do so because the total of their itemized deductions exceeds the standard deduction amount. That said, with the standard deduction increases for 2023 ($13,850 for individuals, $27,700 for couples for 2023), you may find your itemized total is below the standard deduction amount. One solution is to combine or “bunch” multiple years of your planned charitable contributions into a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at CFNLA. Doing so could enable you to itemize on your 2023 tax return and take the standard deduction on your 2024 return; ultimately resulting in a larger two-year deduction than two separate years of standard deductions. CFNLA requires a minimum contribution of $5,000 for new DAFs, which can be open in less than a day.
Use your required IRA distribution for giving, skip the taxes.
If you are over 73, you are required to take a taxable Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA account (ROTH IRAs are excluded). If you choose to direct your RMD to a nonprofit entity, like CFNLA, as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), it will not be taxable. While QCD’s may not be directed to a DAF, they can be donated to any other fund type at CFNLA including Designated, Field of Interest, or Special Initiative funds, like the Early Childhood Education Fund. We can also help you set up a new fund that benefits an interest area of your choice or a specific nonprofit.
Let the Community Foundation do the legwork.
Working with the Community Foundation gives you access to our extensive knowledge of the local nonprofit community and the broad charitable needs of our region. We will help you stay informed about the organizations you support and the effect your giving will have on the future of our community. From now until December 31st, we are here to help you achieve your 2023 charitable giving goals.
Please call 318-221-0582 or email info@cfnlaweb.rubyshore.com for assistance with your charitable giving.
Ready to give now? Click here.

WPN Grant Applications
2024-01-01 08:00 - 2024-01-31 16:00 UTC

Give For Good Nonprofit Registration
2024-01-02 08:00 - 2024-02-02 17:00 UTC
Give For Good returns on Tuesday May 7, 2024. Nonprofit registration will open on January 2 and close February 2. Register at giveforgoodnla.org.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series at Mamie Hicks
2024-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Step Forward in partnership with SPAR presents “Bouncin Back” a series of community conversations on Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs). Now more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resiliency. The ACEs Parent Talks are safe settings where parents and caregivers can share their daily challenges, learn ways to practice self-care and explore how best to support the developmental and social emotional needs of their children.
Register here.

Step Forward "Bouncing Back" at YWCA of NWLA
2024-02-15 10:00 - 13:00 UTC
Step Forward is partnering with the YWCA of NWLA and Shreve Memorial Library to bring the “Bouncing Back” Parent ACEs Talk to parents and caregivers participating in programs at the YWCA. Now more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resiliency. The ACEs Parent Talks are safe settings where parents and caregivers can share their daily challenges, learn ways to practice self-care, and explore how to best support the development and social-emotional needs of their children.

Women's Philanthropy Network Social
2024-02-22 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
Please join us for a night to learn about the Women’s Philanthropy Network and how you can join the group of strong, dedicated women working together to create positive change for children in our community. Special guest speaker, Keith Burton, Chief Academic Officer for Caddo Parish Public Schools, will join us to share how the WPN is impacting children in Caddo Parish. The event is free to attend. Current members are encouraged to bring a friend. Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Please register with a ticket here.

WPN Tour of The Harbor
2024-03-28 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | The Harbor, 3004 Knight Street, Shreveport, LA, 71104, United States
Want to learn more about the 2023-24 WPN Grantee? Join Kelli Todd, Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice, for a tour of VYJ’s comprehensive community-based resource center, The Harbor. Lunch from Doc’s Sandwich Shop & Deli is included in the ticket price. Space is limited.

Purchase a ticket here.
