CFNLA Maternal Health Speaker Series Event
2024-06-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center, 911 Margaret Place, Shreveport, LA, 71101
Registration is now closed for this event.
Please join Community Foundation of North Louisiana and the Women’s Philanthropy Network for a Lunch & Learn to discuss the importance of maternal and infant health. Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell will serve as the Keynote Speaker and will be joined by a panel of experts.
Date: Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Doors will open at 11:30 AM for check-in and the program will begin at promptly 12:15 PM. Light lunch will be provided.
Location: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – St. Mary Medical Center | Community Center Room (911 Margaret Place, Shreveport, LA 71101)

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Women’s and Children’s Center entrance (corner of Margaret Place and Warrington Place). Download a campus map here.

Registration is now closed for this event.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talk Series at Bayou Grande
2024-06-18 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Bayou Grande, 1061 Caddo Street, Shreveport, LA, 71101, United States
Step Forward is partnering with Volunteers of America’s Choice Neighborhoods and the Shreve Memorial Library to present the “Bouncin Back” Parent ACEs Talk to parents and caregivers with children enrolled in Head Start programs. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resiliency. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.

Date & Time: June 18 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Bayou Grande (1061 Caddo Street, Shreveport, LA 71101)
Please register here.

Step Forward's Community Meeting
2024-06-27 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon Street, Shreveport, LA, 71101, United States
Step Forward, an initiative of Community Foundation of North Louisiana, is hosting its first bi-annual community meeting June 27, 2024, at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The mission of Step Forward is to ensure the success of all children. To accomplish our mission, we are committed to building stronger, more collaborative relationships with community partners and members by developing cross-sector groups with a shared vision.
At the community meeting, Step Forward will publicly communicate shared goals and key strategies for students to earn a living and sustainable wage by age 25. This open forum is an opportunity for Step Forward to learn more about the experiences of youth and families that are barriers to success. The meeting is a platform for youth and family to provide input and feedback on strategies. Step Forward will integrate these perspectives into to improve cradle to career outcomes.
Community members and service providers attending the meeting will gain access to resources that will transform lives and create thriving communities. Together we are engaging a broad array of community voices, building awareness, sharing information and co-developing solutions and strategies that lead to student success.
Please register here.

Annual G. Scott Griffin Applications Open
2024-07-01
Calling All Artists – 2024 Scott Griffin Award Applications Open July 1st.
Community Foundation of North Louisiana will accept applications for the annual G. Scott Griffin Award starting July 1st, 2024. 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 July 31st, 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.
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, Matthew Cipolla and Mary “ML” Dumars.
2024 Scott Griffin Award Guidelines
2024 Scott Griffin Award Application
All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024.

Fourth of July - Office Closed Thursday & Friday
2024-07-04 - 2024-07-05
CFNLA office will be closed on Thursday, July 4th-Friday, July 5th. We will return on Monday, July 8th.

Grayson Foundation Grant Application Deadline
2024-07-15 00:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The Grayson Foundation is now accepting applications for its annual grant cycle. The Grayson Foundation is a private foundation committed to improving Shreveport-Bossier’s quality of life. Grants are typically awarded to programs serving disadvantaged populations in Shreveport-Bossier in the sectors of health, human services, and education. To read more about Grayson grants and to apply, visit cfnla.org/grants/grayson. Application closes on July 15 at 5 p.m.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series at Lakeside Parks Recreation Center
2024-07-20 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.

Annual G. Scott Griffin Award Applications Deadline
2024-07-31
Community Foundation of North Louisiana will accept applications for the annual G. Scott Griffin Award starting July 1st, 2024. 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 July 31st, 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.
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, Matthew Cipolla and Mary “ML” Dumars.
2024 Scott Griffin Award Guidelines
2024 Scott Griffin Award Application
All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024.

CFNLA Office Closed
2024-08-02
Our office will be closed Friday, August 2, 2024. We will return Monday, August 5.

Step Forward's Parent ACEs Talk at the YMCA
2024-08-07 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Lash Family YMCA, 9440 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, LA, 71106
This event has been postponed.
Step Forward is partnering with the YMCA and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks on Wednesday, August 7. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resiliency. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.

CFNLA Office Closed
2024-08-09
Our office will be closed Friday, August 9, 2024. We will return Monday, August 12.

Step Forward's ACEs Parent Talk at AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
2024-08-14 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Ameri Health Caritas, 3709 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, LA, 71109
Step Forward is partnering with AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks on Wednesday, August 14. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resiliency. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.

Please register here.

Labor Day - Office Closed
2024-09-02
CFNLA Office will be closed Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day. We will return Tuesday, September 3rd.

Community Counts 2024
2024-09-25 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | LSU Health Shreveport Center for Medical Education, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103
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.
Dr. Dave Norris, Senior Vice President at Louisiana Tech University, will present this year’s data on Wednesday, September 25th at LSU Health Shreveport Center for Medical Education. The doors will open at 5:00 PM. See parking information below.
Reserve your seat here.
Please plan to park in Lot L, located next to the Center for Medical Education. On Kings Highway coming from I-49, turn left onto Samford Avenue by Shriners Hospital for Children. Continue straight, then make a right turn onto Woodrow Street. Continue straight and Lot L will be on your right. Look for the green CFNLA event signs to guide you to the parking lot entrance. You can also refer to the campus map. Follow the dotted red line and enter the parking lot at the red arrow.

Women's Philanthropy Network Fall Social
2024-09-26 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Home of WPN Member, 7111 East Ridge Drive, Shreveport, LA, 71106, United States
The WPN will host a networking social on Thursday, September 26th. Come join us for an evening to learn more about the group of dedicated women working together to build a brighter future for our community.

The short program will begin at 6:00 PM and include remarks from, Kristi Gustavson, CEO of CFNLA, and 2024 WPN grantees, Dr. Laura Cassidy, Co-Founder and Board Chair, Louisiana Key Academy, and Mrs. Kristen Powers, Executive Director, The Arc Caddo-Bossier.

The social will be held at the home of a WPN member, and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Although the event is free, we kindly request that you register.

Please register here.

Give For Good 2025: Nonprofit Registration Open
2024-11-01 - 2024-12-06
Give For Good returns on May 6, 2025! Nonprofit registration is open November 1, 2024 – December 6!
Give For Good is a day dedicated to empowering local nonprofits and fostering community engagement. Participating nonprofits will have access to valuable resources, promotional tools, and a platform to showcase your organization. Any North Louisiana organization that is a 501(c)(3) public charity and has received a ruling letter from the IRS stating the entity is a qualified recipient of tax-deductible gifts is welcome to register for Give For Good. An organization must also be current in its filings with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Only organizations that are located in and serve one or more of the following North Louisiana parishes are eligible: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, Sabine, Union, or Webster.
Visit giveforgoodnla.org for more information or to register your nonprofit organization.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series- November 9
2024-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Grandma’s Arms Childcare and Development Center, 2930 Martin Luther King Drive, Shreveport, LA, 71107
Step Forward is partnering with Grandma’s Arms Childcare and Development Center LLC, Humana Health Horizons Louisiana, and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resilience. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.
Date: Saturday, November 9
Location: Grandma’s Arms Childcare and Development Center
Time: 10:00 AM
Register here.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series- November 12
2024-11-12 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Providence House, 825 Cotton Street, Shreveport, LA, 71101
Step Forward is partnering with the Providence House, Humana Health Horizons Louisiana, and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resilience. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children. 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.

Location: Providence House – Board Room (824 Cotton Street, Shreveport, LA 71101)
Session 1 – 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Session 2 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Register for a session here.

Women's Philanthropy Network: Lunch & Learn
2024-11-13 11:00 - 12:15 (America/Chicago) | Louisiana Key Academy, 261 Arthur Avenue, Shreveport, LA, 71105, United States
WPN Tour of Louisiana Key Academy
Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
261 Arthur Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71105

Are you curious about the 2024 WPN grantee recipients? Louisiana Key Academy for Caddo Parish invites you to explore the Key Academy’s Caddo campus on Wednesday, November 13th. This educational tour will give you a closer look at the facilities and program offerings at Louisiana Key Academy. The tour will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch and remarks from Pamela Barker, Principal. Tickets cost $15 ticket. Lunch will be provided from Bistro To Go. Members and non-members are encouraged to attend.
You can purchase a ticket by clicking here. The deadline to purchase a ticket is November 6.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series- November 19
2024-11-19 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Providence House, 825 Cotton Street, Shreveport, LA, 71101
Step Forward is partnering with the Providence House, Humana Health Horizons Louisiana, and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resilience. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.
Location: Providence House – Education Building in the Board Room (825 Cotton Street, Shreveport, LA 71101)
Time: 5:30 PM
Register here.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series- November 20
2024-11-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Caddo Community Action Agency, 4055 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, LA, 71108
Save the Date for Step Forward’s Bouncing Back series “A community conversation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Resilience”
Step Forward is partnering with Caddo Community Action Agency (CCAA) Head Start to present the “Bouncin Back” Parent ACEs Talk to parents and caregivers with children enrolled in Head Start programs. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resiliency. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.
Door prizes including up to $500 in gift cards are available for participants.
Caddo Community Action Agency | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Head Start Gymnasium
4055 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71108
Register here.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series- November 23
2024-11-23 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | First Beginnings Child Development Center, 500 Common Street, Shreveport, LA, 71101
Step Forward is partnering with the Humana Health Horizons Louisiana and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resilience. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: First Beginnings Child Development Center | 500 Common Street Shreveport, LA 71101
Register here.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series- November 27
2024-11-27 10:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Carroll’s Kiddie Ranch Learning Center, 2617 Sunnybrook Street, Shreveport, LA, 71108, United States
Step Forward is partnering with Carroll’s Kiddie Ranch Learning Center, Humana Health Horizons Louisiana, and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resilience. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.
Location: Carroll’s Kiddie Ranch Learning Center, 2617 Sunnybrook Street, Shreveport, LA 71108
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Register here.

Step Forward ACEs Parent Talks Series- December 5
2024-12-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Grandma’s Arms Childcare and Development Center, 2930 Martin Luther King Drive, Shreveport, LA, 71107
Step Forward is partnering with Grandma’s Arms Childcare and Development Center LLC, Humana Health Horizons Louisiana, and the Shreve Memorial Library to present “Bouncing Back” a series of Parent ACEs Talks. Now, more than ever parents and caregivers need access to the tools and resources that reduce trauma and encourage resilience. The Parent ACEs 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 developmental and social-emotional needs of their children.
Location: Grandma’s Arms Childcare and Development Center
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Register here.

Give For Good 2025: Nonprofit Registration Deadline @ 4:00 PM
2024-12-06 00:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Give For Good returns on May 6, 2025! Nonprofit registration deadline December 6!
Give For Good is a day dedicated to empowering local nonprofits and fostering community engagement. Participating nonprofits will have access to valuable resources, promotional tools, and a platform to showcase your organization. Any North Louisiana organization that is a 501(c)(3) public charity and has received a ruling letter from the IRS stating the entity is a qualified recipient of tax-deductible gifts is welcome to register for Give For Good. An organization must also be current in its filings with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Only organizations that are located in and serve one or more of the following North Louisiana parishes are eligible: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, Sabine, Union, or Webster.
Visit giveforgoodnla.org for more information or to register your nonprofit organization.

Gift of a Brighter Future Donation Deadline
2024-12-20
In the seasons of gratitude and giving, there are many occasions to give back on behalf of someone special in your life. This holiday season honor your loved ones in a unique and meaningful way by donating to CFNLA’s Early Childhood Education Fund. There is no better way to celebrate friends and family than by supporting all the children in our community!
Here’s how it works: With a minimum donation of $20 per card, CFNLA will notify your friends and family about your generous gift via a hand-addressed Merry and Bright Holiday card. You have the option to make your donation online or send a check to the CFNLA office: 401 Edwards Street, Suite 105, Shreveport, LA 71101. You can designate your gift to the Caddo ECE Fund or Bossier ECE Fund. If you opt to mail a check, kindly include a list of recipients’ names and mailing addresses, or simply email the details to info@cfnla.org no later than December 20.
Giving the Gift of a Brighter Future is a truly thoughtful way to show appreciation to those you love. Moreover, your contribution will help uplift our community by ensuring all children have a strong educational foundation. Give your gift now at cfnla.org/give.

CFNLA Office Closed: Christmas Holiday
2024-12-25 - 2024-12-26

2024 Donor Advised Fund: Deadline to Open a Fund
2024-12-27
Are you looking for an easy, flexible way to manage your charitable giving? Consider opening a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at CFNLA.
Here’s why:

Simplified Giving: Consolidate your charitable donations in one place and receive a single tax receipt each year while supporting multiple organizations!
Quick and Easy: Open your DAF in just one day with a minimum contribution of $5,000.
Give Now, Distribute Later: Make a donation today and recommend grants to your favorite causes whenever you choose.
Flexible Contributions: You can donate cash, securities, real estate, and appreciated assets.
Customized Options: Choose between an Endowed Fund, an Unendowed Fund, or a combination of both to align with your philanthropic goals.
Advisor Flexibility: For contributions of $250,000 or more, you can recommend a financial advisor to manage your fund.
No Annual Payout Requirement: A DAF has no mandatory payout, providing you with maximum flexibility.

Ready to make a lasting impact? Contact us at 318-221-0582 or info@cfnla.org to open a DAF today through December 27.

Year-End Giving Donation Deadline
2024-12-31
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 to 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 2024 ($14,600 for individuals and $29,200 for couples), 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 2024 tax return and take the standard deduction on your 2025 return, ultimately resulting in a larger two-year deduction. CFNLA requires a minimum contribution of $5,000 for new DAFs, which can be opened in less than a day.
Use your required IRA distribution for giving, skip the taxes.
If you are over 73, you must 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 QCDs 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 CFNLA 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 close of business on December 31st, we are here to help you achieve your 2024 charitable giving goals. Contact us at info@cfnla.org or 318-221-0582.

CFNLA Office Closed: New Year's Day Holiday
2025-01-01
