Baton Rouge Area Foundation

In March, BRAF President and CEO Chris Meyer and COO Brenna Benson Lamb, co-led a breakout session at the Louisiana Public Safety Summit. They highlighted the Foundation’s Opportunity Data Project and engaged attendees in a discussion about how data can drive actionable solutions to reduce violent crime in Baton Rouge. Their insights were drawn from our recently released briefing on this topic. To explore all of our briefings and learn more about the impactful work being done to improve our community, visit opportunitybtr.org.

We want to take a moment to thank Jeffrey W. Koonce, our departing Board Chair, for his dedication and leadership at BRAF. Jeff is a Partner at Bernhard Capital Partners and has served on the Foundation’s board for five years, beginning his first term in 2020. During his time as Board Chair, Jeff made a lasting impact by helping to shape initiatives that strengthen our community and advance BRAF’s mission. His strategic vision, dedication, and commitment to partnership have left an indelible mark on our organization. As he passes the gavel to Tom J. Adamek, we celebrate his contributions and ongoing support of our work. Jeff's leadership has fostered growth and innovation, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions. Thank you, Jeff, for your service and leadership in making a difference!

"[BRAF Membership] means that I am a part of a "force for good" in this community that will pass down to my children and grandchildren." — BRAF Member, Donna Saurage, Manager, CCC Holding LLC, Community Coffee Company Our members drive the Foundation’s impact forward! Join Donna and other changemakers in shaping a better future. Memberships are available for nonprofits, individuals, and businesses. Learn more at braf.org/membership and become a part of something bigger today. #MembershipMoment

At BRAF's annual meeting, we were honored to posthumously recognize Brace B. Godfrey, Jr. with the Marcia Kaplan Kantrow Baton Rouge Visionary Award. It honors individuals with an outsized dedication to the betterment of Baton Rouge, with particular emphasis on the downtown area. His son, Brace "Trey" Godfrey, III, accepted the award on his behalf. We are privileged to celebrate Brace’s profound and far-reaching impact across the region. This award pays tribute to the late Marcia Kaplan Kantrow, BRAF’s first Director of Programs, who was an extraordinary leader, mentor, and inspiration for many. This award was presented on behalf on the Kantrow family by Mary Kay Brown. Watch the full award video here https://lnkd.in/gvXzWz5m

Today, we proudly celebrate the 22nd work anniversary of our incredible receptionist, Gloria Chapman! From the moment you step through our doors, Gloria’s warm smile and welcoming spirit set the tone for the entire Foundation. She is the heart of our front office, ensuring everything runs seamlessly and making a lasting impact on everyone she meets. Thank you, Gloria, for your dedication, kindness, and the positivity you bring to BRAF every day! 💙✨

This year, BRAF proudly introduced the Champion for Giving Award, a new award that recognizes professional advisors who inspire clients to embrace charitable giving by connecting them with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. We were honored to present the inaugural award to Sidney M. Blitzer, Jr., a partner at Butler Snow LLP, for his exceptional commitment to advancing philanthropy and strengthening our community. The award was presented by Jeffrey Koonce, the Foundation's immediate past board chair. Congratulations, Sid! Thank you for your commitment to inspiring philanthropy and amplifying our impact in the community. Watch the full award video here https://lnkd.in/gAN35m8B

At BRAF’s 2025 Annual Meeting, we celebrated the 24th annual John W. Barton Sr. Awards for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. Established to honor BRAF’s founding leader, these awards recognize outstanding nonprofit leadership. Each year, two established nonprofit leaders and one emerging nonprofit leader receive this distinction. Congratulations to this year's winners! 🏆 Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D. Sonnier, CEO, The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Institute for Children 🏆 Lucas Spielfogel, CEO, The Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC) Coalition 🏆 Pheriche Perkins, Executive Director, Point Coupée Early Childhood Coalition (Rising Star Honoree) John Barton, Jr. was on stage to present the awards. Thank you to these inspiring leaders for their commitment to Baton Rouge! 🎉 Watch the full award video here https://lnkd.in/guPkhjjG

Thank you to the more than 200 members and donors who joined us for BRAF’s 2025 Annual Meeting! From celebrating last year’s milestones to unveiling future initiatives, welcoming new board members, and honoring community leaders, the evening was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. During the evening, outgoing chair Jeffrey Koonce passed the gavel to the incoming chair Tom Adamek, who announced our awards for the evening. The John W. Barton Sr. Awards for Excellence in Nonprofit Management were presented to Dr. Libbie Sonnier, CEO of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, and Lucas Spielfogel, CEO of the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition. Pheriche Perkins, Executive Director of the Point Coupee Early Childhood Coalition, was named a Rising Star in nonprofit management. Sidney M. Blitzer, Jr., a partner at Butler Snow LLP, was named the Champion for Giving, the inaugural award for professional advisors, and the Marcia Kaplan Kantrow Baton Rouge Visionary Award was posthumously bestowed to Brace B. Godfrey, Jr. Brace's son, Brace Godfrey, III, accepted the award on his behalf. Following the award presentations, CEO and President Chris Meyer delivered the President’s Report, providing updates on the organization’s progress and setting the stage for the year ahead. The work of the Foundation would not be possible without the support of our members, donors, and community partners. We are thankful to all who collaborated with BRAF in 2024, and we’re looking forward to another year of collaboration and creating a lasting impact together! 💙 #PartnershipMakesItPossible #BRAF

We’re excited to celebrate Carissa Graves, vice president of Philanthropic Advancement, for earning her 21/64 Certification in multi-generational philanthropy! This certification equips her with the tools to foster meaningful and lasting philanthropy across generations. 21/64, recognized for its innovative approach, empowers leaders to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of multi-generational giving, helping families and organizations create a lasting impact. Congratulations, Carissa, on this incredible achievement and your continued leadership in advancing philanthropy!

At BRAF, we believe that partnership makes it possible to create a thriving community. A Corporate Membership connects your business with community leaders, provides exclusive benefits, and supports initiatives that strengthen our region. Join today and experience: ~ High-Impact Networking – Engage with top business leaders, philanthropists, and community decision-makers. ~ Community Leadership Opportunities – Play a key role in driving solutions for Baton Rouge’s biggest challenges. ~ Exclusive Events and Insights – Access reports, forums, and private gatherings focused on regional growth. ~ Philanthropy and Civic Leadership Opportunities – Demonstrate your company’s commitment to philanthropy and civic leadership. ~ Recognition for Commitment to Community Impact – Gain recognition for your support and commitment to community impact. Choose the membership level that best suits your company's goals and help us to fuel transformation and lasting progress. Learn more at braf.org/membership.