Baton Rouge Area Foundation

Guest facilitators Donna Saurage, Emi Gilbert Henry and Johnnie Brown joined our Nonprofit Board Fellows last week for a hands-on session focused on real-world board governance scenarios.

Through small-group discussions, Fellows had the opportunity to learn from seasoned community leaders while putting their board governance knowledge and training into practice.

We’re grateful to Donna, Emi and Johnnie for sharing their time and perspective with this year’s cohort!

BRAF President and CEO Chris Meyer recently joined the Valdry Center for Philanthropy as the featured speaker for “D.A.F. 101,” a session focused on one of the fastest-growing giving vehicles in philanthropy.

Meyer guided attendees through the fundamentals of donor-advised funds, why more donors are using them and how organizations can build stronger relationships with DAF holders and their advisors.

Drawing on his experience leading the Foundation, he also shared practical strategies for engaging donors and supporting thoughtful, effective philanthropy.

When local organizations have the resources to expand their impact, more of our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive.

BRAF recently hosted a summer reception with recipients of our 2025 Impact Grants, bringing together nonprofits working in early childhood education and community safety. This funding opportunity was issued in response to findings from our Opportunity Data Project and seeks to address some of the challenges and areas for greatest impact highlighted within those briefings.

The gathering provided a special moment to celebrate their achievements, strengthen connections, and learn more about how these organizations are expanding opportunities for families throughout our region.

We’re proud to support these organizations and grateful for the important work they continue to do in our communities.

BRAF’s 2026 Board Fellows program is off to a great start! 🚀

During their first session, fellows got to know one another, learned more about the Foundation and explored the work of our Civic Leadership Initiatives and Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

Instructor Kay Irby then led a thoughtful conversation about the importance of board service and the responsibility of stewarding the trust communities place in their institutions.

We look forward to seeing this cohort continue to learn, connect and grow throughout the year!

Last week, BRAF staff, including John O’Donnell, community resilience officer; Brenna Benson Lamb, chief operating officer; and Eric Dexter, vice president of civic leadership, joined leaders and experts from across Louisiana and the nation at the Leaders for a Better Louisiana’s Future Louisiana Conference.

Together, participants explored the challenges and opportunities shaping our state and shared ideas for moving Louisiana forward.

Brenna represented BRAF on the “Lessons of Local Impact” panel, where she discussed the Foundation’s impact investing work and the role locally focused investments can play in strengthening communities.

Throughout the conference, our team learned about promising approaches from outside Louisiana and gathered insights that can help inspire new possibilities for our state’s future.

The Foundation is pleased to welcome the members of its 2026 Nonprofit Board Fellows cohort!

Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, 28 fellows will participate in a tuition-free, seven-session program designed for civic-minded individuals who are new to or preparing for nonprofit board and committee service.

Throughout the program, fellows will gain the knowledge, skills and connections needed to serve as thoughtful, engaged board members. We look forward to supporting this year’s cohort as they grow and prepare to strengthen the organizations and communities they serve.

Learn more about the programs and resources offered by BRAF’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence at braf.org/nonprofits.

Please join us in celebrating Eric Dexter, vice president of civic leadership initiatives, on three years at BRAF! 🎉

When asked what he enjoys most about working at the Foundation, Eric shared:
“The opportunity to bring people together around ideas that could shape our community for generations. Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of working alongside extremely talented colleagues and dedicated partners who care deeply about Baton Rouge's future. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that's willing to tackle big challenges and invest in meaningful, long-term impact.”

When he’s not helping move big ideas forward at BRAF, Eric is rarely short on an interesting story. He has a song lyric or movie quote ready for almost any conversation, has gone skydiving for his birthday and would happily do it again, and has even appeared as an extra in two movies!

Eric, thank you for three years of thoughtful leadership, collaboration and commitment to Baton Rouge and our region. We’re grateful to have you on the BRAF team. Happy anniversary!