The mission of the Central Louisiana Community Foundation (CLCF) is to connect people to priorities they care about and increase charitable giving in order to advance the quality of life for all in our communities. The Foundation works hard to improve the quality of life in Central Louisiana by building permanent endowments, utilizing strategic grant making to address community needs. They have been faithfully pursuing that mission for a quarter of a century now, celebrating 25 years of service to Cenla this year.
In 1989, community leaders suggested that Central Louisiana needed a community foundation. The topic was discussed and the group determined that a foundation would need substantial assets to have a paid director in order to become viable. Sources were considered and only half of the necessary funding seemed possible, so the opportunity was deferred.
Ten years later, Central Louisiana leaders again recognized the need for a community foundation to further the vision of local philanthropists. Eleven Cenla leaders, with the help of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, met and the decision was made to move forward. In May 1999, the Central Louisiana Community Foundation was established as a Louisiana Not for Profit Corporation. Five weeks later, the Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service.
Early funding came from key contributions by the Coughlin-Saunders Foundation and The Rapides Foundation, as well as from founding members. A part-time executive director was hired, and the board began to meet to craft its mission, vision, and goals statements, which have been revised and refined to serve the Foundation today.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CLCF is guided by a Board of Directors and supported by key committees, including Finance and Grants, that ensure financial stewardship and effective grant distribution. Led by President and CEO, Emily McGruder, and a dedicated team, CLCF manages essential functions such as communications, grant-making, and donor relations. This structure allows Foundation to serve as a trusted, adaptable resource for philanthropy, meeting immediate community needs while promoting long-term growth.
CLCF administers charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations. Uniting the region’s citizens, financial advisors, and nonprofit agencies, CLCF seeks to stimulate charitable giving to improve the quality of life in Central Louisiana. The Foundation invests these funds to increase the philanthropic capacity across the region.
“Over the past 25 years, the Central Louisiana Community Foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants to deserving organizations across our region,” boasts CLCF Board Chair, Darryl Monroe. “Whether supporting local nonprofits like Children’s Advocacy Network, Fostering Community, and Starfish Ministries, or responding to crises like hurricane and wildfire relief, our foundation—alongside our dedicated donors—has always been there to uplift Central Louisiana. We are proud to be a catalyst for positive change, strengthening communities and enriching lives. It’s inspiring to see the profound impact of local philanthropy and the enduring generosity of our community.”
There are a number of avenues that the Foundation provides for assisting in local philanthropy. Donor-advised funds permit CLCF donors to support the causes and organizations that they care about. Local nonprofits can establish Agency Funds to create an income stream by receiving returns on cash reserves for future or current needs. Field-of-Interest Funds are established for the purpose of supporting a particular cause or philanthropy. Businesses and families can establish Scholarship Funds to nurture regional education needs.
The Foundation proudly holds over 180 active funds. These funds are made up of individual donors, corporations, and nonprofits. Some of the major funds and community partners include Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC), CLECO, and RoyOMartin. Among those funds, CLCF also manages all of the money raised by A Perfect Fit Foundation, created by Cenla Focus founder, Willie Harp, in honor of his father, Jerry Harp, who was a dedicated shoe salesman in Alexandria for over a half century. A Perfect Fit provides well-fitted, uniform-approved shoes to underprivileged elementary school children in Rapides Parish. Thanks in part to the management of the funds held by CLCF, nearly 15,000 pairs of shoes have made their way onto the feet of the next generation of Cenla leaders.
Just like A Perfect Fit, anyone with a passion for a worthwhile cause can benefit from the Foundation. “CLCF is currently accepting new funds,” explains McGruder. “By opening a fund with CLCF, you gain access to our expertise in philanthropy, deep knowledge of the community, and highly personalized service, all tailored to help you make a meaningful impact. We connect donors with causes that align with their priorities, handling all administrative details so you can focus on making a difference. To establish a new fund, simply reach out to us at (318) 445-7702, and we’ll guide you through the process.”
The Community Impact Fund was established at CLCF in 2009 to provide monetary support for a high-impact project or activity which would enhance Central Louisiana and the quality of life of its residents. The resulting Impact Award is designed to promote innovative ideas for philanthropic projects that offer a strong likelihood for broad community impact, while providing benefits that are sustainable well beyond the funding period. Past Impact Award winners include the Children’s Advocacy Center, CLASS, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s Good Food Project, the Alexandria Museum of Art, and the most recent recipient, the LSU Agricultural Center 4H Camp, Bunkie Community Development Corporation and Centennial Cultural Center, Inc. The grant amount is awarded each year and varies from $25,000 to $100,000. Members of the Community Impact Award Selection Committee screen applications and select finalists who make presentations to the committee. The selection committee seeks fresh ideas that deal with a recognized community-wide issue. Committee members then vote to award the grant(s).
To celebrate this year’s 25th anniversary, CLCF will host a Celebration of Philanthropy on Thursday, November 21st at 6:00pm at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center in Downtown Alexandria. This milestone event is a tribute to the incredible impact that CLCF donors’ generosity has made in our community over the last quarter century. The evening will kick off with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and networking with fellow philanthropists, non-profits, and community members. The reception will be followed by a presentation covering all we’ve achieved together since the Foundation’s establishment.
At the Celebration, CLCF will celebrate the outstanding contributions of our community with a series of awards, including the Norman Martin Legacy Leadership Award. This award celebrates nonprofit leaders who exemplify the spirit of generosity, honor, and dedication that Norman Martin demonstrated throughout his life. As a co-founder of the Central Louisiana Community Foundation, Norman’s contributions have left a lasting impact on our community, setting a standard for selfless giving and community service. Norman Martin was more than a successful entrepreneur and a committed civic leader; he was committed to improving the lives of others.
In addition to the Norman Martin Legacy Leadership Award, CLCF will also bestow the Heart of Philanthropy Awards which recognize an individual, a for-profit business, and a nonprofit business that each give back to Central Louisiana. Finally, the 2024 Community Impact Award recipient(s) will be announced to round out the evening. “The Celebration of Philanthropy is not just an event, but a celebration of the power of giving and the change it brings,” says McGruder. “We are excited to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of philanthropy in Central Louisiana.”
“Honoring the Central Louisiana Community Foundation’s 25th anniversary with a donation is easy and impactful,” says Monroe. “If you’re attending our anniversary event, there will also be a special showcase of nonprofits that hold funds with the foundation, allowing you to connect directly with their missions. For those with specific areas of interest, like supporting veterans, addressing food insecurity, or aiding foster care, we’re here to help guide your donation to the nonprofits making a difference in those fields. You can donate directly to one of our many existing funds online at clcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate or by mailing a check.” The Celebration of Philanthropy is open to the public and is free of charge. You can RSVP to attend at https://shorturl.at/zamm8.
While rightly recognizing and honoring the accomplishments of the past 25 years, leadership at CLCF has kept a keen eye on the future. “By hosting quarterly nonprofit events and offering donor-specific experiences such as site visits, we want to give our supporters the chance to see their dollars in action and strengthen their connection to the causes they care about,” says McGruder. “Ultimately, my hope is for CLCF to be a catalyst for collaboration, inspiring future generations to continue this journey of generosity and community-building.”
It is that vision and dedication that will lead CLCF into its second quarter century. “I envision the Central Louisiana Community Foundation growing as a trusted leader and community connector, bridging the gap between donors and local nonprofits to create lasting change across our region,” says McGruder. “I hope to see our network of donors and fund-holders expand, providing a sustainable foundation for critical areas like education, healthcare, and economic development for the next 25 years and beyond!”
