The Greater New Orleans Foundation Commits an Additional $625,000 to Five Southeastern Louisiana Parishes
For immediate release:
August 13, 2009
Martha Landrum | 504-598-4663 | Martha@gnof.org
The Greater New Orleans Foundation Commits an Additional $625,000 to Five Southeastern Louisiana Parishes
The Greater New Orleans Foundation reconfirmed its commitment to the region by allocating $625,000 to five parishes: Lafourche, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne. The money will be directed as grants to qualified, nonprofit organizations providing important services and programs in the parishes.
After the storms of 2005, national foundations invested a lot of money in New Orleans proper, but not in the surrounding region. The Greater New Orleans Foundation established affiliate foundations in Plaquemines and St. Bernard in 2006 to help address the needs of the two parishes—besides Orleans—that were hardest hit by Katrina. The Jefferson Community Foundation was established in 2008.
“We are now broadening our reach to five additional parishes because we understand our future is connected to the well-being of the surrounding parishes. We believe in a comprehensive approach to recovery, one that relies on local leaders to spearhead rebuilding on a local level,” said Mrs. Phyllis Taylor, chair of the board of trustees for the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
“We do our work by listening to civic and nonprofit leaders in the parishes to understand the needs of their communities,” said Dr. Albert Ruesga, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We have a good track record in Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes partnering with civic leaders and key organizations that are integral to recovery efforts. Our strong relationships have enabled us to collaborate across parish lines, strengthening the region for all,” said Ruesga.
“The Foundation goes well beyond just writing a check,” said Robby Showalter president of the St. Bernard Community Foundation. “In St. Bernard Parish, the Greater New Orleans Foundation brought in consultants to help us revise our zoning laws, coordinated a marketing effort to promote the parish, and provided seed money to open a much-needed, one-stop fisheries center for our commercial fishermen.”
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. We design and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society.
