Overview

Believing that the rebuilding process in surrounding areas should be spearheaded by leaders who live and work there, the Foundation launched and funded community-based affiliates in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and Jefferson parishes. Now, individuals who have been involved in the politics and—more importantly—the cultures of these communities for a lifetime are identifying and addressing the greatest needs of their respective parishes and, in the process, are charting the future of philanthropy in surrounding communities.

GNOF seeds the affiliates with $100,000 per year for five years. Ten percent of that amount is set aside as an endowment. In addition, each affiliate fosters relationships with donors to help build permanent endowments for the parish. The Foundation’s regional outreach program is supporting all three groups as they work to focus their grantmaking efforts and leverage their assets in partnership with private and national sources.

St. Bernard Community Foundation

Established in 2006, the St. Bernard Community Foundation has brought in national community revitalization and planning experts and awarded grants focused on several block building, enhancement, and leadership development projects in targeted neighborhoods.

Plaquemines Community Foundation

Established in 2006, the Plaquemines Community Foundation has brought in a nationally acclaimed community revitalization expert and awarded grants to bolster the commercial fishing industry and support education programs and agricultural initiatives.

Jefferson Community Foundation

Established at the end of 2008, the Jefferson Community Foundation has focused its initial efforts and resources on housing and quality of life issues.

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Regionalism Staff

For more information about Regional Initiatives at the Greater New Orleans Foundation, please contact:

Marco Cocito-Monoc, Ph.D.
Director of Regional Initiatives