Baton Rouge Area Foundation
About
The Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) is a community foundation established in 1964, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Southern Louisiana. It acts as a philanthropic leader, focusing on civic improvement, economic development, and community-driven initiatives. BRAF serves as both a grantmaker and a catalyst for regional progress, addressing systemic challenges through collaborative partnerships. BRAF offers philanthropic management by connecting donors with nonprofits to meet community needs. It leads significant initiatives like Plan Baton Rouge, which focuses on downtown redevelopment, and the Water Campus, a research hub for coastal sustainability. The foundation also supports community programs, such as the Companion Animal Alliance, which has transformed the local shelter into a no-kill facility. Additionally, BRAF has facilitated economic development projects, including the establishment of IBM’s software center in downtown Baton Rouge. Through its efforts, BRAF aims for both immediate community impact and long-term, sustainable change.