Acadiana Gives

Apply by February 13th to have your organization selected as the beneficiary (and baker) of this year’s Baker for a Day!

Acadiana’s favorite bread shop is once again opening their doors to the organizations in our community. Click here to see the invitation open to all nonprofit organizations in our community.

The winning organization (by customer vote) will receive all proceeds from sales of bread on Sunday, April 18. In addition, the organization will be responsible for staffing the store and getting their hands dirty (doughy?) by doing the work!

For more information, call Great harvest Bread Company at 337.236.8966.

LANO (Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations) is holding a training at Community Foundation of Acadiana next week to assist organizations in collaborating with one another.

The course seeks to help organizations “design and
deliver services with multiple organizations is a process to
get people working together in new ways. Learn to access
resources and leverage outcomes in ways no single
organization can do alone. Cut through the tougher issues to
achieve sustainable collaboration.”

Click Creating Collaborations – Lafayette to download the registration flyer.

Local financial institution Home Bank has partnered with Community Foundation of Acadiana to pilot a unique gift-giving idea this holiday season.

The two groups partnered to provide select Home Bank customers with “Charity Giving Cards” — gift cards which can be redeemed to benefit any 501(c)(3) charitable organization nationwide. Home Bank will distribute these cards to some of their customers this holiday season.

The recipients of the cards may redeem the cards online (www.cfacadiana.org/givingcards) and may do so to benefit the charity, school, church or club of their choice.

“We were thrilled to help facilitate this unique gift-giving idea. We are excited to be involved in any effort to increase giving in our community and bring attention to philanthropy,” explained Raymond Hébert, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Acadiana.

“Partnering with the Community Foundation to offer our customers Giving Cards is a small way that we can help our community during difficult economic times. The fun part of this concept is that each of our customers who receives a card can donate $25 to the organization of his or her choice – from Girl Scout troops to schools or churches, any nonprofit is eligible. We hope our customers enjoy this opportunity to help a community organization that could use a little extra at this time of year,” John Bordelon, President and CEO of Home Bank, said.

This evening, three of Acadiana’s most active champions of philanthropy will be honored at the UL Alumni Center. The annual event has honored some of Acadiana’s most generous citizens over the years including Paul and LuLu Hilliard, Robert Trahan, Alfred Lamson, Greg Trahan, Sharon Moss, Bo Ramsay, Jackie Edgar, Junior League of Lafayette, Acadiana Outreach Center, United Way of Acadiana, Woman’s Foundation, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Chitimacha Louisiana Open, Special Children’s Foundation, Joe Klutts, Earlene Branton, Madlyn Ackal Boustany, Phena Guidry, Dr. Francis Boustany, Nancy and Brudley Kibodeaux (awarded posthumously), and James Prince.

The Planned Giving Council will give its annual awards at this evening’s reception. Jim and Charlotte Doyle are being recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Philanthropists for their generosity to Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana and countless other organizations.

Stuller Family Foundation is being recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for their donations totaling $30 million for charitable purposes to improve our community.

Finally, Nicole Jones is being recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Fund Raising Volunteer for her four years of service to the Acadiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For more information about the Planned Giving Council of Acadiana and its activities, click here.

LANO is hosting an “Extreme Grant Makeover” training in Lafayette on November 17 at the Woman’s Foundation. Organizations who need some help and advice in their grant applications should consider attending.

The training is provided at no cost due to a sponsorship by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the Louisiana Recovery Authority. For more information about registration, contact Kim (225.929.5266).

Click here to register for the training.