Nine Louisiana parishes have chosen collaboration over competition—and it’s working. The result is an ecosystem where business, entrepreneurship and social impact intersect to create opportunity.
Whether you’re interested in feeding families, building affordable housing, launching a startup or revitalizing neighborhoods, Greater Baton Rouge offers accessible entry points. The infrastructure is already here: established nonprofits, active investment networks and development initiatives ready for new players.
For professionals seeking to align profit with purpose, the Capital Region offers something increasingly rare: a place where your time, talent and capital can create meaningful impact. Here are a few examples.
“On the Shoulders of Giants” Artists: Eduardo Mendieta, Jay Bellicchi and Paul Hughes.
The Walls Project is a nonprofit that works to break down societal barriers like poverty and racism through community-based initiatives that include public art, urban farming, and technology and entrepreneurship training for youth. Based in East Baton Rouge Parish, projects have expanded to Ascension, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana parishes. The Walls Project produced “On the Shoulders of Giants” at the Helix Mentorship & Maritime Academy, by artists Eduardo Mendieta, Jay Bellicchi and Paul Hughes. thewallsproject.org
The Ascension Fund is an instrument for private sector leaders to reward and inspire excellence in public education. Investments go directly to the work of individual teachers and schools via grants for innovative ideas and programs in Ascension Parish public schools. ascensionfund.com
Baton Rouge Area Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds to address community challenges and opportunities. The foundation leads civic leadership projects including the Baton Rouge Health District, LSU Lakes Revitalization, and Plan Baton Rouge urban revitalization efforts focused on downtown Baton Rouge. Over the years, donors have enabled the foundation to grant nearly $350 million to nonprofits and projects in the region. braf.org
The Baton Roots Community Farm. (Photo by Mitchell Provensa)
Baton Roots Community Farm, a program of The Walls Project operating at Howell Park, expects to produce 200,000 pounds of fresh food annually due to a planned expansion to 4 acres in north Baton Rouge. In 2024, Baton Roots received $6 million from the U.S. Forest Service for an Agroforestry Apprenticeship Program that promotes tree equity, climate resilience and workforce readiness. thewallsproject.org/batonroots
Dreams Come True of Louisiana was founded in 1982 by Denham Springs families for Louisiana children with life-threatening illnesses. Local businesses like Giles Automotive and Subaru of America have made the organization a beneficiary of charitable programs, donating $20,000 annually through initiatives like The Subaru Share the Love Event. dctofla.com
(Photo by Ashford Halley)
The Emerge Center empowers children with autism and individuals with communication challenges to achieve independence through an interdisciplinary therapy program. The group’s 26,000-square-foot state-of-the-art home base opened in 2014, funded by community response to a capital campaign. emergela.org
Forum 225 invites young professionals to become involved with philanthropic organizations and support those dedicated to leading, improving and shaping Baton Rouge. It hosts regular social events at hot spots around town and biannual Uncorked fundraising events, where members mix and mingle in casual settings. In 2024, it opened a free community pantry in north Baton Rouge stocked with nonperishable food, toiletries and household items available 24/7. forum225.org
Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership is a nonprofit, investor-driven organization with a mission to lead economic development in the nine-parish metropolitan area and work toward the goal of Baton Rouge becoming one of the premier business locations in the country. The organization hosts networking events and forums that are open to the public, providing a way for individuals to connect with the business community. greaterbatonrouge.org
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank serves an 11-parish area by delivering more than 13 million pounds of food annually through 115 member agencies. The Food Bank recently received $450,000 to continue its Food Is Medicine program, collaborating with health care partners to screen patients for food insecurity and connect them to food assistance resources. brfoodbank.org
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge builds and renovates houses in partnership with the community, completing more than 400 homes in its 34-year history across a four-parish area. Habitat sells homes to partner families at no profit and finances them with no-interest mortgages. habitatbrla.org
Innovation Catalyst is a nonprofit that manages The Catalyst Fund, the Red Stick Angel Network, the Venture Capital Apprentice Program, and Baton Rouge Entrepreneurial Week High-Stakes Pitch Competition. It serves as general partner for the Greaux Innovation Ventures fund, which supports companies throughout their early and growth stages. The BREW High-Stakes Pitch Competition awards a $100,000 investment prize from the Red Stick Angels to the winning entrepreneur. Innovationcatalyst.us
Leadership Baton Rouge was founded as a program of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership to prepare professionals for leadership in the community. More than 1,400 graduates serve on boards, commissions and in state and local public offices. leadershipbr.org
Livingston Young Professionals Organization is a local nonprofit formed through a collaboration between the Leadership Livingston program and the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce to cultivate emerging leaders and strengthen community engagement. The group connects young professionals with networking, service and professional development opportunities, encourages involvement in civic initiatives, and supports projects that enhance quality of life across Livingston Parish. Through events, volunteer efforts and partnerships with local organizations, it provides a pathway for the next generation to lead and serve. livingstonparishchamber.org/livingston-young-professionals
Loving Our Community’s Children is a local nonprofit, created through a collaboration between the Leadership Ascension program and the Ascension Parish Chamber of Commerce, that supports children who have experienced trauma—including those in foster care, at risk of removal, or transitioning back to their families. LOCC provides essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, cribs, playpens and diapers, and accepts referrals from mandated reporters like teachers, police officers and church leaders. loccascension.org
TEDxBatonRouge is a community-connecting, discussion-starting experience where leaders, thinkers, doers and dreamers gather to explore possibilities for the Capital Region and celebrate homegrown ideas. These local, self-organized events combine TED Talks video and live speakers to spark discussion and connection. tedxbatonrouge.com