Generous Hearts

GENEROUS HEARTS

HIGHLIGHTING PHILANTHROPY ON THE NORTHSHORE

Our partners at the Northshore Community Foundation exist to make it easy for each of us to make a difference in our own backyard. In their 18th year, the Foundation has touched over $80 million dollars in philanthropic fuel, focusing on simplifying, organizing, and magnifying philanthropy at every turn. The Foundation has reached those remarkable numbers through three primary ways. First, they engage hundreds of individuals, families, companies, and nonprofits in a membership model that promotes active connections and charitable work. Secondly, they take the paperwork out of “doing good” by administering funds that act as charitable checkbooks for any purpose. Lastly, they step into big roles when the need is great – especially in times of disaster. Through these three unique and critical roles, the Northshore Community Foundation uses its expertise and resources to magnify the incredible charitable work so prevalent in our region. Below is a sample of the good people and projects that are changing lives every day on the Northshore.

Civic Leadership: Mental Health Matters

Studies show following a natural disaster, suicides increase by 41%. The Northshore Community Foundation, worked with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - St. Tammany to offer FREE THERAPY to Northshore residents - connecting those with a licensed online therapist from anywhere, at any time, at no cost. The WellConnected program, launched post Hurricane Ida, successfully decreased that by 13%. Providing this easily accessible therapy catalyzed a significant positive change and surpassed expectations, demonstrating the power of community action.

Fund Management: Transfomative Impact

Opening a fund with the Foundation is your charitable checkbook, empowering you to support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives; allowing you to make a difference. NCF’s efforts in 2023 led to over $5.3 million in charitable distributions, 315 hours contributed by higher education students through foundation-administered scholarships, and more than 175 nonprofit leaders enriched through specialized opportunities.

Engaged Philanthropy: Celebrate Community

At NCF’s recent 2024 Annual Meeting, the room buzzed with more than 155 leaders and changemakers from across our four-parish region. Dorothy Garcia was announced as the recipient of the seventh annual Dick Knight Award. Her over 28 years of unwavering service in the nonprofit sector, exemplary servant leadership, and remarkable dedication to children's welfare showcase her deservingness to this award. Dorothy is truly an inspiration and blessing to our community.