Founded in 2005, the Women’s Philanthropy Network is a group of women who are dedicated to making an impact in the Shreveport-Bossier Community. Members pool their annual dues in order to make a high-impact gift to local organizations with a focus on education. As a fund at the Community Foundation, 80% of the dues are granted each year and 20% is placed into the WPN endowment fund to continue to serve future generations. Each year, members vote on which organization will receive the funding. The group also hosts educational programming which aims to keep members informed on community programs and needs.

For members who would like to deepen their involvement, there are four committees that give opportunities for service:

• Guidance Committee – This committee serves as the governing board of the group. It makes decisions about the management and direction of WPN.
• Grants Committee – This committee reviews grant applications, narrows the pool of applicants, and presents the group of finalists to the general membership at the annual meeting. The general membership then votes on the grant recipient.
• Programs Committee – This committee creates and implements the educational programs and networking events for members.
• Membership Committee – This committee is responsible for the recruitment of new members.

To learn more about WPN or to join a committee, please email wpn@cfnla.org.

There are six membership levels:

• Junior Member (ages 16-39): $200-$499
• Ruby: $500-$999
• Sapphire: $1,000-$2,499
• Emerald: $2,500-$4,999
• Diamond: $5,000-$24,999
• Life Member: $25,000+

Throughout the year, members attend special events to be more informed about the issues our local students face. This year’s speakers include Carolyn Gonzales, who discussed how the VOA’s Communities in Schools program uses case management to identify individual students’ needs and connect their families with helpful resources. Sister Sharon Rambin of David Raines Community Health Centers also addressed how school-based health centers are helping families and children by bringing care directly to students at school. Louisiana Department of Education’s chief of early childhood strategy, Nasha Patel, updated members on current initiatives in childcare and early childhood education in the state.

Since inception, the Women’s Philanthropy Network has granted over $1,000,000 to educational initiatives in our community. Past recipients include Volunteers for Youth Justice, Step Forward, the Caddo Parish Schools Transformation Zone, and the LSU Shreveport Foundation. Grant applications are typically accepted in December of each year. To learn more about applying for a WPN grant, click the link below.