MetroMorphosis

Looking for capital to grow your business? 🌱 Join us for a chance to win a prize and learn about the Revolving Loan Fund! 💼 Sign up for our virtual info session on August 29th from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Don't miss out on this opportunity to access micro-loans for your small business in Baton Rouge! 🏙️ Register now: https://bit.ly/472D4Hs

Warrick Dunn’s journey into philanthropy is deeply personal and rooted in loss. After losing his mother, a Baton Rouge police officer, in a tragic act of violence, Warrick channeled his grief into a mission to help others achieve what his mother dreamed of—homeownership. Through Warrick Dunn Charities, he has helped countless single-parent families secure their own homes, offering them the stability and security that his own family struggled to find. His story is one of turning pain into purpose, and his commitment to uplifting others is a powerful reminder of how deeply personal experiences can drive us to create lasting change.

Philanthropy is not just about giving money—it’s about giving your time to uplift and strengthen your community. Black Americans contribute an estimated 130 million hours of volunteer service annually, making a powerful impact through mentoring, supporting local initiatives, and fostering community growth. Time is a precious gift. How will you use yours to make a difference today?

Ronaldo and Cristian Hardy are dedicated to empowering communities both locally and globally. Through Love Alive Church, they foster connection, purpose, and positive change, giving back through local volunteer efforts and global missions. With Grow Black Leaders, they’re equipping the next generation with the tools and mentorship needed to lead and inspire. Their work is a testament to the power of faith and action in transforming lives.

True equity goes beyond words—it requires action. The Black Philanthropy Fund is committed to bridging economic gaps in our communities by providing essential funding to Black-led organizations driving transformative change. Your support can make a lasting impact. Donate today and help us create a more just and equitable future. Every contribution counts.

👉 Donate now at bit.ly/MMBlackPhilanthropyFund

Tyler Litt channels her philanthropy into dismantling barriers and creating equitable opportunities, particularly in education. Through her strategic advisory roles and board service, Tyler has increased funding and resources for marginalized communities, empowering the next generation of leaders. Her leadership in education philanthropy highlights the power of giving to drive systemic change and foster community growth. Tyler’s work is a testament to the impact of strategic philanthropy in building a more equitable future.

Anthony Kimble's philanthropy is centered on empowering Baton Rouge's underserved communities through real estate development and financial literacy. By mentoring youth in entrepreneurship and property ownership, Anthony fosters economic growth and builds a foundation for lasting community transformation. His focus on sustainable development and education reflects a deep commitment to using philanthropy as a tool for empowering others and driving positive change. Anthony’s work exemplifies how strategic giving can lead to resilient, thriving communities.

Financial support and access are critical for the growth of Black businesses. Join LaunchBR and Essential Credit Union to learn about the Revolving Loan Fund, which provides the necessary capital to empower entrepreneurs and stimulate economic development.

If you’re in need of capital support to grow your business, join us for a virtual informational session to learn about the Revolving Loan Fund and how it provides micro-loans to small businesses in Baton Rouge.

📅 Date: August 21st
⏰ UPDATED TIME: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
🔗 Register: https://shorturl.at/eHq0K

For more information, contact: [email protected]

If you register and attend, you can win a $50 Visa card! 🎉

Ellen McKnight Hill is a passionate advocate for health equity in Baton Rouge. Through her work with The Maxine Firm, Ellen has focused her philanthropy on nutrition education and health advocacy, directly addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Her efforts have led to significant improvements in community well-being, showcasing how targeted philanthropy can lead to transformative change. Ellen’s commitment to creating healthier communities demonstrates true leadership in fostering long-term growth and equity.

We honor Ada Womack-Bell, Director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southern University. Ada empowers North Baton Rouge by providing strategic planning, business development, and financial evaluation for startups and existing businesses. With over 16 years of experience, Ada has earned numerous awards for entrepreneurial training and community support. As the founder of IMPOWER SMART, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening relationships through counseling, education, and enrichment, Ada exemplifies how local Black philanthropists are the backbone of urban communities, showcasing leadership and fostering growth. Join us in celebrating her impactful contributions and the lasting difference she makes every day.

The philanthropic sector is plagued by stark racial disparities in funding and support. While donors poured over $484 billion into charitable causes in 2021, the distribution of those funds is shockingly unequal. This is not just an issue of representation - it's a systemic barrier to the success and sustainability of vital community-based work in urban communities.

What specific actions can funders and donors take to close the glaring wealth gap in the nonprofit sector? Share your ideas in the comments.

Support the Black Philanthropy Fund here: https://nonprofit.resilia.com/donate/7a4406ecbce34373d8347b35f31b0671489757e78d57db1b16b0cc0421c26ea5

Warren and Virginia Valdry have significantly uplifted the Baton Rouge community through their philanthropic efforts. By establishing scholarships and funding educational programs, they have provided countless opportunities for local students. Honored with the Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern University, their impact has influenced giving throughout the Southern University System for over 50 years. The center acknowledges their commitment to excellence in education at HBCUs, promoting racial equity, and directing charitable resources to communities in need. The Valdrys' dedication and leadership showcase how local Black philanthropists foster growth and transformation in Black communities.

Typically people only think of money when it comes to philanthropy. But in reality, it can take many forms, and we all have something to give. Whether it’s your time, talents, or treasure - there are countless ways to make a difference and support your community.

Typically people only think of money when it comes to philanthropy. But in reality, it can take many forms, and we all have something to give. Whether it's your time, talents, or treasure - there are countless ways to make a difference and support your community.

Much of the progress we see in Baton Rouge today can be attributed to Black philanthropists like Jason Hughes () of Project 70805. Jason uplifts North Baton Rouge through initiatives like the Holiday Toy Giveaway, automotive training for high school students, and scholarships for seniors. His commitment to affordable housing and homeownership education demonstrates his dedication to fostering lasting growth and unity. Jason’s story is a testament to the powerful impact of Black philanthropists in the Baton Rouge community.

Financial support and access are critical for the growth of Black businesses. Join LaunchBR and Essential Credit Union to learn about the Revolving Loan Fund, which provides the necessary capital to empower entrepreneurs and stimulate economic development.

If you’re in need of capital support to grow your business, join us for a virtual informational session to learn about the Revolving Loan Fund and how it provides micro-loans to small businesses in Baton Rouge.

📅 Date: August 21st
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
🔗 Register: https://shorturl.at/eHq0K

For more information, contact: [email protected]

If you register and attend, you can win a $50 Visa card! 🎉

Welcome to Black Philanthropy Month! Throughout August, we’re elevating the essence of Black philanthropy and honoring the exceptional generosity and invaluable contributions of Black Baton Rouge.

We live for a good narrative change!!

LaMont Cole: ‘I want to change the narrative’ LaMont Cole’s initial priorities in his new role as East Baton Rouge Parish Schools superintendent include ensuring that students are safe and that educators are equipped with the skills they need to effectively teach their curriculums. That’s according to Cole himself, who formally introduced h...

We are thrilled to highlight our fantastic Mayors Youth Workforce Experience (MYWE) youth worker this summer! Heading into the 9th grade, he’s been an exceptional addition to the MetroMorphosis team, and we will surely miss him when the program ends.

One of his favorite aspects of working with us was the flexibility of our hybrid workforce. This summer, he learned the invaluable lesson that “if the group communicates, you can do more, and bigger tasks are more achievable. It’s all about teamwork.”

Join us in celebrating his hard work and dedication. We have a couple of short weeks left with him, and we are grateful for his contributions!

As we wrap up MetroMorphosis Day, we continue to celebrate the heroes among us. Our final highlight features remarkable individuals whose work truly reflects our mission of transforming communities from within. Their dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark on our community. Let's celebrate these heroes and thank them for their unwavering commitment. Swipe through to see their stories!

This afternoon, we celebrate more of our community's heroes. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication to our mission of transforming communities from within. Swipe through to meet incredible heroes whose efforts have made a lasting impact on our community. Their tireless work and commitment to change are what make our mission possible.

As MetroMorphosis Day continues, we honor more community heroes whose work embodies our mission of transforming communities from within. Meet inspiring individuals who have each played a vital role in our collective journey. Their efforts and commitment to creating a thriving Baton Rouge inspire us every day. Swipe to see their stories and celebrate their contributions!

Happy MetroMorphosis Day! 🎉 Twelve years ago, we set off on a mission to transform communities from within. Today, we celebrate the incredible heroes within our community who reflect the very essence of our work. Our first highlight features outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions. Their dedication and passion for transforming our community from within inspire us all. Swipe through to learn more about these amazing heroes!

Just 2 days until MetroMorphosis Day! Our journey began 12 years ago, and the transformation continues. Do you know a community member who embodies the spirit of MetroMorphosis? Are they eager to serve the urban community? Do they practice leadership within their community? Tag them in the comments and let us celebrate their dedication and impact. Together, we are building a better future.

James Riley, one of our outstanding ULDI Cohort 8 alumni, is making a tremendous impact on our community through his dedication to literacy. As he passionately states, “We won’t stop until literacy is no longer a hurdle for our community. We’ve struggled generationally with reading and comprehension.”

Through his work with and their partnership with , James is reaching vulnerable parts of our community and offering crucial support. Whether it’s donating books or time for one-on-one reading sessions with youth, James is committed to being part of the solution.

Join us in celebrating James Riley's incredible efforts and consider supporting his mission to improve literacy for all. It takes a village to teach a child to read proficiently! 📚✨

MetroMorphosis was honored to support the Scotland Saturdays series this summer, bringing art, music, and fun to North Baton Rouge. From live performances to engaging activities, we celebrated the vibrant culture and community spirit of Scotlandville.

We're eager to continue supporting this fantastic initiative and look forward to seeing Scotland Saturdays grow as a catalyst for creativity and joy in our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this summer unforgettable!


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