Vermilion Foundation presents checks to nonprofit projects

The Vermilion Foundation, an affiliate of Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA), is proud to announce $42,800 in grants to ten Vermilion Parish nonprofit projects.
The grants were commemorated during a check presentation ceremony held on Dec. 17 in Abbeville. Foundation members attending were Richard Broussard, Gene Sellers, Arlene Collee, and Earl “Boo” Landry. Not present were board members Kevin Sagrera, Karen Hoyt, Annie Caillouet, Dr. Jack Gupta, Becky Sirmon Joy, Pat Patout, Odile Segrest, Charles Sonnier and Carl Turnley.
These competitive grants are part of CFA’s ongoing commitment to engaged philanthropy, connecting donors to community-based projects that enhance the quality of life across the region.
“We are incredibly excited to deploy competitive grants like these for the first time in CFA’s history,” said Missy Bienvenu Andrade, President & CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana. “This marks a significant milestone in using unrestricted funds while empowering our local communities to address their unique challenges and quality of life opportunities. We are so grateful to the many generous donors who have made these grants possible. Our gratitude also goes out to the dedicated chairs and board members of all five Affiliate Foundations, it’s through their leadership and commitment that this impact is possible.”
Awards of up to $5,000 were made, reflecting each affiliate’s commitment to supporting local solutions by 501c3 organizations. Each affiliate’s competitive process involves due diligence by staff and review of grant proposals by affiliate board members.

Grants from the Vermilion Foundation, A Fund of CFA

Behold Catholic Ministries’ Hopeful Hearts - Life After Loss Initiative
Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana’s Next Level Youth Development Program
Christian Services Center’s Utility Assistance Program
Community Wellness Inc’s Community Wellness Program
Creative Arts Momentum’s Community Works of Louisiana Initiative
Faith House’s Vermilion Parish Office
Gifting Grace Project’s Pack the Backpack Initiative
LSU Eunice’s STEAM Improvements Project
Operation Warm’s New Shoes for Vermilion Parish School Students
Professionals of LAGCOE’s Little Energizers Program

The Affiliate Grants Program is made possible by charitable funds established by individuals, families, and businesses who have contributed gifts to CFA and believe in creating lasting local change. These funds have created the Evangeline Affiliate Foundation, the Iberia Affiliate Foundation, the St. Mary Affiliate Foundation, the St. Landry Affiliate Foundation, and the Vermilion Affiliate Foundation.
The next Affiliate Grants Program cycle is slated to open in spring of 2026. Learn more about CFA’s Affiliate Grants Program at cfacadiana.org/affiliate-grants.
Community members who wish to support future grant cycles and strengthen local philanthropy can make a donation to an Affiliate Foundation at cfacadiana.org/funds-and-impact/affiliate-foundations or the Acadiana Fund.

About the Community Foundation of Acadiana

CFA is one of south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations benefiting our region, with a focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Since its inception in 2000, CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $406 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $235 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.