2004 Highlights

  • The BREC Commission approved an allocation of $120,000.00 from the general fund to the Foundation to assist in meeting its operating expenses, hiring an Executive Director and starting its fundraising campaign. The BREC Foundation increased its Board roster from nine members to fifteen, revised its By-laws to incorporate more non-profit elements, encouraged individuals and businesses to become members and developed appropriate policies and procedures.
  • Additionally, the Development and Grants Department researched and wrote grants on behalf of the BREC Foundation and collaborated with the BREC Foundation on corporate sponsorships to support all BREC departments and facilities. 
  • An example of the collaboration between the D&G Department and the BREC Foundation is the awarding of a $100,000.00 grant from the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation.  This grant was the largest amount ever awarded by the organization in its 40 year history and will provide a new playground and new educational signage at the BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo.  
  • Over $150,000.00 worth of grants were submitted to area funders through the Foundation; 82% have been approved.  Funding for golf, recreation, seniors and the zoo was targeted. 
  • Money was donated for specific facilities such as the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, the Observatory, the Farr Park Horse Activity Center, and the Gallery.
  • Over eighty businesses and individuals have become contributors to the Foundation taking advantage of the fact that donations are tax deductible. 
  • The BREC Foundation obtained a donation of twenty five computers to benefit the Seniors Program and the Maintenance Department; co-hosted the First Tee Golf Classic, which raised over $13,000.00 in cash and in kind donations; received $141,840.00 in pass through donations for BREC facilities and programs, co-sponsored the “On the Trail to Imagine Your Parks” bike ride, and raised nearly $50,000.00 through memberships, administrative fees and interest.
  • Gifts were received from organizations such as the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation, the ExxonMobil Foundation, the Wal*Mart Foundation, the Reilly Family Foundation, Irene W. and C. B. Pennington Foundation, the  Cordell and Ava Haymon Fund and the Turner Industries Fund at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation among others.