Baton Rouge Area Foundation

Baton Rouge Area Foundation

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation was established in 1964 as a nonprofit community foundation. Chris Meyer currently leads operations. Supporting organizations such as the Wilbur Marvin Foundation, founded in 1992, handle real estate activities that generate returns for civic causes. The foundation allocates across real estate and venture capital. It holds direct positions in the IBM Building valued at $30.5 million and The Water Campus valued at $60 million, both in Baton Rouge. Additional holdings include the 525 Lafayette residential tower and a portfolio of retail centers across Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. It also serves as limited partner in Louisiana Fund II and New Enterprise Associates. Geographic focus centers on Louisiana and extends to North Carolina through the 5401 North master-planned community. The foundation employs 49 professionals. It maintains a relationship with Commercial Properties Realty Trust as its real estate development arm. In March 2024 it sponsored the BRAF Annual Meeting of Members covering community impact and civic leadership awards. Adjacent vehicles include the E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Family Foundation and the Milford Wampold Support Foundation. The foundation separates investment and grant functions through dedicated supporting organizations. The Wilbur Marvin Foundation owns and manages income-producing properties whose proceeds fund charitable work, creating a self-sustaining structure distinct from pure grantmaking entities.