The Rapides Foundation in Alexandria, Louisiana, has announced a one-time, unrestricted donation of $14 million from philanthropist and Giving Pledger MacKenzie Scott.

The foundation, which works to improve the health of central Louisiana residents, will use the gift to deepen its efforts to improve access to health care, healthy behaviors, and education and income. Established in 1994, the foundation has awarded approximately $240 million in grants to address the social and behavioral determinants of health affecting the region’s residents. 

“We are extremely grateful that MacKenzie Scott believed enough in the mission and grantmaking strategies of the Rapides Foundation that she would make this significant gift,” said Rapides Foundation CEO Joe Rosier. “In the same way that we have approached development of our grantmaking strategies in the past, we will be intentional and deliberate about the best way to use this funding so that it translates into improvement in health status for central Louisiana residents.” 

(Photo credit: Rapides Foundation)