Cox Charities Awards $38K to 8 Baton Rouge Nonprofits

Eight Baton Rouge nonprofits received an early surprise Wednesday when Cox Charities showed up with $38,000 in grant money funded entirely by employees who wanted to help their neighbors.

The largest grants went to three organizations tackling basic needs. Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge each received $11,000 to continue their work providing shelter and food security.

Five additional organizations received $1,000 grants. The Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, Girl Scouts of Louisiana Southeast, The Arc of East Ascension, The Life of a Single Mom, and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge will use the funding to support their programs.

What makes these grants special is where the money came from. Every dollar came from recurring payroll deductions and one-time contributions from Cox employees who work in the community they're helping.

"What sets this program apart is that it's driven by our people," said Erin Monroe, Market Vice President for Cox Communications Greater Louisiana. The employees chose to redirect part of their paychecks toward supporting causes they believe in.

The Ripple Effect

This kind of employee-driven giving creates a powerful chain reaction. When workers invest their own money in local charities, they're more likely to volunteer their time, spread the word about these organizations, and encourage others to get involved.

The grants will help these nonprofits continue their essential work. The food bank will feed more families. Habitat will help more people achieve homeownership. Girl Scouts will provide more leadership opportunities for young women across Louisiana.

Employee giving programs transform workplaces into forces for community good, proving that collective action starts with individual choices to make a difference.