by Elizabeth K. Jeffers
GNOF’s mission, according to its website, is “to create a thriving community for all” by “linking philanthropists with the needs and aspirations of the greater community.”
GNOF has served as a massive gatekeeper for larger national foundations channeling funding to Louisiana. For example, the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund donated over $1 million in 2007 and 2008 to GNOF. The Rockefeller Foundation donated $3.4 million to GNOF. With its total annual giving amount over $22 million, GNOF is the second to highest giving foundation in the state of Louisiana.
The current king of Rex, Christian T. Brown, is an executive committee member of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. And the co-founder of FirstLine Schools, Anthony Recasner, is a former chairman and director of GNOF’s board of trustees. During the 2004-2005 year, Steven W. Usdin served on GNOF’s Asset Development Committee.
