Who We Are
The Lafayette Resource Development Initiative (LRDI) is a privately funded, multi-year effort designed to serve as a sophisticated intermediary between national philanthropic capital and local community needs. Powered by the Community Foundation of Acadiana’s 26-year legacy of trust and compliance, LRDI is the primary vehicle dedicated to attracting significant national resources to foster sustainable and aligned community development within the City of Lafayette. We collaborate with public, private, and nonprofit sectors to ensure our city’s most vital projects reach their full potential.
What We Do
Building the Engine of Grant-Readiness
LRDI works with local partners to build the technical infrastructure necessary to secure high-value federal and national grants that have historically been out of reach for our region. Our work is focused on three strategic pillars:
- Landscape Mapping & Relationship Building: We proactively identify national funding streams and cultivate direct relationships with foundation program officers to align their investment priorities with Lafayette’s needs and opportunities.
- Technical Assistance & Grant-Readiness: We provide hands-on support to nonprofit, government, and economic development partners to ensure their projects meet the rigorous data and eligibility requirements of national funders.
- Pipeline Development: By vetting local initiatives through a “Project Readiness” lens, we are building a multi-year pipeline of competitive projects ready to win significant national investment.
Leadership Driven by Strategy and Community
Anita Begnaud serves as the Managing Director of LRDI, leading the initiative’s efforts to secure national funding and build strategic partnerships. Anita returned to Lafayette following her tenure as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. With nearly two decades of experience in economic development and civic leadership, including more than five years as CEO of the Downtown Development Authority, Anita utilizes her strategic background to position local community projects into nationally competitive investment opportunities.
Advisory Committee
Strategic Oversight & Alignment
The LRDI Advisory Committee provides vital oversight to ensure the initiative remains aligned with the City of Lafayette’s most critical priorities. Composed of local business and civic leaders, the committee offers strategic guidance on project vetting, partnership development, and long-term impact measurement. Their collective expertise ensures that LRDI maintains a clear focus on delivering a high return on investment for the Lafayette community.
“Building on our community’s strong local philanthropy and government leadership, LRDI will utilize relationships and expertise to attract national investments. This is about more than a single grant; it is about creating a sustainable pipeline of external investment that will benefit Lafayette for generations.”
Rob Eddy, LRDI Chair
Missy Bienvenu
CFA President & Chief Executive Officer
Rob Eddy
Pinnacle Group, CFA Strategic Plan Committee Chair, LRDI Chair
MacLaff, Inc, CFA Vice Chair
Oceans Healthcare
Tides Medical, CFA Audit Committee Chair, CFA Development Committee Chair
Contact Anita
Hear Anita discuss her return home to Acadiana and LRDI’s vision for driving economic growth in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Who CFA Serves
The Acadiana Region
CFA is proud to serve the culturally rich and diverse region known as Acadiana, with a primary focus on the eight parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. Through strong local relationships and parish-based affiliate foundations, CFA supports initiatives that reflect the values, history, and aspirations of each unique community.
More About CFA
Community Foundation of Acadiana is the trusted philanthropic leader and resource for donors and philanthropists, nonprofits, and community leaders in our region. The Foundation believes philanthropy is a catalyst for enhancing the quality of life in our communities – immediately and in perpetuity.
Dedicated to the mission
CFA’s Leadership
CFA is governed by a regional Board of Directors composed of thoughtful, civic-minded individuals who reflect the parishes that the foundation serves. Their leadership, combined with the dedication of CFA’s professional staff, ensures that the foundation remains responsive, trustworthy, and focused on its mission.