Free documentary screening, panel to connect local nonprofits and residents

Free documentary screening, panel to connect local nonprofits and residents

SHREVEPORT - What is philanthropy?

A private action for public good, a system that aims to fill needs not met by the public or private sectors, a connection of resources and people to benefit the community at large.

Join the LSUS Institute of Nonprofit Administration and Research for a screening of the documentary "What is Philanthropy?" followed by a panel featuring key Shreveport figures in nonprofit and government organizations.

The April 21 event is free and will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the LSUS Theatre. Registration is encouraged.

"The documentary moves beyond the idea that philanthropy is just writing a check and instead explores it as a broader social force - how individuals, institutions, and communities contribute to solving problems," said Dr. Heather Carpenter, INAR executive director nonprofit administration associate professor. "I hope the audience comes to realize that philanthropy is not just something for wealthy individuals or large foundations.

"It's something we all participate in, whether through time, talent, advocacy or financial support."

The event is designed to connect the local nonprofit community to broader Shreveport-Bossier.

"If we can bring both groups together in the same room, we create a more informed community and a stronger connection between those doing the work and those supporting it," Carpenter said. "This is why wo do this annual film screening and discussion around the topics of nonprofit organizations, civic engagement, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

"We want the nonprofit community to reflect on how we communicate our work, engage donors and demonstrate impact. We want the general public to be aware of and understand how much of their daily lives are supported by nonprofit organizations in areas like healthcare, education, human services, and the arts."

The five-person panel represents various sectors and roles of the nonprofit world like corporate and foundation philanthropy, healthcare, academia, and local government.

The panel features Africa Price (VP of Regional Community Affairs, Ochsner); John Dean (President, Grayson Foundation); Amanda Nottingham (VP of External Affairs, SWEPCO); Victor Thomas (Caddo Parish Commissioner, District 3); and Chen Ji (LSUS nonprofit assistant professor).

"Their perspectives will help translate the film's broader themes into what philanthropy actually looks like here - how giving decisions are made, how volunteerism is mobilized, how partnerships are formed, and how resources are directed to meet community needs," said Carpenter, who will moderate the panel. "Each of these plays a different but connected role in supporting private action for the public good.

"This also highlights that philanthropy is not a standalone system. It's a network of relationships between individuals, nonprofits, corporations, foundations, and government. Hearing from leaders across these areas will give the audience a clearer understanding of how those pieces work together."

Nonprofits are navigating an inflationary economy with fewer individual donors and more uncertainty around public funds like federal grants.

Shreveport-Bossier is home to more than 2,000 nonprofits who generate a median annual revenue of more than $125,000 per organization, according to INAR's 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector in Louisiana report. The revenue is calculated from the 619 organizations that reported revenue in 2025.

Many of these nonprofits are small, volunteer-led organizations who rely on local donations.

"Giving trends are shifting, and while total dollars may remain stable or even grow, fewer individuals are giving, and more of the giving is concentrated among higher-income donors," said Carpenter, who added that volunteerism is just as important and is also declining. "That creates challenges for smaller and mid-sized nonprofits that rely on broad-based community support.

"Philanthropy plays a critical role in filling gaps, responding quickly to emerging needs, and supporting innovation in ways that other funding sources cannot."