Announcing the 2025 R2I Community Champion Distinguished Service Award Recipients!
We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Restoration and Rejuvenation Initiative (R2I) Community Champion Distinguished Service Awards!
Now in its second round, the R2I awards celebrate and support those making a meaningful difference in underserved communities across the Greater New Orleans region. This year, thanks to nominations from across the community, in addition to recognizing their outstanding contributions to the people of Southeast Louisiana, $80,000 has been distributed to community and nonprofit leaders who are strengthening the fabric of our region through service, leadership, and a deep commitment to equity.
Each awardee can use their award funds for rest and renewal – however they define it. We believe that when we invest in sustaining the people at the heart of social change, we strengthen the movements they lead. These awards are a powerful statement about the importance of celebrating those who are making a positive difference in our communities and of supporting their wellbeing.
This second round of R2I awards also marks a major milestone for GNOFN: They are the first to be awarded as part of GNOFN’s new Wellbeing Fund, a flexible, trust-based resource designed to invest in community-led systems change across the region.
The Wellbeing Fund builds on a decade of collaborative grantmaking and is designed to meet today’s challenges. Guided by data, trust, and lived experience, the Fund is designed to advance regional wellbeing and justice through unrestricted grants for:
Individuals: Continuing the R2I model by celebrating exceptional service and supporting nonprofit and community leaders in reducing stress and promoting renewal
Adaptive Capacity: Supporting nonprofits navigating critical, unexpected challenges with flexibility and care (launching 2026)
Collaborations and Partnerships: Supporting organizations working together to expand or improve services (launching 2027)
Ultimately, the Wellbeing Fund is both a call to action and an expression of hope. It acknowledges that while progress has been made since Katrina, true wellbeing requires sustained investment in people and communities. Through this fund and the stories of our Community Champions, GNOFN reaffirms its belief that transformation is possible when those closest to the challenges lead the way.
Congratulations to all our 2025 Community Champions. Your dedication reminds us what leadership and hope look like in action.
