The Zoo of Acadiana, founded in 1992 in Broussard, Louisiana, focuses on wildlife education and conservation, highlighting species native to Louisiana. Its mission is to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect wildlife through hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. The Stuller Family Foundation has supported the zoo in species acquisition, conservation, and education, including the recent construction of a state-of-the-art Giraffe Center to support giraffe breeding program for reticulated Giraffes in an effort to preserve the species for future generations.

The Stuller Family Foundation supports various private and public educational programs aimed at providing every child with the opportunity to succeed through quality education. One such initiative is ACE Scholarships, a nonprofit that raises funds to offer financial scholarships to low-income students, allowing them to attend the school of their choice. Since 2000, ACE has awarded over 80,000 scholarships worth nearly $212 million, helping students graduate high school and pursue college, trade school, or military careers across multiple states.

Louisiana Swamp Base is a national conservation and recreation project aimed at immersing youth in the Atchafalaya Swamp’s environment and culture. Located in a 1.4 million-acre swamp, the accessible facility offers educational and recreational opportunities while minimizing environmental impact. It serves groups such as school children, university students, Scouts, and special needs organizations, promoting swamp preservation. Initiated with a lead gift from the Stuller Family Foundation, the project’s goal is to improve public understanding and support long-term conservation of Louisiana’s wetlands.

Parish Proud, initiated by the Stuller Family Foundation in 2019, is a shining example of how personal experiences can inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. The foundation, with its roots deeply embedded in the Acadiana region, has been a beacon of community service since its inception in 1994. Through Parish Proud, the Stuller family extends their legacy by fostering a movement dedicated to the beautification and preservation of the local environment, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty of Lafayette and its surroundings.

Completed in 2022, The Veteran’s Memorial at Moncus Park stands as a solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifices of the military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces. With its flag court and commemorative tablets, it honors the legacy of those who participated in significant conflicts throughout the nation’s history. The inscribed brick pavers and seat walls offer a personal touch, allowing visitors to reflect on the individual stories and contributions of veterans and their families. This memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who defend it.

Acadiana Animal Aid exemplifies the profound impact that compassion and advocacy can have on animal welfare. With a no-kill policy, they provide a beacon of hope for dogs and cats in the Acadiana area, ensuring that every animal receives the care and shelter they need. Their commitment to education and rescue efforts for those most at risk is a testament to their dedication to the cause. The stories of resilience and survival that emerge from AAA inspire a community-wide movement towards responsible pet ownership and animal protection.

The Peregrine Fund is dedicated to conserving birds of prey worldwide. Its vision for the future focuses on thriving raptor populations, enriched human communities, and global recognition as experts in raptor conservation. The organization’s strategy includes three key outcomes: conservation (preventing extinctions, protecting critical habitats, and addressing threats), engagement (inspiring action and fostering future conservation leaders), and capacity (building infrastructure and resources to achieve measurable goals). The Peregrine Fund aims to create a successful future where raptors are valued globally and their ecosystems are protected, with a focus on science-driven solutions and long-term impact by 2050.

The Stuller Family Foundation has played a key role in the growth and development of Ascension Episcopal School, formerly Ascension Day School. Through their generosity, the school expanded with the construction of a Lower School and Early Learning Center in River Ranch in 2003, followed by a new high school and Stuller Hall in Sugar Mill Pond, Youngsville, in 2009. This marked the first new private school construction in Acadiana in 25 years. The Middle School at Ascension Episcopal School includes Owen Hall, named in honor of James Tuttle Owen, Cece Stuller’s father. Owen was a Lafayette businessman, LSU boxing coach who led the team to its first and only national title in 1949, and an Olympic boxing coach.

For over 60 years, Ascension Episcopal School has been dedicated to providing students with opportunities for academic, emotional, and intellectual growth. The school focuses on developing the whole child through a curriculum that emphasizes lifelong learning, and offers a balanced education in academics, arts, athletics, and Christian values. Ascension boasts an average class size of 16, with 13 AP courses, 9 dual enrollment options, and 14 athletic programs. It has also been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 15 years. Ascension continues to nurture students into individuals who are gentle, generous, truthful, kind, and brave.

The establishment of Love Our Schools as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2023 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of community-driven philanthropy in Lafayette. This initiative, which began in 2019 under the auspices of the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation and supported by the Stuller and Pugh Family Foundations, has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. By fostering collaboration among local institutions and individuals, Love Our Schools embodies a progressive approach to educational excellence and innovation.

Hospice of Acadiana, the only nonprofit hospice organization in the region, offers compassionate end-of-life care throughout Acadiana. Its services prioritize comfort, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and grief and transition counseling for terminally ill patients and their families. The Stuller Family Foundation has generously contributed over $1.6 million to sustain and enhance these vital services for the community. Notable recent contributions include funding for free community support programs, the construction of Calcutta House—a 12-bed inpatient hospice facility, a commercial kitchen for the Food with Love program, and investments in campus expansion projects.

In 2024, the Stuller Family Foundation, The William C. Schumacher Family Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Acadiana collaborated to raise funds for the Louisiana Multi-Agency Resource Center (LeMarc). The center will provide community-based “wraparound services” to support juveniles and their families in addressing behavioral and mental health challenges. This flexible approach aims to keep children in their homes and communities, reducing the need for costly residential treatment centers. It also helps maintain family and social connections, leading to improved mental health, better functioning at home and school, and reduced involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Formerly known as Stuller Place, Hearts of Hope in Lafayette, Louisiana, began its journey when Matt Stuller’s family generously donated the original offices of his father’s dental business. This donation allowed the organization to establish a space where they could support victims of violent crimes and their families. Since then, the organization has evolved into Hearts of Hope, dedicated to providing emotional support, advocacy, and resources to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives. The original office location remains the primary hub for the important work they do in the community.

The RescYou group, founded by the Stuller Family Foundation, Giles Automotive, and Ochsner Lafayette General, is a non-profit organization based in Lafayette, Louisiana. It focuses on supporting at-risk youth by providing mentorship, educational support, and life skills training. RescYou aims to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome challenges, build self-confidence, and create better futures through resources and opportunities that may not otherwise be available. The organization is dedicated to making a positive impact by promoting personal growth, safety, and success for vulnerable youth.

The ULL Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Student Center is a spiritual and community hub at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, serving Catholic students, faculty, and staff. It offers Mass, Bible studies, retreats, social events, and service opportunities to support students’ spiritual, personal, and academic lives. The center fosters faith growth, promotes social justice, and engages in community service. To support future growth, the Stuller Family Foundation donated over $1M for the construction of a new chapel and student center, which will include the Stuller Lecture Hall.

In 1995, Miles Perret was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and his family focused on ensuring he had a normal and carefree life despite his illness. Miles passed away from glioblastoma in 1996. Inspired by their journey, the Perret family started the “Games of Acadiana” in 2001 to raise funds. The success of this event led to the opening of the Miles Perret Center in 2002, which later evolved into Miles Perret Cancer Services (MPCS). MPCS provides comprehensive, no-cost support to cancer patients and their families in Acadiana, offering emotional support, guidance, and programs. The organization has helped over 21,000 families and continues to be primarily funded by Games of Acadiana, along with private donations and grants. MPCS operates as a non-profit and also has a mobile unit to serve surrounding communities. Since 2002 the Stuller Family Foundation and Stuller Inc. has supported the organization through various fundraisers, grants, and volunteer service. In 2024, the Stuller Family Foundation donated $1M towards the construction of a new, and expanded, Miles Perret Cancer Center.

The Stuller Family Foundation is proud to present annually the Louisiana First Responders Christian Association’s Hall of Fame Ceremony, held in Lafayette, Louisiana. The program honors the selfless dedication of public safety leaders who have performed live, saving tasks and are dedicated to putting the community first. In addition to the awards, a grant is given in the honoree’s name to a Louisiana youth aged 10-18, fostering future leaders. The program is managed by a dedicated Board of Directors, who meet quarterly to review nominations, select honorees, and organize the award ceremonies, celebrating both public service and youth development.

In April 2024, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited (DLU) celebrated the opening of downtown Lafayette’s first fully inclusive, handicap-accessible public playground at Parc Sans Souci, a nearly $1 million initiative. This community-driven project was made possible through collaboration with the Lafayette Consolidated Government and several generous donors, including the Stuller Family Foundation. In addition to being one of the lead contributors, the Stuller Family Foundation also covered cost overruns, ensuring the park’s debt-free opening. The park enriches the area’s family-friendly atmosphere and fosters a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

The Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) in Lafayette, Louisiana, is an interactive museum focused on providing educational experiences for children and families. It features hands-on exhibits in subjects like science, art, culture, and history, encouraging creativity and learning through play. The museum also offers special programs, such as Free Sensory Mornings for children with autism or sensory sensitivities, providing a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment. Supported by the Stuller Family Foundation, CMA has benefited from both facility improvements and programmatic initiatives, fostering an inclusive, engaging space for children to learn and grow.

Healing House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grieving children aged 4-17 who have experienced the death of a family member or close person. The organization provides a safe, welcoming environment where children can share their feelings and memories with others facing similar losses. By offering group support, Healing House helps children navigate their grief and begin the healing process, ensuring they never have to grieve alone.

Hope for Opelousas (HFO) is a nonprofit organization based in Opelousas, Louisiana, aiming to break the cycle of poverty through education, mentorship, and family services. Operating in a city where 45.2% of residents live in poverty, HFO provides support to children and families, fostering leadership and community engagement. Known for its brightly colored houses in “The Hill” neighborhood, HFO is also involved in painting and repairing homes for neighbors. The organization focuses on youth empowerment, relationships, and the transformative power of love, with a vision of cultivating a new generation of individuals who take ownership of their futures and contribute to the community’s restoration.

Faith House is a domestic abuse crisis center dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children through protection, refuge, empowerment, and advocacy. It offers six key services: emergency shelter, a non-residential program, transitional housing, permanent housing, a 24-hour crisis line, and public education. Founded in 1980 by Sister Mary Thomas to serve homeless women, Faith House adapted to also support victims of domestic violence starting in 1987. By 1992, it became a dedicated battered women’s program. In 2016, Faith House launched the Family Justice Center of Acadiana, a collaborative model that improves local responses to domestic violence, providing comprehensive services such as law enforcement, legal support, and counseling all in one location.

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.

The mission of The Refinery in Opelousas, Louisiana, is centered around empowering and supporting individuals and communities through workforce development, entrepreneurship, and skill-building programs. The organization focuses on providing educational opportunities, mentorship, and resources to help people in the area build better futures. The Refinery aims to create sustainable economic growth in the region by fostering a culture of self-sufficiency, innovation, and leadership, especially within underserved communities. Through various initiatives, it seeks to address local challenges, enhance personal and professional growth, and contribute to the overall well-being of the Opelousas area.