LaFrance Project aims to revolutionize the
giving process,
increasing funding in our local community
with an emphasis on support for
innovative solutions.
About
Us
Our Story
We founded LAFRANCE PROJECT to match generous funders with great nonprofits and to access untapped philanthropic potential in Palm Beach County. We are huge fans of cause-based marketing and purpose-based giving. We are here to help you identify the causes that speak to YOUR heart and fund best-in-class nonprofits in those areas.
Who We Are
Lisa LaFrance challenges outdated practices in the nonprofit sector, advocating for collaboration, transparency, efficiency, and deeper donor engagement. She became a member of the giving circle Impact the Palm Beaches in 2019 and immediately joined (and later led) the Grant Review Committee. She learned a tremendous amount about the local nonprofit sector and traditional, institutional style grant-making. Lisa led the organization in the 2023-2024 season, contributing to growth from 149 members in 2019 to 396 members in her year as President.
Prior to moving to Palm Beach in 2014, Lisa spent more than 20 years as an investment professional, helping to launch Bogle Investment Management, a quantitative hedge fund firm, in 1999. Her investment and for-profit experience inform her perspective on nonprofit sector potential.
“I want to inspire and encourage everyone to find true happiness, not through the pursuit of limitless material wealth, but through the purpose and passion that comes from helping others."
Jennifer LaFrance is dedicated to philanthropy and assisting nonprofits. She volunteers her time with her sister and is committed to redefining the way people think about volunteering and the term philanthropy.
Her career began as a social worker and then a 911 dispatcher. She returned to college to get a degree and became a Senior Paralegal when life threw her some major health curveballs. In 2022, she moved to Palm Beach County and became one of the Community Captains for the Wellington Neighborhood of Impact the Palm Beaches. Finding renewed energy, she puts all her volunteer efforts into the LAFRANCE PROJECT, assisting Lisa and promoting philanthropy in Palm Beach County.
"Collective giving and volunteering your time is another way to get involved and give back. Every kindness that is offered makes a difference in someone's life. It's like the butterfly effect, you never know what small kindness will have a major effect somewhere else, so let's all be butterflies."
Our Vision
Envision resources flowing to their best uses to change the world for good.
Get people to give more
Extraordinary
Charities Collab
LAFRANCE PROJECT has partnered with Extraordinary Charities to ignite meaningful community change through capacity building. Together, our mission is to empower small, local nonprofits and the communities they serve, and make it easier to leave money to these charities. The partnership also aims to elevate public awareness of the vital role these smaller organizations play in solving local challenges and building a stronger, more connected community across Palm Beach County.
Grapevine Giving Groups
LAFRANCE PROJECT's passion is matching funders with nonprofits, brainstorming capacity-building strategies, and fostering trust across community stakeholders. We challenge outdated practices in the nonprofit sector, advocating for transparency, authenticity, and creating deeper donor engagement. We have identified 13 key areas of support and will be launching Grapevine Giving Groups in 2026. These giving circles will be open to anyone and are designed to educate and engage donors through collaborative giving and shared impact.
Thought Leadership
LAFRANCE PROJECT is reimagining philanthropy.
If you would like to learn more about Lisa's thoughts on philanthropy, explore how you can find your purpose and change your community, or invite Lisa to speak at your next event please reach out to lisa@lafranceproject.com.
Why
Us
Deep Industry Knowledge
Lisa LaFrance is currently active in the Palm Beach non-profit community as a donor, leader, and connector. Since early 2019, she has been a member of Impact the Palm Beaches, serving as Co-Chair of Grants, Vice President, and most recently President of this collective giving circle. She is a Thought Leader for the Daily Drip, and a Board Member of Extraordinary Charities and Resource Depot. She also serves on the Steering Committee for Women United.
Years of Experience
Lisa’s professional background is in Investment Management. She was a Founder and Director at Bogle Investment Management, L.P., a Boston-area hedge fund, where she was responsible for Client Service, Marketing, and Compliance. Prior to helping launch the Bogle firm, she was an Investment Officer at Strategic Investment Management, a Virginia-based asset allocation specialist and manager-of-managers providing investment services to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. Her previous experience also includes public relations and communications consulting. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Smith College.