GNOF Exxon-Mobil Fund in Louisiana

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is inviting applications for the Exxon-Mobil Fund, an initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for residents in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support communities through strategic funding, addressing local needs and fostering development. An advisory committee, comprising business and civic leaders, annually reviews grant requests, ensuring that funding is directed towards impactful projects within these designated areas. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are the people residing in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish. The program aims to achieve a positive impact by supporting various initiatives, including new and beneficial programs, capital improvements, and organizational sustainability. While priority is given to nonprofit organizations based in St. Bernard Parish or Algiers, those serving these areas are also given strong consideration, ensuring a wide reach for community benefit. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing grants that support new, creative, or beneficial programs, capital fund grants for new construction or major renovations, and seed money grants to help establish new organizations that address significant community opportunities. Additionally, bridge grants are available to sustain organizations facing financial hardship, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and resilience within the nonprofit sector. Expected outcomes include improved community infrastructure, the launch of vital new services, and the continued operation of key organizations that serve the target populations. Measurable results will be determined through the annual review of grant requests by the advisory committee, which assesses the effectiveness and impact of funded projects. While grant sizes vary, typically not exceeding $10,000 for St. Bernard Parish and $4,000 for Algiers, larger grants may be considered in extraordinary circumstances, indicating a flexible approach to achieving significant positive change. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to supporting a range of organizational needs, from inception to crisis intervention. This approach reflects a theory of change that posits by investing in diverse types of programs and organizations, the quality of life for residents in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish will significantly improve. The emphasis on local leadership through the advisory committee further strengthens this model, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by a deep understanding of community needs.