LDOA Louisiana Project Grants 2026
This funding opportunity supports innovative arts projects in Louisiana, providing financial assistance to local artists, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to enhance public engagement in the arts.
The Louisiana Project Grants (LPG) FY26 program, administered by the Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) in conjunction with nine Regional Arts Councils (RACs), offers funding to support innovative and impactful arts projects across the state of Louisiana. The program is intended to enhance public participation in the arts, support professional artists, and respond to the unique cultural needs of various regions. The LPG program is funded by the LDOA with a $1 million transfer from the Louisiana Office of Tourism due to state budget cuts. These funds are allocated on a per capita basis and distributed by the nine RACs, each responsible for managing the grant process in their respective region. This grant opportunity is available to Louisiana-based artists, nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Applicants must reside and be incorporated in the parish they are applying from, as designated by the Louisiana Secretary of State. Additionally, they must be in good standing with both the Secretary of State and the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. All applicants are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Fiscal agents may be used by individuals or groups lacking legal status to apply directly. LPG funds can be used for a wide array of arts projects spanning disciplines such as culinary arts, dance, design, folklife, literature, media, music, theater, and visual arts and crafts. Each RAC sets specific award limits ranging from $2,500 to $7,500. Funds must be used between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Certain activities are ineligible for funding, including general operations, fundraising, academic projects, capital improvements, and projects occurring outside the applicant’s region. The application process is facilitated through the Submittable platform, with a firm deadline of Friday, June 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applications must include all required materials to be eligible for review. Applicants will be notified of their application status a few weeks after submission. Regional workshops and individual support from Community Development Coordinators are available to assist applicants with preparation and proposal development. Applications will be evaluated by a community-based panel using a rubric focused on artistic merit (35%), need and impact (35%), planning and design (20%), and administration and budget (10%). Bonus points may be awarded for projects incorporating local artists, demonstrating regional collaboration, or including comprehensive accessibility plans. For assistance, applicants should contact the Community Development Coordinator in their region. Each of the nine RACs serves specific parishes and provides tailored support throughout the application process. Contact details, including names, phone numbers, and emails, are provided in Attachment A of the guidelines document.
Award Range
$2,500 - $7,500
Total Program Funding
$1,000,000
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Amounts vary by region; projects must occur between Oct 1, 2025, and Sep 30, 2026; certain costs such as operating expenses or capital improvements are not allowed.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Louisiana nonprofit tax-exempt organizations registered as nonprofit with the Louisiana Secretary of State, or with 501(c)(3) status with the IRS are eligible. Nonprofit status must be current and in good standing at the time of the applicationdeadline. • Local, parish, or state governmental agencies such as libraries or municipalities are eligible and are not required to submit proof of nonprofit status. • Public or private schools and school boards (each school within a school system is considered a separate entity). • Colleges or universities sponsoring activities (each university department is considered a separate entity) intended for community participation (not academic, credit-producing, or curriculum-oriented projects). Such activities must provide significant access and the probability of significant attendance by the public. • Organizations or entities who lack the legal status to be an applicant may apply using an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to be a fiscal agent. The fiscal agent assumes legal and financial responsibility for the project (more on fiscal agents below). • Individuals may apply for a grant by using an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as a fiscal agent. The project must directly benefit the community and include community participation. The fiscal agent assumes legal and financial responsibility for theproject (more on fiscal agents below).
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
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