Fund for Acadiana Grants

The Fund for Acadiana Grants is a competitive funding program administered by the Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA), designed to support impactful, large-scale projects that benefit the Acadiana region in Louisiana. This grant initiative is part of CFA’s broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic philanthropy and is distinguished by its broader geographic scope and larger award size compared to other affiliate programs. The program awards up to $15,000 per project and is open to organizations operating in any or across multiple of the following parishes: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. The program’s primary goal is to catalyze sustainable, systemic change across Acadiana. By funding initiatives that go beyond addressing immediate needs, CFA seeks to empower nonprofit organizations that implement solutions with long-term impact. Eligible projects may address a wide range of community priorities, including but not limited to human services, health, education, environment, youth development, civic engagement, and arts and culture. Preference is given to proposals that incorporate collaborative partnerships, inclusive community engagement, and demonstrable outcomes. Applicants must have nonprofit status under IRS 501(c)(3) or be publicly supported institutions such as school districts or municipalities. Projects must be locally based within the eligible parishes and must clearly align with CFA’s strategic values, such as promoting equity, access, and sustainability. Proposals should cover a one-year timeframe, and funding may be used for programming, capital improvements, equipment, or material purchases, depending on the nature of the initiative. Endowments, sponsorships, ongoing operating expenses, and retroactive funding are ineligible uses. The application process is two-tiered. First, interested applicants must complete an eligibility and interest form by May 14, 2026. This round is open to all qualifying organizations. Based on this initial screening, select applicants will be invited to submit a full application and supporting materials such as a detailed project budget. This second round will occur between June 22 and July 23, 2026. Grant decisions and disbursements are expected in September 2026. Only applications submitted via CFA’s online portal will be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to consult with CFA staff to ensure alignment and completeness before submission. All proposals are reviewed by a panel of community members, with final approval by CFA’s Board of Directors. Evaluation criteria include the proposal’s relevance to community needs, clarity of the proposed approach, sustainability of impact, and the organization’s capacity to deliver. Funded organizations must submit a follow-up report at the end of the grant period detailing expenditures and actual outcomes compared to the original application goals. Inquiries regarding the Fund for Acadiana Grants can be directed to Chasah West, CFA’s Director of External Affairs & Communications, at [email protected] or by phone at (337) 769-4840. Detailed guidelines, including application procedures and evaluation standards, are available in PDF format on CFA’s website.

Focus on long-term impact and systemic change. Clear alignment with regional needs, collaborative approach, and measurable outcomes improve competitiveness.