Louisiana Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Bogalusa area that are working on projects to improve community services and economic development.

This program provides free resources and training to help micro and small business owners in select Louisiana parishes, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, grow and sustain their enterprises.

This program supports innovative startups in the Gulf South that are seeking to raise at least $1 million in funding by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to help them scale their businesses.

This funding program provides financial support to early childhood education centers and family child care providers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to expand and improve their facilities, ensuring more quality learning opportunities for children from low to moderate-income households.

This initiative provides support and resources to help minority- and woman-owned businesses in Louisiana grow and scale their operations effectively.

The Mayor’s Office of Community Development is excited to announce the availability of funding for MLK Day of Service Community Projects, offering grants of up to $10,000. Donor Name: Mayor’s Office of Community Development State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant aims to support projects that honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by promoting community service, advancing social justice, and addressing essential community needs. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants for this grant include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and businesses located in Louisiana. All applicants must be in good standing with the City of Baton Rouge and the Secretary of State. The project must be located in a Low to moderate-income area as defined by Housing Urban Development (HUD). For more information, visit Mayor’s Office of Community Development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote the economic, physical, and mental well-being of women and families in the New Orleans area.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is seeking applications for the Exxon-Mobil Fund to improve the quality of life for people in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish. Donor Name: Greater New Orleans Foundation State: Louisiana County: Saint Bernard Parish (LA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: An advisory committee of business and civic leaders meet annually to review grant requests in all program areas relative to the designated areas. While priority is given to nonprofit organizations based in St. Bernard Parish or Algiers, nonprofit organizations serving the St. Bernard or Algiers area will be given consideration. Funding Information For St. Bernard Parish, the Committee typically recommends grants that do not exceed $10,000, although larger grants may be made in extraordinary circumstances. For the designated area in Algiers, the Committee typically recommends grants that do not exceed $4,000. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that serve Algiers and St. Bernard Parish are eligible to apply for funding. Organizations that are not tax-exempt but have a fiscal agent relationship with a 501(c)(3) organization are also eligible. The Fund will provide for the following types of funding: Grants that support new, creative, or beneficial programs; Capital fund grants for new construction or major renovations; Seed money grants to help start a new organization which responds to an important opportunity in the community; Bridge grants to sustain organizations experiencing financial hardship. For more information, visit GNOF.

The Rapides Foundation is seeking applications for its Workforce Opportunity Grant Program. Donor Name: The Rapides Foundation State: Louisiana County: Allen Parish (LA), Avoyelles Parish (LA), Catahoula Parish (LA), Grant Parish (LA), LaSalle Parish (LA), Natchitoches Parish (LA), Rapides Parish (LA), Vernon Parish (LA), Winn Parish (LA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Rapides Foundation believes that lower and middle household income levels must rise for the standard of living to increase for all income levels. Healthy economies with low unemployment rates and higher wage jobs provide people with the means to purchase medical insurance, make better healthcare choices and live healthier lifestyles. The goal of the funding opportunity is to increase skills and knowledge of potential employees or existing employees that will require higher wages and to increase the production capacity of business or industry partners. The mission of The Rapides Foundation is to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. The Rapides Foundation focuses its work in three strategic areas: Healthy People, to improve access to healthcare and to promote healthy behaviors; Education, to increase the level of educational attainment and achievement as the primary path to improved economic, social and health status; and Healthy Communities, to improve economic opportunity and family income, and enhance civic and community opportunities for more effective leaders and organizations. Funding Information Grant provides up to $75,000. Grant Period  Grant provides up to 12 months Period. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible grant recipients include accredited, nonprofit, postsecondary institutions. Trainings must benefit businesses and employees located within The Rapides Foundation’s nine-parish service area (Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn parishes). Applicants should thoroughly review the Request for Proposals and other key documents included in the Key Materials section (located in the right column) to see full details of the grant opportunity, application process and proposal requirements. For more information, visit The Rapides Foundation.

Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas, and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is excited to announce the fifth round of funding for the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. Donor Name: City of Opelousas State: Louisiana City: Opelousas Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant program is designed to assist property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment and preserving the city’s historic identity and cultural assets. Funding Information This year the program will offer a total of $200,000 in grant funds for selected projects. The maximum amount that can be applied for is $10,000. Eligible Uses of Funds Building Improvement Grants are awarded for tangible and permanent building improvements, inclusive of the following: Restoration/Renovation of building Awnings (without signage) Brick cleaning or re-pointing of brick and other masonry Accent Lighting Removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street Window restoration Door replacement Restoration of original exterior/interior architectural features Interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, plumbing Work on roofs, cornices, gutters and down spouts Cleaning, preparation and painting of walls and trim For more information, visit City of Opelousas.

The Climate Action Equity Project (CAEP) Advisory Group will be distributing grants, via the Greater New Orleans Foundation, to organizations working on equitable climate action projects that will further the goals listed in the Taking Steps Together for Equity & Climate. Donor Name: Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) State: Louisiana County: Jefferson Parish (LA), Orleans Parish (LA), Plaquemines Parish (LA), Saint Bernard Parish (LA), Saint Charles Parish (LA), Saint James Parish (LA), Saint John the Baptist Parish (LA), Saint Tammany Parish (LA), Tangipahoa Parish (LA), Washington Parish (LA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas  Modernize the energy use Improve transportation choices Reduce waste Create culture that supports workforce and small business opportunities in climate action Organizations must be located in New Orleans and be led by and/or have established partnerships with residents of underserved neighborhoods. The Climate Action Equity Program will support: General operations Programs Advocacy, including legislative, judicial, or executive advocacy; community organizing; campaigns; leadership development; and policy development Capacity building, including technology needs and support, collaboration, professional development, communications training, organizational effectiveness, and evaluation and research Funding Information Expected grant size is $5,000 to $10,000; grants may be larger or smaller. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that serve within the Greater New Orleans area are eligible to apply for funding. Organizations that are not tax-exempt but have a fiscal agent relationship with a 501(c)(3) organization are also eligible. Smaller organizations and organizations with limited to no experience with the grant application process are especially encouraged to fill out the interest form, and there will be support available for completing this application. Grant Award Process  The Climate Action Equity Project Advisory Group will review all applications and recommend grants to be approved. The committee reviewing grant applications shall consist of representatives of the foundation’s Environmental Programs team, as well as community leaders and leaders of local groups with expertise in transportation, renewable and efficient energy, small business and workforce development, and waste reduction. Applications will be evaluated based on the following: Does the project and/or organization meet basic eligibility criteria? Does the project and/or organization meet the general and specific guidelines outlined above? How will the program or project be evaluated or its impact measured? The proposed plan or strategy for use of the funds? Is the organization networking, coordinating, cooperating, or collaborating with underserved communities? For more information, visit GNOF.

The City of Shreveport, through its Department of Community Development, is pleased to announce the availability of this Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”) for Affordable Rental Housing Proposals. Donor Name: City of Shreveport State: Louisiana City: Shreveport Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This opportunity is made possible through funding consideration under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP). The purpose of this Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”) is to solicit proposals from experienced and established agencies. Only responders with demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing affordable housing, operating non-congregate or transitional housing, supportive service programs and having extensive experience with federal policies, procedures, and programs need to apply to this solicitation. The City of Shreveport will not fund more than three qualified entities to provide affordable rental housing development, rehabilitation, to qualified populations based on the eligible uses outlined in The City of Shreveport’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible Activities  Based on the information obtained from the community survey, focus groups and community consultations, HOME-ARP has been elected to fund the following activities under this NOFA: Production or Preservation of Affordable Housing New construction or rehabilitation – of property intended to provided HOME-ARP rental housing for a minimum of 15 years. Property acquisition – must be undertaken only with respect to a particular housing project intended to provide HOME-ARP rental housing for a minimum of 15 years. Acquisition of vacant land – must be undertaken only with respect to a particular housing project intended to provide HOME-ARP rental housing for a minimum of 15 years. Qualifying Populations HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit individuals or families from the following qualifying populations: Homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)). At-risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(1)). Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, as defined by the Secretary. In other populations where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability. Eligibility Criteria  The City will accept applications from the following qualified and experienced housing development organizations: Not -For-Profit Organizations For-Profit Organizations Public Agencies Partnerships between the same. In addition to the items listed in the Minimum Eligibility Statement and Requirements, applicant entity must also meet the following criteria: Be organized and existing to do business in the State of Louisiana, or if organized in another state, must be qualified to do business in the State of Louisiana. Demonstrate at least three (3) years of related housing development and management experience in Louisiana. For the purposes of this program, “related housing experience” means the development, ownership, and management of affordable rental housing. Demonstrate the financial capacity necessary to undertake, complete, and manage the proposed project, as demonstrated by its ability to own, construct, or rehabilitate and manage and operate affordable rental housing. The City will evaluate the experience of the entire proposed team with owning, developing, and managing projects of similar size and scope serving the intended population proposed. Applicants and their development team must undergo an evaluation by the City of their capacity before the applicant may qualify as an eligible (“Recipient”). Have demonstrated understanding of the Federal, State and local housing programs used in conjunction with HOME funds to ensure compliance with all applicable program requirements and regulations. Certify that HOME-ARP Units will comply with Program requirements during the entire period that begins upon selection and ending upon the conclusion of all HOME funded compliance or Affordability Periods. Applicant must not debarred or excluded from receiving federal assistance prior to selection or entering into the grant contract with the City. For more information, visit City of Shreveport.

Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants provide matching funds to encourage the revitalization of historic downtown commercial properties located in designated Louisiana Main Street districts. Donor Name: Louisiana Office of Cultural Development State: Louisiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement | Matching Grants Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants serve as an effort to promote community revitalization and stimulate economic growth and vitality, in addition to enriching cultural tourism. Community reinvestment utilizing historic preservation practices improves community economic health by fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown. Funding Information Grant awards may range from $2,500 to $10,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. What is funded? Exterior: The scope of work must directly contribute physically (visually and with regard to historic preservation) and economically to the revitalization of the Main Street district while preserving and respecting the historic architectural character of the building, district, and architectural heritage of the community. Interior: Improvements are restricted to exposing, restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. The grant can also be used to offset costs of installing or repairing a fire suppression system for either a commercial ground floor space or a new (first-time) upper story income-producing residential development in a historically commercial building. Parapet Lighting: Commercial grade white or color LED lighting to outline a series of building parapets is a lighting initiative intended to create a nightly, year-round festive atmosphere in Main Street districts. Buildings must be adjoining and must include at least one block. Applications require a minimum five-year maintenance commitment plan. If the city oversees the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the lights, the local Main Street program may apply in conjunction with the city, and installation costs incurred by the city may apply toward the required match. Installation must be of professional standard, and secure for longevity of use and to minimize damage and maintenance issues. Signage: Restoration of historically significant/landmark signage or the restoration or replication of historic theater marquees is eligible. (New commercial signage is not supported by this grant.) Who may apply? Property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties located within designated Louisiana Main Street districts as of December 31 of the calendar year preceding the application deadline. Tenants must obtain the property owner’s consent signature on the grant application. If the applicant is a corporation, the grant application must be accompanied by a resolution from the corporation’s board of directors authorizing the applicant’s signature on behalf of the corporation. If the applicant is a co-owner of the property, the grant application must be accompanied by a statement authorizing the applicant to act on behalf of all co-owners. The statement must be signed by all co-owners. Buildings must be at least 50 years old and must contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district. Buildings less than 50 years old may be eligible if they meet National Register criteria for exceptional significance as an integral part of a historic district that is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The local Main Street director will assist the applicant in determining if the building meets this eligibility requirement. Louisiana Main Street will make the final determination based on the support documentation submitted with the application. For more information, visit LOCD.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Louisiana to help them expand their international sales and export activities through reimbursements for various related expenses.