Louisiana Community Development Grants

The Louisiana Project Grants (LPG) program, funded by The Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) and administered by The Acadiana Center for the Arts for Region 4, aims to cultivate innovative arts projects with lasting impact. Replacing the Decentralized Arts Funding (DAF) program that began in 1995, LPG supports arts projects that address local needs and provide artistic value within communities. The program offers funding for a wide variety of arts initiatives that meet specific community requirements. Applications for the FY25 cycle open on May 1, 2024, and must be submitted online by June 28, 2024. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit organizations, public and private schools, local government agencies, and colleges and universities within Acadiana’s Region 4. The funding period spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with grant amounts ranging from $2,500 to $7,500.

Propeller’s Impact Accelerator is a 5-month program that provides mission-driven entrepreneurs with coaching, community building, curriculum, and technical assistance to grow their businesses. Donor Name: Propeller State: Louisiana City: New Orleans Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: In the Impact Accelerator, Propeller works with entrepreneurs to catalyze transformational growth. Propeller connects entrepreneurs with the contract opportunities, markets, and customers to put their businesses on the fast track for growth. Ventures begin their Impact Accelerator experience by working with experienced, dedicated mentors to set ambitious yet achievable goals for growth and long-term sustainability, tailored to the needs of your business. Each venture receives support from subject matter experts to provide project assistance and access to entrepreneurial curriculum to remove speed bumps to growth. Propeller’s Impact Accelerator is sponsored by the Clif Family Foundation, Capital One, Nasdaq, RosaMary Foundation, WK Kellogg Foundation, Baptist Community Ministries. Focus Areas  Community Economic Development In community economic development, Propeller’s Impact Accelerator supports BIPOC entrepreneurs operating brick and mortar establishments along the Broad Street corridor, in New Orleans East, and in Central City seeking to grow their revenues and staff. Education In education, Propeller’s Impact Accelerator supports entrepreneurs working in the service provision or delivery of early childhood education and care from birth to eight years of age. Food In food, Propeller’s Impact Accelerator supports entrepreneurs who have an existing consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand with an emphasis on sustainable, healthy, and affordable products made with locally-sourced ingredients. Health In health, Propeller’s Impact Accelerator supports entrepreneurs who provide direct health and wellness services, including clinical care, and services that address the social and physical determinants of health in the built environment and community context domains. Propeller prioritizes entrepreneurs who serve a BIPOC client base. Water In water, Propeller’s Impact Accelerator focuses on supporting entrepreneurs working in the fields of green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, native plants cultivation, and coastal restoration. Benefits Impact Accelerator participants have regular Lead Mentor office hours to set goals for growth and sustainability, receive support from Subject Matter Experts, and attend in-person meetups to access entrepreneurial curriculum.  A summary of program benefits include: 16+ hours of Lead Mentor Office Hours 12+ hours of business development curriculum during Meetups 20+ hours to work with Subject Matter Experts on projects related to business growth goals A detailed work plan laying out revenue, capital, and social/environmental impact goals Coaching to embed racial equity, social and environmental impact goals into business operations Introductions to key community stakeholders Free coworking office space at Propeller’s facility Membership in a cohort of 20 like-minded entrepreneurs, as well as a network of over 250 alumni. Eligibility Criteria  Propeller is seeking growth stage entrepreneurs with plans to scale revenues and teams over the next 12 months in Propeller’s five areas of focus: community economic development, education, food, health, and water. Community Economic Development Eligibility Category: Black-owned Brick and Mortar Storefronts For-profit Operating a brick-and-mortar storefront Headquartered on or along North/South Broad Street, Central City, or New Orleans East Majority (50%+) owned by Black entrepreneur(s) Preferred: Storefront business that has existed in the neighborhood for 3+ years with the desire to stay in the neighborhood, create livable wage jobs, and build strong community ties Preferred: Businesses with stated intention of growing revenues and team through commercial and/or government contracts. Education Eligibility Category: Early Childhood Education For-Profit or Non-Profit Supports service provision or delivery of early childhood education and care from birth to eight years of age Plans to increase enrollment, grow staff, and/or expand business location within the next 12 months. Education Eligibility Category: Consumer Packaged Goods Entrepreneurs who have an existing consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand that are one or more of the following: Environmentally sound Locally sourced Healthy Or have other compelling social or environmental impacts Propeller will prioritize companies led by BIPOC entrepreneurs, especially those seeking to increase sales through growth of wholesale outlets. Health  Eligibility Category: Direct provision or delivery of healthcare For-profit or nonprofit with earned revenue Providing direct clinical care or healthcare Preferred: Entrepreneurs serving a BIPOC client base Preferred: Entrepreneurs seeking to make healthcare more accessible to New Orleanians Preferred: Entrepreneurs seeking to grow their staff in the next 12 months Eligibility Category: Provision of services impacting social and physical determinants of health For-profit or nonprofit with earned revenue Providing services impacting social and physical determinants of health Preferred: Entrepreneurs serving a BIPOC client base Preferred: Entrepreneurs seeking to make healthcare more accessible to New Orleanians Preferred: Entrepreneurs seeking to grow their staff in the next 12 months. Water  Eligibility Category: Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management Currently working urban stormwater management or green infrastructure For-profit or nonprofit with earned revenue Eligibility Category: Coastal Restoration Currently working or seeking to work in coastal restoration For-profit or nonprofit with earned revenue Eligibility Category: Native Plant Cultivation For-profit or nonprofit with earned revenue Priority: increasing supply of native plants to be used in green infrastructure projects. For more information, visit Propeller.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Louisiana-based nonprofits and community organizations to address urgent needs related to disasters and crises, focusing on food security, housing, and community wellness, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The GPOA Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth within Orleans Parish, Louisiana, through substantial financial support to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, the foundation focuses on operational costs of programs that directly benefit this demographic, including staff salaries and materials. Notably, the foundation is open to considering multi-year requests for three years of declining support, contingent on the organizations' impact objectives and evaluation plans. Moreover, collaborative grant requests involving up to three organizations are encouraged, aiming to foster a cooperative approach towards achieving common outcomes. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofits serving children and youth in Orleans Parish, and the foundation does not fund building or renovation expenses, equipment, event sponsorships, individual scholarships, or out-of-state programs. The GPOA Foundation prioritizes early childhood education, grade-level reading proficiency by the third grade, enrichment programs, special education, and vocational training for at-risk youth, with a vision to level the playing field for the most vulnerable segments of the community. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring opening/closing concept paper deadline: April 1st to May 1st. Full application ONLY by invitation.

The GPOA Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth within Orleans Parish, Louisiana, through substantial financial support to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, the foundation focuses on operational costs of programs that directly benefit this demographic, including staff salaries and materials. Notably, the foundation is open to considering multi-year requests for three years of declining support, contingent on the organizations' impact objectives and evaluation plans. Moreover, collaborative grant requests involving up to three organizations are encouraged, aiming to foster a cooperative approach towards achieving common outcomes. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofits serving children and youth in Orleans Parish, and the foundation does not fund building or renovation expenses, equipment, event sponsorships, individual scholarships, or out-of-state programs. The GPOA Foundation prioritizes early childhood education, grade-level reading proficiency by the third grade, enrichment programs, special education, and vocational training for at-risk youth, with a vision to level the playing field for the most vulnerable segments of the community. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall opening/closing concept paper deadline: October 1st to November 1st. Full application ONLY by invitation.

This funding opportunity supports 501(c)(3) organizations working on projects that improve the Alexandria metropolitan area, with a focus on leadership in philanthropy, education, arts, and community development.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and government agencies in the Greater New Orleans area that focus on education, civic affairs, and social services.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Louisiana working together to improve health and well-being by addressing issues like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health through collaborative and sustainable solutions.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that improve health and community well-being in Louisiana by introducing new solutions or reimagining existing services.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations and government agencies focused on education, civic affairs, and social services in the Greater New Orleans area, with some consideration for organizations outside the region if a trustee is familiar with them.

The Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation, initially the Charles T. Beaird Foundation, was established in 1960 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to support the philanthropic endeavors of the Beaird-Poulan Corporation. Transitioning in 2009 to a stand-alone family foundation named after its founders, it now supports a range of causes in the Shreveport and Bossier City region, focusing on small, local, innovative, and possibly unpopular programs. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, housing, healthcare, social services, the arts, and community development, and encourages organizations to apply through their online system during specified grant cycles. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring opening/closing deadline application: December 1st to January 5th. Letter of Intent January 15st to January 31st (optional)

The Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation, initially the Charles T. Beaird Foundation, was established in 1960 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to support the philanthropic endeavors of the Beaird-Poulan Corporation. Transitioning in 2009 to a stand-alone family foundation named after its founders, it now supports a range of causes in the Shreveport and Bossier City region, focusing on small, local, innovative, and possibly unpopular programs. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, housing, healthcare, social services, the arts, and community development, and encourages organizations to apply through their online system during specified grant cycles. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall opening/closing deadline application: August 1st to August 15th. Letter of Intent July 1st to July 21st (optional)

Grant Opportunity: LEH Rebirth Grants Funding Organization: Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) Contact Information: Contact LEH grants staff for assistance Award Details: Grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. LEH may award partial amounts. Matching cost share in cash or in kind is required. Eligibility: Humanities-based organizations operating within the 64 parishes of Louisiana are eligible to apply. Eligible organizations include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public-facing organizations within accredited institutions of higher learning, state and local government agencies, and state or federally recognized Native American tribal governments in Louisiana. Organizations reaching underserved populations are encouraged to apply. Program and Intent: LEH Rebirth Grants support programmatic initiatives focused on the humanities. Eligible projects include public humanities programs, documentary photography, podcast and radio projects, humanities-based festivals and exhibition development, digital humanities projects, speaker series, assistance with publication projects, and humanities-based educational initiatives. Projects must involve the participation of credentialed humanities scholars. Application Timeline: Applications open on April 1 each year, with decisions announced in July. Rebirth project activities should be implemented between September 1 and October 31 of the following year. The application period for 2024 Rebirth Grants is April 1 to May 1, 2024. Funding Guidelines: Humanities scholars must play a central role in all phases of the project. Projects must focus on topics and themes drawn from the humanities or bring the analytical potential of the humanities to bear on current concerns. Programs must provide a balance of viewpoints, target public audiences, involve community representatives, and avoid advocacy and bias. LEH does not fund certain types of projects, such as creative and performing arts, research exclusively for scholarly audiences, scholarships, and political action. Nonprofit status is required, and cost share is expected. Evaluation and final reports are required for funded projects.

Capacity-building grants enable organizations to hire consultants to help their board and staff accomplish work that requires time, energy, expertise, and innovative thinking beyond everyday operations. In general, the most successful capacity-building projects: Address operational, management, or governance issues that affect the organization as a whole, rather than a single department or program. Focus on a single core challenge or opportunity, rather than a patchwork of unrelated issues. Are critical to the organization’s long-term success in achieving its mission. Examples of capacity-building grants may include funding for time-sensitive projects, such as executive transitions and consolidation processes such as mergers, strategic partnerships, and closing responsibly. Other types of capacity-building eligible for funding include: Data Collection and Evaluation Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive and Leadership Coaching Financial Management and Planning Fund Development and Sustainability Planning Governance and Board Development Human resources, staffing, and operational planning Organizational Development/ Readiness (preparing to seek foundation or government funding) Strategic Communications and Planning Strategic Planning