Louisiana Food and Nutrition Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects that improve education, address essential human needs, promote social justice, and support environmental stewardship in communities served by American Electric Power.

This funding opportunity provides $250 to public schools and local community organizations for creating and expanding school garden projects that promote environmental and nutritional education.

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.

This funding opportunity provides up to $25,000 to Louisiana-based nonprofits for innovative projects that improve community health and well-being.

The Media: Documentation & Creation Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, is designed to support artistic endeavors that document, create, or exhibit work interpreting the indigenous culture and heritage of Louisiana. This aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of communities in Louisiana through various cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities. The grant aims to foster projects such as art exhibits, visual art, photography, film, literature (fiction or nonfiction), Internet projects, podcasts, electronic media, documentaries, performing arts, or recordings, all contributing to the cultural landscape of the state. Target beneficiaries for this grant include 501(c)(3) organizations and registered Louisiana nonprofits, with commercial organizations being ineligible. While applicants are not required to be based in Louisiana, the proposed project's primary focus must be on an aspect of Louisiana's culture and/or heritage. The impact goal is to strengthen the documentation and artistic interpretation of Louisiana's rich cultural legacy, ensuring its preservation and continued celebration. Priorities for funding include projects that strongly align with the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission. Preference will be given to Louisiana-based applicants, and all grant funds must be spent within Louisiana, ensuring direct local economic and cultural benefit. The focus is on supporting activities that embody the spirit of the Foundation's mission, which broadly encompasses music, culture, and heritage. Expected outcomes include the creation and dissemination of new artistic works that shed light on Louisiana's indigenous culture and heritage. Measurable results could involve the number of projects completed, the audience reached by exhibits or performances, and the overall contribution to the cultural narrative of the state. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on cultural preservation and promotion, utilizing a theory of change that posits by supporting artistic and cultural documentation, they can sustain and enrich the unique heritage of Louisiana for future generations. The maximum grant amount is $7,500, with a grant period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration for funded projects.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

Propeller’s Impact Accelerator is a 5-month program designed to support mission-driven entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through coaching, community building, curriculum, and technical assistance. The program aims to catalyze transformational growth by connecting entrepreneurs with contract opportunities, markets, and customers. It is sponsored by the Clif Family Foundation, Capital One, Nasdaq, RosaMary Foundation, WK Kellogg Foundation, and Baptist Community Ministries, aligning with their missions to foster economic development, education, and community well-being by empowering local businesses. The Impact Accelerator targets growth-stage entrepreneurs in five key areas: community economic development, education, food, health, and water. Specifically, it supports BIPOC entrepreneurs operating brick-and-mortar establishments in underserved New Orleans corridors for economic development; early childhood education and care providers for education; CPG brands emphasizing sustainable, healthy, and affordable products for food; direct health and wellness service providers, especially those serving BIPOC clients, for health; and entrepreneurs in green infrastructure, stormwater management, native plant cultivation, and coastal restoration for water. The program's overarching impact goal is to facilitate the scaling of revenues and teams, while also embedding racial equity, social, and environmental impact goals into business operations. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated within each sector. For community economic development, the focus is on Black-owned brick-and-mortar storefronts in specific New Orleans neighborhoods, aiming for job creation and community ties. In education, the priority is on increasing enrollment, growing staff, and expanding business locations for early childhood education providers. For food, the emphasis is on CPG brands that are environmentally sound, locally sourced, healthy, or have compelling social/environmental impacts, with a prioritization of BIPOC-led companies. Health focuses on direct clinical care and services impacting social and physical determinants of health, especially for BIPOC client bases, striving for increased accessibility and staff growth. The water sector prioritizes green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, native plants, and coastal restoration, seeking to increase the supply of native plants for green infrastructure. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants setting ambitious yet achievable goals for growth and long-term sustainability, an increase in business revenues and staff, and the successful attainment of social/environmental impact goals. Entrepreneurs receive over 16 hours of lead mentor office hours for goal setting, 12+ hours of business development curriculum during meetups, and 20+ hours with subject matter experts for project assistance. Additional benefits include a detailed work plan, coaching on racial equity and impact goals, introductions to stakeholders, free coworking space, and membership in a network of over 250 alumni. These structured interventions are designed to remove growth barriers and accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ventures, leading to tangible economic and social improvements within the targeted communities and sectors.

This grant provides funding for nonprofits and public organizations in Louisiana to create small-scale humanities projects that engage local communities and explore the state's unique history and culture.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the NFL Foundation and other key organizations, is spearheading the Super Bowl LIX Legacy Program, "Impact 59 Powered by Entergy." This initiative aims to leave a lasting legacy of philanthropy and economic impact within the Greater New Orleans community, aligning with Entergy's broader mission of community support and development. The program's strategic approach focuses on fostering positive change through collaborative efforts with local nonprofit partners, reflecting a commitment to leveraging significant events like the Super Bowl for long-term community benefit. The primary target beneficiaries of the "Impact 59" grants are underserved populations within ten specific parishes in Louisiana: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington. The program aims to achieve significant impact in several key areas, including Youth Development, Workforce Training, Education, Health & Wellness, and Equity & Inclusion. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life, increase opportunities, and promote a more equitable environment for marginalized individuals and groups within these communities. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. In Youth Development, the emphasis is on mentoring, physical and mental well-being, and engaging youth through sports, health clinics, and specialized training. Workforce Training focuses on increasing employability for underserved populations, including the formerly incarcerated, to secure living wage jobs. Education seeks to improve access to quality education through contemporary learning programs. Health & Wellness aims to enhance access to services for underserved communities, supporting health, nutrition, and food programs. Finally, Equity & Inclusion is dedicated to improving experiences for marginalized individuals and guaranteeing fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all. Expected outcomes include a minimum of $3 million in grants distributed to local nonprofit partners. Grants will range from $25,000 to $250,000, with smaller organizations (under $500,000 annual budget) eligible for $25,000 to $50,000, and larger organizations receiving up to $250,000. Measurable results will stem from the impact of funded programs in addressing the identified focus areas, contributing to a legacy of improved community well-being and economic empowerment. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these critical areas through local nonprofits, they can create a ripple effect of positive societal transformation, ultimately building stronger, more resilient communities in the Greater New Orleans area.

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is launching the fifth round of funding for its Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This program is a grant/reimbursement initiative designed to empower property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings. The overarching mission alignment for this program is to create a positive visual impact within the city, stimulate private investment, and diligently preserve Opelousas' historic identity and cultural assets. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property and business owners within the Opelousas Downtown Development District who own commercial buildings. The core impact goals are to foster economic development through private investment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, and ensure the safeguarding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. The program directly supports the revitalization of commercial spaces, which, in turn, contributes to a more vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible and permanent building improvements. Eligible uses of funds are comprehensive, including restoration and renovation of buildings, installation of awnings (without signage), brick cleaning or re-pointing, accent lighting, removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street, and restoration of windows, doors, and original exterior/interior architectural features. Additionally, interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, and plumbing is covered, as well as work on roofs, cornices, gutters, downspouts, and the cleaning, preparation, and painting of walls and trim. These priorities are aimed at holistic improvement of commercial properties. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of downtown Opelousas, an increase in private investment in commercial properties, and the successful preservation of historic buildings. While not explicitly stated as "measurable results" in the traditional sense, the program's structure and goals imply that the number of rehabilitated buildings, the amount of private investment stimulated, and the visible improvements in the downtown area would serve as key indicators of success. The program offers a total of $200,000 in grant funds, with a maximum application amount of $10,000 per project, providing a clear framework for financial allocation and impact tracking.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Pratt-Stanton Manor Funds, supported by the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), aim to empower older adults to lead dignified, meaningful, and independent lives. This grant program aligns with GNOF's mission to invest in the well-being of the community, particularly in addressing critical social issues such as the increasing number of older adults living below the poverty line and declining funding for senior services. The program recognizes the importance of both reversing this trend and actively supporting the independent living and dignity of older individuals. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are older adults, especially those living below the region's median income level and the most frail and dysfunctional older adults who are striving to live independently. The impact goals are to provide essential services and supports, promote economic security, and improve the general quality of life for this vulnerable population. Pratt-Stanton Manor's legacy of providing high-quality services and fostering a happy and healthy environment for residents serves as a guiding principle for the types of initiatives the GNOF seeks to support. The grant program prioritizes organizations working in three key areas: serving older adults, particularly those with lower incomes; assisting the most frail and dysfunctional older adults living independently; and addressing fundamental needs such as food, housing, long-term care, daily living activities, overall quality of life, and delaying disability onset. Specific guidelines include support for informal caregiver support, services to prevent or delay hospitalization, and initiatives promoting economic security for older adults. Capital needs are also considered, focusing on housing rehabilitation and repair, and capital support for residential care and community-based facilities that offer a friendly, home-like setting. Expected outcomes include improved independent living for older adults, enhanced access to basic needs and support services, greater economic security, and a delay in the onset of disability. The GNOF's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to supporting organizations that directly impact the lives of older adults, fostering an environment where they can thrive, and addressing systemic issues through targeted funding. By focusing on these areas, the GNOF aims to create measurable positive changes in the lives of older adults in the Greater New Orleans region, continuing the work of Pratt-Stanton Manor in promoting dignity and independence.

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy is offering a 2024 Grant Funding Program designed to support and promote the cultural economy of New Orleans. This program aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth through cultural activities. For the FY24 cycle, twenty-five grants of $2,000 each will be awarded. The grants target individuals and organizations that are actively engaged in promoting the cultural economy. This includes educating youth, training cultural producers, providing networking opportunities, and creating cultural events. Eligible applicants include State and federal 501(c)3 nonprofits, for-profit businesses licensed with the City and State (for community/cultural activities only), and individuals such as artists who have secured a fiscal agent. The program aims to strengthen the cultural sector by supporting initiatives that build capacity and generate economic activity. The program prioritizes workshops, training, and conferences that enhance the capacity of cultural non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and cultural businesses. This capacity building encompasses networking, skill development (such as fundraising and grant writing), programming improvement, education on sustainability, and learning new concepts like place-based planning. Additionally, the grants support workshops, training, and conferences within specific Cultural Economy segments including Entertainment, Design, Preservation, Culinary Arts, Literary Arts and Humanities, and Visual Arts and Crafts. Expected outcomes include the creation of cultural events, increased employment for cultural workers (e.g., musicians), and increased sales for art and cultural vendors, thereby attracting tourists. The program's theory of change is that by investing in cultural education, training, networking, and events, the Office of Cultural Economy can stimulate economic growth and enhance the vibrancy of New Orleans' cultural landscape. All funded programs, events, and activities are required to acknowledge support from the Office of Cultural Economy, ensuring visibility and accountability.

The Rapides Foundation's Workforce Opportunity Grant Program aims to address the critical need for increased household income levels in Central Louisiana, aligning directly with the foundation's overarching mission to improve the health status of the region. The program operates under the belief that economic prosperity, characterized by low unemployment and higher-wage jobs, directly correlates with improved healthcare access, better health choices, and healthier lifestyles for all income levels. This grant initiative is a strategic effort to uplift the standard of living by fostering economic opportunity and family income, which are core tenets of the foundation's "Healthy Communities" strategic area. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are potential and existing employees within The Rapides Foundation's nine-parish service area, which includes Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn parishes. Additionally, businesses and industry partners located within these parishes will benefit from the increased skill and knowledge of their workforce. The impact goals are two-fold: to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce, leading to higher wages for employees, and to simultaneously boost the production capacity of participating businesses and industries. This directly supports the foundation's "Education" strategic area by increasing educational attainment and achievement as a path to improved economic and social status. The program prioritizes accredited, nonprofit, postsecondary institutions as eligible grant recipients, ensuring that the training provided is of high quality and meets recognized educational standards. The focus is on trainings that directly benefit the local workforce and businesses, addressing specific skill gaps or enhancing existing capabilities to meet industry demands. The grant provides up to $75,000 for a period of up to 12 months, indicating a commitment to substantial and sustained impact. The expected outcomes of the Workforce Opportunity Grant Program include a more highly skilled and better-compensated workforce, leading to an increase in household income levels across the targeted parishes. This, in turn, is expected to result in improved health outcomes due to greater financial stability and access to healthcare. By increasing the production capacity of businesses, the program also aims to strengthen the local economy, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth and improved community well-being. This comprehensive approach reflects The Rapides Foundation's "Healthy People" strategic area by indirectly promoting healthy behaviors and improving access to healthcare through economic empowerment.

This grant provides up to $25,000 to Louisiana-based nonprofits for innovative projects that improve health and community well-being.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to collaborate on improving oral health care access for seniors in underserved communities across select Southern states.

The Louisiana Cultural Equity Arts + Creation Grant, supported by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, aims to bolster individuals involved in the creation, documentation, or exhibition of artwork that captures, interprets, documents, or preserves Louisiana's diverse cultures. This grant directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support and promote the unique cultural heritage of Louisiana. By focusing on cultural equity, the program ensures that artistic endeavors reflecting the state's traditions and social fabric are sustained and celebrated. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals based in Louisiana who are engaged in artistic and cultural work. The program particularly encourages applications from ALAANA individuals (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) and those from historically underrepresented groups who are driving positive and transformative social change within the context of Louisiana culture and traditions. The impact goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive artistic landscape that truly reflects the state's diverse population and promotes cultural understanding and preservation. The grant prioritizes projects that deeply engage with Louisiana's cultures and traditions. It focuses on supporting artists and creators who are committed to reflecting, interpreting, documenting, or preserving these cultural elements through their work. A key emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate the potential for positive and transformative social change, especially from underrepresented voices. The maximum grant amount an applicant can request is $7,500, with grants generally ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and a duration of one year. Expected outcomes include the creation of new artworks, the documentation of significant cultural practices, and the exhibition of diverse artistic expressions that enrich Louisiana's cultural tapestry. Measurable results would involve the number of projects funded, the reach of the created or exhibited work within communities, and feedback from beneficiaries regarding the impact of the grant on their artistic practice and community engagement. The Jazz & Heritage Foundation's strategic priorities are implicitly demonstrated through this grant's focus on cultural preservation, equity, and community engagement, indicating a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to a more diverse, equitable, and culturally rich Louisiana. All funded programs must occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, and all grant funds must be spent within Louisiana, further ensuring that the investment directly benefits the state's cultural economy and artistic community.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi that are working to improve health outcomes related to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension in underserved communities.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit, faith-based, and government organizations working with families and youth aged 6-17 in specific Louisiana parishes to implement a program that prevents substance and alcohol abuse by strengthening family relationships and youth resilience.