Louisiana Private Grants

The Agenda for Children is excited to announce the 2024 CCR&R SRTC Workforce Early Childhood Opportunity (ECHO) Grant! Donor Name: Agenda for Children State: Louisiana County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Early Childhood Opportunity (ECHO) Fund is an innovative grant program that seeks to increase access to high-quality early care and education for Louisiana children, birth through age four, by directly funding childcare programs and the nonprofits that serve them. The purpose of the 2024 CCR&R SRTC ECHO GRANT is to provide workforce retention grant funds.  These grant funds can be used for one-time bonuses, salary subsidies for current and new staff. This applies to all childcare staff (teachers, floaters, cleaners, cooks, and admin) but excludes directors and owners. Academically Approved Family Child Care Providers may use the funds to pay substitutes. These funds are not to be used to cover regular payroll. Funding Information Each approved site will receive approximately $1K in workforce retention grant funding. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply for this grant, childcare providers must meet all of the following criteria: Must be either a Type I, II or III Childcare Center or a Family Childcare Center (FCC) with Academic Approval. Schools and stand-alone Head Start Programs are not eligible for this grant opportunity. Must be located in one of the following parishes- Assumption, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, or Washington. Must be in good standing with Agenda for Children, ECHO Fund, and Licensing requirements. For more information, visit Agenda for Children.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is seeking proposals for its Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice. Donor Name: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine State: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and implementation of projects that cultivate the next generation of STEMM leaders in the field of Environmental Justice (EJ). Specifically, this funding opportunity will support proposals based in education and mentorship that aim to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people (grades 9-12) to apply STEMM disciplines to explore and examine the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities. Ultimately, the GRP expects this funding opportunity to increase the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region who study and work in STEMM disciplines within the field of EJ. The GRP encourages nonprofit or community-based organizations to work with young people from communities affected by environmental inequalities. This grant opportunity aims to support experiences that foster the development of the scientific and environmental literacy, skills, competencies, and capabilities that are critical to cultivating a next generation of STEMM leaders working towards Environmental Justice. Activities should focus on education and mentorship opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico region that provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM in the exploration and examination of environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities, raising awareness and building capacity among youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in the field of EJ. These activities may take place in formal or informal educational settings, should target youth in the 9-12 grade range, and be complementary to formal education standards and learning objectives. Projects should be grounded in appropriate teaching methods for the goals of the project. Funding Information Total funding available: $4 million Specifications for award amount: This funding opportunity is for projects of at least $75,000. The majority of the available funds will support projects that are less than $500,000, and the remainder will support projects between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Award Duration Grants will be awarded to support projects up to 24 months in length. Eligibility Criteria For the purpose of this grant opportunity, applications will be accepted from all nonprofit and community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status, which support educational, service, and/or coordination activities for youth in the 9-12 grade range. Preference will be given to applicants with a history of working with children and youth, particularly those who work with underrepresented or underserved populations, including but not limited to racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students demonstrating low socio-economic status as established by the free and reduced lunch program, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, students from rural or remote areas, and/or students experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Programmatic activities must occur in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The Gulf Research Program welcomes proposals from all nonprofit and communitybased organizations with 501(c)(3) status, on behalf of qualified individuals. The applying organization will be referred to as the “applicant” hereafter. The individuals who will lead the proposed project will be referred to as “project directors” hereafter. All eligible applicants must have a valid federal tax ID number in order to apply. For more information, visit National Academies.

Pratt-Stanton Manor Funds to help older adults live dignified, meaningful, and independent lives. Donor Name: Greater New Orleans Foundation 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) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pratt-Stanton Manor helped older adults to live independent lives for over forty years, as a nonprofit assisted living facility for older adults in New Orleans. Recent trends show an increase in the number of adults 65 and over who fall below the poverty line. This is occurring at the same time that funding for older adult services is declining. They believe that, while it is important to invest to reverse this trend, it is also important to invest to help older adults live independently and with dignity. Pratt-Stanton Manor worked hard to provide high quality services. It created a happy and healthy environment for its residents so that they could enjoy fruitful and meaningful lives.  Priorities Priority will be given to organizations in three areas of work: serve older adults, especially those living below the region’s median income level; serve the most frail and dysfunctional older adults who are living independently; and address most basic needs, including food, housing, long term care, activities for daily living, improving general quality of life, and delaying the onset of disability. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that serve the Greater New Orleans region are eligible to apply for funding. Organizations that are not tax-exempt but have a fiscal sponsor relationship with a 501(c)(3) organization are also eligible. Specific Guidelines The following are examples of project or program needs:  To provide informal caregiver support–initiatives that support the work of unpaid caregivers, including friends and family.  To provide services and supports–basic needs and interventions designed to prevent or delay hospitalization.  To promote economic security–initiatives that help older adults manage their resources, or connect with benefits available to them.    The following are examples of capital needs:  To provide housing rehabilitation and repair services–home repairs and home modification programs designed to help older adults lead independent lives in their homes, or in independent care facilities.  To provide capital support for residential care and community-based facilities–capital projects aimed at developing a friendly home-like environment, including senior centers, adult day programs, and other facilities that provide non-institutional setting.  For more information, visit GNOF.

The Northshore Community Foundation is seeking applications Community Impact Grant Program to support innovative and impactful projects within community. Donor Name: Northshore Community Foundation State: Louisiana County: Saint Helena Parish (LA), Saint Tammany Parish (LA), Tangipahoa Parish (LA), Washington Parish (LA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded by a generous anonymous donor, this grant aims to foster initiatives that address critical needs, promote positive change, and enhance the quality of life for residents. This grant is available to nonprofit organizations (must be a registered 501c3 entity) with focus areas including the following: projects that address areas such as education, healthcare, social services, environment, arts, and community development.  Criteria The Northshore Community Foundation makes grants to nonprofits providing services across region of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Helena parishes. Selection criteria includes: Innovation: Originality and creativity of the proposed project.  Feasibility: Practicality and achievability of the proposed work.  Impact: Potential positive impact on the community.  Sustainability: Long-term viability and potential for sustained impact.  For more information, visit Northshore Community Foundation.

This program provides $40 million in funding over three years to support projects that improve environmental health and resilience in historically marginalized communities across EPA Region 6.

This funding opportunity provides up to $100,000 to Louisiana-based nonprofit organizations focused on improving community health and well-being through innovative projects or the expansion of existing initiatives.

The United Way of Central Louisiana is accepting applications for 2024 Venture grants. Donor Name: United Way of Central Louisiana State: Louisiana County: Avoyelles Parish (LA), Catahoula Parish (LA), Concordia Parish (LA), Grant Parish (LA), LaSalle Parish (LA), Rapides Parish (LA), Vernon Parish (LA), Winn Parish (LA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/08/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Venture Grants are for smaller and rural nonprofits that have an operating budget of less than $250,000 and have a limit of $1,000 per request. The United Way of Central Louisiana empowers members of the community through access and improvement in education, health and financial empowerment. Geographical Areas UWCL currently serves 8 parishes including Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn. For more information, visit UWCL.

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 Education After-School Grant supports after-school and summer educational arts programs offered by nonprofit organizations. Donor Name: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation State: Louisiana Parish: All Parishes Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Organizations may apply for money only to pay the professional teaching fees of the artists or educators who provide arts instruction. Only nonprofit organizations in Louisiana may apply. The purpose of this grant category is to support organizations whose after-school and summer education programs create greater understanding and appreciation for the unique culture of Louisiana. Education programs eligible for funding in this category include work within the following disciplines: Music Dance Theater Visual Arts/Photography Cultural Heritage/ Folk life Media Arts/Film/Web Culinary Arts Creative Writing/Literary/Spoken Word Multidisciplinary Funding Information The maximum amount grant amount is $7,500. Grant Period The proposed activity must occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria This grant category is open to 501(c)(3) organizations and active registered Louisiana nonprofits who may use a 501(c)(3) nonprofit as a fiscal agent. Commercial organizations are not eligible. Only applications to fund programs and activities that align with the mission of the Jazz & Heritage Foundation will be considered. Mission: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. promotes, preserves, perpetuates and encourages the music, culture and heritage of communities in Louisiana through festivals, programs and other cultural, educational, civic and economic activities All Jazz & Heritage grant funds must be spent in Louisiana. For more information, visit NOJHF.

The Public Welfare Foundation's Grant Program aims to support community-led, restorative, and racially just approaches to justice in the United States. The focus areas include innovative criminal justice reform in specific states and cities, dismantling structures that have harmed people of color, investing in community-based solutions to reduce mass incarceration, and reframing the narrative around the U.S. criminal justice system through storytelling and journalism.

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.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Southwest Louisiana that address community needs, particularly for youth, financial security, health, and resilience, while focusing on assisting low-income working families.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

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

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.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Central Louisiana to recruit, support, and place mental health professionals in underserved communities, addressing the shortage of Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors.

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 National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program is investing $50 million in the Gulf Futures Challenge to fund projects addressing critical challenges in the Gulf region. The Challenge aims to discover and promote innovative and transformative solutions by leveraging the talent and knowledge of the Gulf's people. The competition focuses on three main areas: energy transition, environmental change along the coast, and healthy and resilient communities. Up to ten finalists will receive up to $1 million in project development support, with two finalists awarded $20 million each to implement their solutions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and academic institutions from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas, with projects located within 100 miles of the Gulf coastline. The registration deadline is August 20, 2024, and the application deadline is September 20, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports educational projects that enhance community resilience and environmental literacy in the Gulf States by engaging learners of all ages in addressing local environmental challenges.