Louisiana Grants

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is inviting applications for the Exxon-Mobil Fund, an initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for residents in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support communities through strategic funding, addressing local needs and fostering development. An advisory committee, comprising business and civic leaders, annually reviews grant requests, ensuring that funding is directed towards impactful projects within these designated areas. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are the people residing in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish. The program aims to achieve a positive impact by supporting various initiatives, including new and beneficial programs, capital improvements, and organizational sustainability. While priority is given to nonprofit organizations based in St. Bernard Parish or Algiers, those serving these areas are also given strong consideration, ensuring a wide reach for community benefit. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing grants that support new, creative, or beneficial programs, capital fund grants for new construction or major renovations, and seed money grants to help establish new organizations that address significant community opportunities. Additionally, bridge grants are available to sustain organizations facing financial hardship, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and resilience within the nonprofit sector. Expected outcomes include improved community infrastructure, the launch of vital new services, and the continued operation of key organizations that serve the target populations. Measurable results will be determined through the annual review of grant requests by the advisory committee, which assesses the effectiveness and impact of funded projects. While grant sizes vary, typically not exceeding $10,000 for St. Bernard Parish and $4,000 for Algiers, larger grants may be considered in extraordinary circumstances, indicating a flexible approach to achieving significant positive change. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to supporting a range of organizational needs, from inception to crisis intervention. This approach reflects a theory of change that posits by investing in diverse types of programs and organizations, the quality of life for residents in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish will significantly improve. The emphasis on local leadership through the advisory committee further strengthens this model, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by a deep understanding of community needs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Orleans that focus on community well-being, youth recreation, and cultural enrichment.

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 Central Louisiana Community Foundation's Opportunity Grants Program offers small grants ranging from $250 to $2,000 to eligible organizations within the 12-parish region it serves. This program aligns with the foundation's broader mission of fostering community impact by providing accessible funding for diverse initiatives. The grants are intended to support programs with a duration of 12 months or less, ensuring a focused and timely impact on the local communities. Target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of 501(C)3 organizations, such as churches, hospitals, medical research organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. Additionally, 501(C)19 organizations, government entities, and pre-approved Louisiana not-for-profits that align with the CLCF's mission are eligible. The primary impact goal is to support programs and organizations that directly benefit the communities within the Central Louisiana Community Foundation's service area. The program prioritizes initiatives that take place within the CLCF's 12-parish service region and are domiciled there. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities" or a "theory of change," the program's focus on small, short-term grants suggests a strategy of enabling numerous localized efforts that contribute to the overall well-being of the region. This approach allows the foundation to support a diverse range of community needs without committing to long-term, large-scale projects through this specific program. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of various community-focused projects by eligible organizations. Measurable results would depend on the individual projects funded, but the program structure implies a goal of fostering numerous, smaller-scale positive impacts across the service area. The program also allows organizations to receive both a Community Impact grant and an Opportunity grant in the same calendar year, provided they are for different purposes, further expanding the potential for positive outcomes within the community. Exclusions for funding highlight areas where the foundation does not provide support through this program, such as annual fundraising campaigns, endowment creation, debt payment, political purposes, or personnel and capital expenses. These exclusions help define the program's scope and ensure that the grants are directed towards specific programmatic activities that directly benefit the community. The program's design, therefore, implicitly outlines a strategic approach to grantmaking that emphasizes direct community benefit and operational support for diverse non-profit and governmental initiatives within Central Louisiana.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Central Louisiana for innovative projects that improve community well-being and address significant local issues.

Impact 59 Powered by Entergy is the Super Bowl LIX Legacy Program, aimed at creating a lasting philanthropic and economic impact in the Greater New Orleans community. This initiative is a collaboration between the NFL Foundation, New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, Entergy Charitable Foundation, New Orleans Saints, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, NOLA Coalition, and Ochsner Health. The program will award a minimum of $3 million in grants to local nonprofit organizations. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 will support projects focused on Youth Development, Workforce Training, Education, Health & Wellness, and Equity & Inclusion. Eligible applicants are nonprofits operating in specified parishes, with grants targeting various community needs. Eligible organizations must have 501c3 or equivalent nonprofit status for at least 24 months prior to application, and must demonstrate financial health through specified financial reports. Applications must be submitted online by August 23, 2024. Organizations can apply for one program grant, and collaborative projects must choose a fiscal agent for submission. The program emphasizes support for organizations with a non-discrimination policy and local schools addressing community-focused needs beyond their typical scope.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This grant provides funding to states and territories to develop a coordinated early childhood education system that integrates various programs, including Head Start, to improve access and efficiency for families with children from birth to age five.

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.

The Louisiana Architectural Foundation Grant Program invites applications for initiatives that promote architecture within the state. The foundation, established in 1996, is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing architecture in Louisiana by fostering a strong connection between the public and the architectural profession. This alignment with its mission is achieved through various programs that aim to increase public awareness, support, and participation in shaping the environment through architectural endeavors. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and individuals whose programs promote architecture in Louisiana. The foundation is educationally oriented, indicating a focus on programs that enlighten and engage the public. While specific impact goals and measurable results are not detailed, the overarching goal is to advance architecture in Louisiana, which implies an increase in public understanding, appreciation, and engagement with the field. The program prioritizes a wide variety of initiatives, focusing on those that are educationally oriented and promote architecture. These include support for books, pamphlets, brochures, museum programs, conferences, historic preservation efforts, and television/radio programs. Additionally, public forums, in-school architectural programs, and architectural programs delivered to the general public are key areas of focus. This broad scope allows for diverse approaches to achieving the foundation's mission. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on creating a linkage between the public and the architectural profession. This involves increasing public awareness of architecture, securing public support for architectural initiatives, and encouraging public participation in processes that influence the built environment. The theory of change suggests that by supporting a diverse range of educational and outreach programs, the foundation can cultivate a more informed and engaged public, ultimately leading to the advancement and appreciation of architecture throughout Louisiana.

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.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation's Impact Special Funding Grant Program is designed to support organizations specifically engaged in health and youth development work within the Greater New Orleans region. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster the health and vibrancy of communities by investing in key areas that promote well-being and growth, particularly for underserved populations. The grant program seeks to empower non-profit organizations that are actively contributing to the community's overall health and the positive development of its youth. Target beneficiaries for this program include individuals and communities in high need within the Greater New Orleans region, particularly those benefiting from health and youth development services. The program aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, sound fiscal management, and a proven track record of success. Through these grants, the foundation intends to foster environments where equity is prioritized, community members are actively involved as leaders, and advocacy for underserved groups is robust. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined, emphasizing several key areas. Preference is given to organizations that exhibit strong leadership at both staff and board levels, coupled with good fiscal management practices. A growing track record of success is also a critical factor. Furthermore, the foundation prioritizes a commitment to equity for high-need communities, thoughtful involvement of community members as leaders, and significant contributions to community health and vibrancy. Advocacy on behalf of underserved communities at various levels (community, legislative, judicial, executive) is also a strong focus, as is the creative engagement of multiple stakeholders to generate new public support for non-profit work. Expected outcomes include enhanced health and youth development services, increased community well-being, and strengthened non-profit capacity within the Greater New Orleans area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the emphasis on a "growing track record of success" and "key contributions to the health and vibrancy of the communities they serve" implies a focus on demonstrable positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on the belief that investing in organizations with strong internal capacities, community-driven approaches, and advocacy efforts will lead to sustainable improvements in health outcomes and youth development for the region's most vulnerable populations. The integration of individual, family, and community views into needs assessment and policy initiatives further underscores this holistic approach to creating lasting impact.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Shreveport and Bossier City area of Louisiana that are focused on community development and improving the lives of local residents.

The Selley Foundation, a donor-advised fund of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Greater New Orleans area through its grant program. The foundation's mission aligns with its grant-making by primarily supporting capital needs of nonprofits, with occasional consideration for programmatic requests. This strategic focus ensures that the grants contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of organizations serving the community. The target beneficiaries of the Selley Foundation's grants are nonprofits operating within the Greater New Orleans area. The foundation aims to create a positive impact by strengthening organizations in the key areas of education, arts, and occasionally the environment. The expected outcomes include enhanced facilities and resources for educational institutions and arts organizations, leading to improved learning environments and enriched cultural experiences for the community. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. In education, the fund supports capital items and special programs for higher learning institutions and high schools that demonstrate a record of excellence. For arts and culture, the foundation supports organizations that strive for excellence. This emphasis on excellence and capital needs reflects the foundation's strategic priority to build capacity and provide stable infrastructure for high-performing organizations. The Selley Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by investing in the capital needs and specific programs of excellent organizations in education and the arts, it can foster sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater New Orleans area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on "capital needs" and "special programs" implies outcomes related to improved infrastructure, expanded capabilities, and enhanced program delivery within the supported sectors. The foundation generally does not fund athletics, annual operating budgets, special events, or fundraising benefits, further indicating its strategic focus on long-term, impactful investments.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) is offering Maison Hospitaliere Grants to support indigent women in the Greater New Orleans area. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address critical community needs by providing direct assistance to vulnerable populations. The grants are specifically designed to support organizations that offer living assistance and care, reflecting GNOF's commitment to enhancing the well-being and stability of women in need within its service area. The primary beneficiaries of the Maison Hospitaliere Grants are indigent women in the Greater New Orleans area. The impact goal is to provide essential living assistance and care, thereby improving their quality of life and fostering greater self-sufficiency. Eligible organizations are 501(c)(3) entities that directly serve this demographic, ensuring that the funding reaches those most in need. The program prioritizes direct services to women, offering both general operating support and program-specific support. This flexible approach allows recipient organizations to address their most pressing needs, whether it's maintaining daily operations or funding specific initiatives. The grants will range up to $20,000, providing significant financial assistance to support these vital services. The foundation explicitly states that capital projects, event sponsorships, and research requests are ineligible, ensuring that funds are focused on direct service delivery. Expected outcomes include increased access to care and living assistance for indigent women, improved living conditions, and enhanced support systems. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on direct services suggests an emphasis on quantifiable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, such as the number of women served, the types of services provided, and the duration of support. The Maison Hospitaliere Grants represent a strategic priority for the Greater New Orleans Foundation to address poverty and vulnerability among women. While a detailed "theory of change" isn't explicitly outlined, the program implicitly operates on the theory that by supporting organizations providing direct living assistance and care, the foundation can create a tangible positive impact on the lives of indigent women, contributing to a stronger, more equitable community. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply for programs that are secular in nature, ensuring broad participation while maintaining a focus on direct social services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in select states to support programs that improve community well-being and education, particularly for low- to moderate-income families and under-represented groups.

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 program provides financial support to rural nonprofit and governmental organizations in select Southern states for presenting touring artists across various disciplines, including film, performing arts, and visual arts.

The Northshore Community Foundation's Community Impact Grant Program aims to support innovative and impactful projects that address critical needs, promote positive change, and enhance the quality of life for residents within the community. This grant is funded by a generous anonymous donor and aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster initiatives that lead to community betterment across the region of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, and St. Helena parishes in Louisiana. The primary beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit organizations (registered 501c3 entities) that provide services in the aforementioned parishes. The overarching impact goal is to create positive change and enhance the quality of life for residents by addressing critical needs in various focus areas. The program prioritizes projects within specific focus areas, including education, healthcare, social services, environment, arts, and community development. The selection criteria emphasize innovation, feasibility, impact, and sustainability. Innovation refers to the originality and creativity of the proposed project, while feasibility assesses the practicality and achievability of the work. Impact focuses on the potential positive effects on the community, and sustainability considers the long-term viability and potential for sustained positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities are implicitly reflected in these criteria, seeking to invest in projects that are not only effective in the short term but also have the potential for lasting positive influence. While a explicit "theory of change" is not detailed, the emphasis on addressing critical needs, promoting positive change, and enhancing quality of life through innovative, feasible, impactful, and sustainable projects suggests a theory where strategic funding in key areas leads to significant and enduring community improvement. The expected outcomes are measurable positive impacts within the specified focus areas, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the Northshore community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Louisiana that are focused on improving community health and education through evidence-based projects.