Open Grants Program

The Entergy Open Grants Program is a community-focused funding initiative administered by Entergy to support a wide range of local projects that contribute to overall community improvement and quality of life within its service areas. As part of Entergy’s broader philanthropic efforts, this program is designed to provide flexible, ongoing funding opportunities to nonprofit organizations and public entities that address immediate and long-term community needs. Unlike structured grant cycles, the Open Grants Program operates on a rolling basis, allowing applicants to submit proposals throughout the year, subject to regional considerations such as specific state deadlines. The primary purpose of the Open Grants Program is to support initiatives that enhance community well-being across several key focus areas. These include arts and culture, education and workforce development, poverty solutions and social services, healthy families, and general community improvement. Entergy places emphasis on projects that promote access to the arts, strengthen neighborhoods, improve housing conditions, enhance public safety, and provide supportive services for families and children. The program is particularly interested in efforts that create sustainable, self-sufficient communities and expand access to opportunities for underserved populations. Funding through this program is intended for programmatic activities that align with Entergy’s priorities, though specific award amounts and funding ceilings are not disclosed. Eligible expenses include initiatives that directly contribute to community enrichment, educational advancement, workforce readiness, and family stability. However, certain uses of funds are explicitly prohibited, including payment of utility bills, political activities, fundraising events, and purchases such as uniforms or travel for school-related groups. Additionally, grants cannot be awarded to individuals or organizations lacking appropriate nonprofit status. Eligibility for the Open Grants Program is limited to organizations that meet defined nonprofit criteria. This includes entities that qualify as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, as well as schools, hospitals, government units, and certain other organizations with similar nonprofit designations. State and local governments may also apply, provided that funds are used exclusively for public purposes. The program excludes for-profit entities, individuals, and organizations affiliated with Entergy employees. Applicants must also serve communities within Entergy’s designated service areas, which span specific counties and parishes across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The application process is conducted entirely online through the Blackbaud grants management portal. Applicants are required to create an account, complete the application form, and upload supporting documentation such as a current W-9 form. During submission, the system verifies the organization’s tax-exempt status using the Federal Tax ID. If discrepancies arise, applicants may still proceed but must provide appropriate documentation for verification. The platform allows users to save progress and return to their application as needed prior to submission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no universal deadline for submission. However, applicants are advised to submit proposals at least three months prior to the date when funding is needed, as the review process typically takes between eight and twelve weeks. An important exception applies in Mississippi, where an annual deadline of April 1 is enforced to support strategic allocation of resources within the state. Applicants should plan accordingly based on their geographic location. Funding decisions are based on Entergy’s internal evaluation criteria and the availability of resources. While specific scoring metrics are not disclosed, the organization prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact, alignment with funding priorities, and feasibility of implementation. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposals clearly articulate measurable outcomes and community benefits. For additional guidance, applicants may contact their regional Entergy contributions coordinator, who can provide support throughout the application process.

Apply early due to rolling review and allow 8 to 12 weeks for decision; ensure strong alignment with community impact priorities