Louisiana Education Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, which is specifically designed to advance bird species and habitat conservation. This program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to address the alarming loss of 3 billion birds since 1970. The foundation's strategic priority is to support projects that conserve, restore, or enhance critical habitats and to gather essential bird population data, ultimately aiming to reverse population declines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are bird populations, both migratory and non-migratory, particularly those inhabiting grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats. The program's impact goals include improving habitat quality and quantity, enhancing breeding and wintering grounds, and supporting stopover periods for birds along major migratory routes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in bird populations, improved habitat conditions, and the collection of vital data to inform future conservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on implementing science-driven and strategic conservation. This involves addressing habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Geographic focal areas are critical, spanning major migratory routes from the northern slope of Alaska to the north-south axis of the central United States, including the Gulf Coast regions of Texas and Louisiana. The program emphasizes innovative methods for gathering lacking bird population data and conserving specific habitat types. Grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $275,000, with projects expected to be completed within two years. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-profit organizations, government agencies (U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, tribal), and educational institutions. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects NFWF's theory of change, which recognizes that collaborative efforts across various sectors are essential for achieving large-scale, sustainable conservation impacts for bird populations and their habitats.

This grant provides over $3.7 million to non-profits, universities, and schools to establish a Juvenile Assessment Center in New Orleans, focusing on prevention and intervention services for youth impacted by the juvenile legal system.

The 2024 CCR&R SRTC Workforce Early Childhood Opportunity (ECHO) Grant, offered by the Agenda for Children in Louisiana, is designed to enhance the quality of early care and education for children aged birth through four. This innovative grant program directly funds childcare programs and the nonprofits that serve them, aligning with the Agenda for Children's mission to support early childhood development. The ECHO Fund aims to increase access to high-quality early learning environments by focusing on the critical aspect of workforce retention within the childcare sector. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are childcare providers, specifically Type I, II, or III Childcare Centers, and Family Childcare Centers (FCCs) with Academic Approval, located in specific Louisiana parishes. The grant explicitly excludes schools and stand-alone Head Start Programs. The ultimate impact goal is to stabilize and strengthen the early childhood workforce, which in turn leads to improved access to high-quality care for young children. By investing in the workforce, the program indirectly benefits thousands of children in the targeted regions. The grant prioritizes workforce retention, offering funds for one-time bonuses and salary subsidies for current and new staff. This includes all childcare staff such as teachers, floaters, cleaners, cooks, and administrative personnel, but specifically excludes directors and owners. Academically Approved Family Child Care Providers can also use funds to pay for substitutes. A key focus is to provide these funds as supplements, not for regular payroll, ensuring they act as incentives for retention and recruitment. Each approved site is expected to receive approximately $1,000 in workforce retention grant funding. The expected outcomes of the ECHO Grant include a more stable and better-compensated early childhood workforce, leading to reduced staff turnover and improved consistency in care for young children. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of childcare staff retained or newly hired through the grant funds, and potentially observing improvements in program quality or capacity due to enhanced staff stability. The Agenda for Children's strategic priority is to support the infrastructure of early childhood education, and this grant reflects a theory of change that posits that by investing directly in the workforce, the overall quality and accessibility of early learning for Louisiana children will improve.

In 1999, the Louisiana State Legislature created the Millennium Trust to provide for the disposition of proceeds from the tobacco settlement. The same legislation that created the Millennium Trust, Louisiana Revised Statute (LRS) 39:98.1 39:98.5, also established the Education Excellence Fund (EEF) as a component of the Millennium Trust. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is responsible for providing the appropriations and oversight of monies from the Education Excellence Fund with the specific purpose of ensuring that all expenditures are used to support “excellence in educational practice.” The Department distributes funds to eligible local education agencies based on student enrollment: 85% of the appropriation is distributed to local school systems and charter schools based on the number of students in the most recent Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) Budget Letter. 15% of the appropriation is distributed to approved non public schools based on the number of students as reported for the previous school year.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is inviting proposals for its "Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice" initiative. This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that develop and implement programs cultivating future STEMM leaders in Environmental Justice (EJ). The GRP's mission, as evident in this program, aligns with fostering scientific literacy and addressing critical environmental challenges through education and mentorship. The grant aims to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people to apply STEMM disciplines to explore the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on community health and resilience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young people in grades 9-12, particularly those from communities affected by environmental inequalities in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The impact goal is to increase the number of young people in this region who pursue studies and careers in STEMM disciplines within the field of Environmental Justice. The program specifically encourages collaborations with nonprofit or community-based organizations that have a history of working with children and youth, especially underrepresented or underserved populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students with low socio-economic status, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, and students from rural or remote areas. The core focus of this funding opportunity is on education and mentorship. Projects should provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM principles in examining environmental hazards and their impact on communities. Activities can take place in both formal and informal educational settings, but must target 9th-12th graders and complement formal education standards. The GRP prioritizes proposals that foster the development of scientific and environmental literacy, skills, and competencies crucial for cultivating the next generation of EJ leaders. Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding among youth regarding environmental hazards and their effects on communities, as well as enhanced capacity for youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in Environmental Justice. The GRP anticipates a measurable increase in the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region engaging with STEMM disciplines related to EJ. This grant operates with a strategic priority of building human capacity and fostering a more equitable and resilient future by empowering youth to address environmental challenges. The theory of change behind this initiative is that by investing in early education and mentorship in STEMM and EJ, the GRP can create a pipeline of informed and capable leaders who will contribute to solving complex environmental issues in vulnerable communities.

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.

The City of Cannon Beach is offering an Off-Season Tourism Marketing Grant, funded by lodging taxes, to increase overnight visits to the area, particularly during the shoulder and winter months. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to enhance local tourism and support related businesses. The grant targets tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations. The primary goal is to stimulate overnight stays at commercial lodging properties in Cannon Beach. This can be achieved through new or revised marketing efforts, comprehensive marketing campaigns, collaborative projects, or the launch of new events. The program prioritizes projects and events that actively promote local tourism attractions. The focus is on strategies with a strong potential to create overnight stays, thereby boosting the local economy during traditionally slower periods. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in overnight visits to Cannon Beach during the off-season. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "strong potential to create overnight stays" implies a focus on quantifiable results related to lodging occupancy and tourism revenue. The city's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenue to directly support and enhance its tourism sector, particularly by extending the tourist season beyond peak times.

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 District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is offering the Refugee Social Services Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This grant aims to facilitate the effective and expeditious resettlement of refugees, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. The program aligns with the FSA's mission to support refugees and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible populations upon their resettlement in the District of Columbia, fostering their transition to life in the United States and promoting economic independence. The grant specifically supports the provision of employment assistance, case management, and community outreach services. The target beneficiaries for this program are individuals aged 16 and older who meet the criteria specified by the Office of the Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and have resettled in the District of Columbia. This includes refugees, asylees, Amerasians, Cuban/Haitian entrants, victims of severe forms of human trafficking, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders from Iraq and Afghanistan, Afghan Special Immigrant Parole SQ/SI individuals, Afghan Individuals with Special Immigrant (SI) Conditional Permanent Residence (CPR), Afghan Humanitarian Parolees, Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, and Lawful Permanent Residents who previously held one of the aforementioned statuses. The impact goal is to assist these populations in achieving economic self-sufficiency and successful integration into life in the United States. The program's priorities and focuses are to develop and execute a comprehensive program offering services and support tailored to the refugee population, specifically addressing barriers that hinder successful and prompt resettlement. Key components include employment assistance to help beneficiaries find jobs, case management to provide individualized support and guidance, and outreach services to ensure eligible refugees are aware of and can access available resources. The strategic priority is to create a robust support system that not only aids in immediate resettlement needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency and community integration. Expected outcomes include a significant number of refugees gaining employment, improved access to essential social and support services, and a reduction in barriers to resettlement. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals participating in employment programs, job placement rates, the number of case management interactions, and the reach of community outreach efforts. The underlying theory of change is that by providing comprehensive and tailored services in employment, case management, and outreach, refugees will be empowered to overcome initial resettlement challenges, achieve economic independence, and successfully integrate into the District of Columbia's community, leading to improved quality of life and reduced reliance on public assistance.

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 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 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 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.

The Louisiana Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is a grant opportunity supported by the National Science Foundation and the Louisiana Board of Regents. The program aims to enhance Louisiana's research and development competitiveness, build partnerships among universities, national laboratories, research centers, and the private sector, and recruit students into science and engineering fields. Eligible applicants include tenured and tenure-track S&E faculty members in any Louisiana public institution of higher education or in any Louisiana higher education institution that is a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (LAICU). Post-doctoral researchers and graduate students can participate but must be sponsored by a faculty member who will serve as the Principal Investigator (PI). Undergraduate students are also eligible but must be accompanied by a faculty member who will serve as the PI. The program provides $750 per week for subsistence expenses while visiting an industrial facility, research center, or national laboratory, with a maximum total of $6,000. Transportation cost reimbursements up to $1,000 are also provided. Proposals can be submitted from April 12, 2023, until June 30, 2024. The proposal submission must follow specific format requirements outlined in the guidelines. For more information or questions about the RFP, contact Ms. Jessica Patton at jessica.patton@laregents.edu.

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 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.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana (CFNL) offers Primary Grants to existing organizations with annual revenues of $250,000 or more, focusing on critical program areas within Louisiana's Bossier and Caddo Parishes. While the exact mission of CFNL is not explicitly stated in the provided text, the grant program's alignment with "Civic Engagement," "Economic Development," "Education," "Environment," "Health & Science," "Human Services," and "Organizational Development" indicates a commitment to fostering a healthy, thriving community across various sectors. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes, as all proposed programs must serve these geographic areas. The grants are designed to support initiatives that address specific community needs within the identified program areas. Although specific impact goals and expected outcomes are not detailed, the focus on these broad categories suggests an aim to improve overall quality of life, strengthen local economies, enhance educational opportunities, promote environmental stewardship, and provide essential human services. The emphasis on "Organizational Development" also suggests a goal to build capacity and sustainability within the non-profit sector. The grant prioritizes programs with a duration of 12 months or less, starting no earlier than June 1, 2025, and ending no later than December 31, 2026. This timeframe indicates a focus on projects with a defined scope and measurable impact within a reasonable period. The eligibility criteria, including IRS tax-exempt status, specific audit requirements based on gross revenue, and good standing with Form 990 filings, underscore the foundation's commitment to supporting financially responsible and compliant organizations capable of effectively managing grant funds. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly articulated, the grant's structure implies that by investing in organizations working within the specified program areas and adhering to rigorous eligibility standards, CFNL believes it can contribute to positive systemic changes and address key challenges in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to be centered on empowering local organizations that demonstrate both programmatic alignment and organizational integrity, thereby fostering a stronger, more resilient community through targeted and responsible philanthropy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for summer programs that enrich the lives of children and youth from low to moderate-income families in five parishes of Southwest Louisiana.

This grant provides funding to non-profits, universities, and schools to offer technical assistance in establishing a Juvenile Assessment Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve children and youth in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, helping cover operational costs and encouraging collaborative efforts among multiple organizations.