Louisiana Private Grants

Capacity-building grants enable organizations to hire consultants to help their board and staff accomplish work that requires time, energy, expertise, and innovative thinking beyond everyday operations. In general, the most successful capacity-building projects: Address operational, management, or governance issues that affect the organization as a whole, rather than a single department or program. Focus on a single core challenge or opportunity, rather than a patchwork of unrelated issues. Are critical to the organization’s long-term success in achieving its mission. Examples of capacity-building grants may include funding for time-sensitive projects, such as executive transitions and consolidation processes such as mergers, strategic partnerships, and closing responsibly. Other types of capacity-building eligible for funding include: Data Collection and Evaluation Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive and Leadership Coaching Financial Management and Planning Fund Development and Sustainability Planning Governance and Board Development Human resources, staffing, and operational planning Organizational Development/ Readiness (preparing to seek foundation or government funding) Strategic Communications and Planning Strategic Planning

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Gulf States to develop training programs that prepare young individuals for careers in the evolving energy sector.

The GPOA Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth within Orleans Parish, Louisiana, through substantial financial support to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, the foundation focuses on operational costs of programs that directly benefit this demographic, including staff salaries and materials. Notably, the foundation is open to considering multi-year requests for three years of declining support, contingent on the organizations' impact objectives and evaluation plans. Moreover, collaborative grant requests involving up to three organizations are encouraged, aiming to foster a cooperative approach towards achieving common outcomes. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofits serving children and youth in Orleans Parish, and the foundation does not fund building or renovation expenses, equipment, event sponsorships, individual scholarships, or out-of-state programs. The GPOA Foundation prioritizes early childhood education, grade-level reading proficiency by the third grade, enrichment programs, special education, and vocational training for at-risk youth, with a vision to level the playing field for the most vulnerable segments of the community. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring opening/closing concept paper deadline: April 1st to May 1st. Full application ONLY by invitation.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.