Best Grants for BIPOC in Louisiana

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs, including those serving BIPOC communities in Louisiana, can apply for McGraw Foundation’s grants. McGraw Foundation provides US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital efforts, with some larger awards for especially promising initiatives.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from American Water Works Association. Students in Louisiana may be eligible if their work addresses current challenges faced by the water industry with actionable, timely outcomes.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Louisiana can obtain technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to improve natural resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Louisiana helps eligible operations enhance soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may benefit BIPOC land stewards.

Louisiana 501(c)(3) public charities offering safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Organizations serving BIPOC and other underrepresented residents in Union Pacific–served communities may be especially competitive, including those focused on DEI-centered direct services and capacity building.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Louisiana can seek funding for affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, and related programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, and BIPOC-focused organizations in eligible parishes may benefit from this community-focused support.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with self-sufficiency, education, or humanitarian aid programs in Louisiana can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. U.S.-based groups working on homelessness, employment readiness, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, or related services for BIPOC communities may be eligible.

Louisiana nonprofits, public charities, and educational institutions working on social equity, education, climate resilience, food security, or mental health can access funding through The Caesars Foundation via Caesars Regional & Property Giving. Eligible U.S.-based programs, including those serving BIPOC communities in Louisiana parishes where Caesars operates, may receive monetary or in-kind support such as tickets or meeting space.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Louisiana conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000, which may benefit BIPOC-serving campuses meeting NIH funding eligibility limits.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which offers approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Louisiana-based BIPOC researchers with LMIC affiliations advance independent research careers in areas like cancer, mental health, and cardiovascular disease.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries proposing health-related research and career development activities can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 in support. BIPOC investigators in Louisiana–affiliated LMIC institutions may be eligible if they hold junior faculty roles in qualifying LMIC academic or research settings.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering education, youth, arts, or community programs in Louisiana and other U.S. regions can apply for funding from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 may support new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge funding, matching grants, or final dollars in capital campaigns, including initiatives serving BIPOC communities.

Organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives in Louisiana can seek sponsorship to support programming in areas like neurology, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and related conditions. Biogen Foundation provides corporate sponsorships in exchange for reasonable visibility or marketing benefits; BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving groups may be eligible if their opportunities are open to multiple sponsors.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Louisiana working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive matching donations through Regions Bank’s program. Regions will match recent retirees’ gifts of $25 or more, up to US $1,000 per year per retiree.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Louisiana working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees.

BIPOC-led or serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana working on grassroots environmental, food systems, or climate justice initiatives can seek general operating support through this program. Focused on regenerative farming, healthy food access, climate justice, and pollution-free communities, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes smaller, community-rooted groups primarily working in the U.S., with typical one-year awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running projects to prevent or mitigate adverse childhood experiences and promote protective childhood experiences can apply for AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation grants of US $100,000 - US $150,000. Grants from AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation help Louisiana and other eligible states support children’s mental health, family healing, and health care access in Medicaid-enrolled communities.

Private landowners and tribal landowners in Louisiana can apply for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program, which offers financial assistance for restoring, enhancing, and protecting forestland through easements and cost-share agreements. This USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service program may benefit BIPOC land stewards focused on habitat, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration outcomes.

Free and charitable clinics serving BIPOC communities in Louisiana can apply for the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ Healthcare Services Expansion Fund; awards US $30,000 - US $50,000 for launching or expanding clinical programs. Funding can support behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, mobile clinics, and other patient-centered services for underserved patients.

The Community Partners Grant Program, led by the Humana Foundation, aims to enhance community health by addressing social barriers and promoting equitable health outcomes. With a focus on Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, the program fosters connections through emotional support and nutritional education. It also provides disaster relief funding to ensure long-term recovery and preparedness. By collaborating with local organizations, this initiative helps individuals access essential services and resources, thereby improving their overall well-being.

Students pursuing natural resources or environmental studies in Louisiana can receive scholarship support to attend accredited two- or four-year colleges. With a mission to support conservation-minded students, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides aid for fields like ecology, forestry, hydrology, soil science, and related disciplines; BIPOC students in these areas may be eligible.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The RESTORE Act Direct Component offers funding for construction and real property acquisition activities aimed at environmental restoration in the Gulf Coast region. Eligible projects include natural resources protection, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as funds are available. This program seeks to mitigate damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and enhance the ecological and economic resilience of affected areas.

The Wilson Foundation's Engage Grant aims to foster collaboration within the community, addressing critical needs through cooperative approaches. By enhancing financial stability, healthcare utilization, and successful reintegration for those returning from incarceration, the Foundation emphasizes long-term outcomes over short-term fixes. This shift in grant processes prioritizes collective efforts and seeks to build human capital, ensuring that support is directed towards sustainable solutions to systemic issues faced by vulnerable populations.

The RESTORE Act Direct Component provides funding for non-construction activities aimed at restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast's natural resources. Eligible projects include ecosystem restoration, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for initiatives that enhance local economies and ecological health. This grant is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement.