Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Louisiana

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is offering Community Partnership Grants to support music, arts, and cultural education programs. Nonprofit organizations in Louisiana can apply for up to $5,000 to cover professional fees for artists and educators. This initiative aims to enrich community engagement through artistic instruction and cultural preservation, reflecting Louisiana's unique heritage. Since 1979, the Foundation has distributed over $13.5 million in grants to foster local arts and culture.

The Community Partnership Grants by the Jazz & Heritage Foundation aim to support music and art education programs, cultural events, and artistic projects that reflect Louisiana's rich culture. With grants up to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes Louisiana-based applicants, fostering community engagement and cultural preservation. Since 1979, over $13.5 million has been awarded, helping schools and nonprofits thrive. This initiative encourages both documentation and creation of artworks that celebrate the unique heritage of Louisiana.

The Community Partnership Grants program by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation supports Louisiana's arts community by providing funding for music and arts education, cultural events, and new artistic works. Established in 1979, the program has distributed over $15 million to local nonprofits, schools, and artists, fostering job opportunities for Louisiana-based performers at public festivals and cultural events. Grants up to $7,500 are available to eligible organizations to further the Foundation’s mission.

The Beaird Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations primarily in the Shreveport-Bossier City area of North Louisiana. Established by Carolyn and Charles Beaird, the foundation prioritizes funding local, innovative programs that improve community well-being. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and adhere to the foundation's nondiscrimination policy. The foundation has awarded significant funding since its inception in 1960, focusing on diverse areas including education, healthcare, and community development.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The GPOA Foundation Grant supports programs for children in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, with a focus on kindergarten readiness, reading proficiency by third grade, and equipping at-risk youth for independence. The foundation accepts concept papers biannually and encourages collaborative requests. Eligible organizations include nonprofits serving children and youth, while ineligible programs include those outside Orleans Parish or unrelated to children. Funding can cover operational costs and multi-year requests, fostering impactful educational initiatives.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana offers Competitive Grants to support local organizations with annual revenues over $250,000. These grants aim to enhance community quality of life through various program areas, including health, education, and economic development. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status, serve Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes, and meet specific financial requirements. With no set funding limits, these grants empower nonprofits to address pressing community needs effectively.

The Southern Circuit Screening Partner Grant invites nonprofit, educational, or governmental organizations in the South Arts region to host screenings of independent documentaries. This initiative promotes diverse filmmakers, including those from historically marginalized communities. Partners engage audiences through strategic marketing and provide logistical support for filmmakers. The program emphasizes collaboration during film selection and aims to foster meaningful conversations about the art of filmmaking while making the events accessible to all community members.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Collins C. Diboll Private Foundation, established in 1984, focuses on charitable and educational initiatives for the New Orleans community. It provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 annually to 501(c)(3) organizations that address societal issues and promote arts, education, and health. While primarily supporting local organizations, it may consider applications from other areas. However, it does not fund scholarships, grants to individuals, or for-profit entities.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation's Collective Impact Grants aim to improve health outcomes by addressing critical shortages in the healthcare workforce across Louisiana. By inviting community-level proposals, the Foundation seeks sustainable solutions to enhance access to healthcare services, tackle issues like heart disease and mental health, and promote collaboration among local organizations. This initiative supports the Foundation's commitment to the well-being of Louisianians through targeted funding and community engagement.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

The Boo Grigsby Foundation, established in 2007, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, focusing on education, health services, arts, human services, community initiatives, and conservation. With over $2,500,000 donated, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through diverse programs and initiatives, ensuring all residents have access to vital resources and opportunities for growth.

The E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Family Foundation Fund provides crucial support for nonprofit organizations in South Louisiana. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that address community challenges in education, healthcare, human services, and religion. Grants are awarded quarterly, and recipients must submit detailed reports on the impact of their projects. This foundation seeks to enhance human initiative and service, ensuring a lasting positive influence on the community it serves.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Women's Development Initiatives Grant Program, funded by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, focuses on enhancing education and economic opportunities for women in various communities. This initiative aims to empower women through skills training, small business development, and leadership programs, ultimately fostering their participation in economic growth. Eligible organizations must directly serve women and girls in specified locations, demonstrating measurable impacts and sustainability beyond funding.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana offers Competitive Grants for small organizations with annual revenues under $250,000, providing funding up to $10,000. Eligible programs must focus on areas such as arts, education, and health, and serve Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes. Organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and be in good standing with IRS requirements. This initiative supports community-driven projects that enhance the quality of life in North Louisiana.

The NRA Foundation offers grants to support educational and public service programs related to shooting sports. Annually, volunteer committees raise funds, which are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations for projects that promote firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. While 501(c)(3) status is not required for applicants, all grants must serve a 501(c)(3) purpose. This initiative aims to enhance community involvement and awareness in shooting sports and hunting safety.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is launching its second cycle of collaborative grants aimed at eradicating poverty through community-driven initiatives. The grants focus on five priority areas aligned with their Blueprint for Prosperity, which addresses stability, prosperity, wellness, and vibrant communities. Eligible applicants must operate within specific parishes and demonstrate a commitment to systemic change and equity. Funding supports planning, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts to foster long-term community impact.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana is dedicated to enhancing local community life through philanthropy. Its Women's Philanthropy Network (WPN) is now inviting applications for grants focused on improving school readiness and student achievement. Eligible organizations must be 501c3 entities and demonstrate proven success in innovative programs targeting underserved children from birth to 5th grade. The foundation values collaboration and the ability to leverage matching funds, ensuring impactful community investments.

Who We Are

Community Foundation of North Louisiana brings people and resources together to solve problems and enhance our community. Our mission is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life in the North Louisiana community by serving as a permanent and growing resource of expertise and funds.

Established in 1961, the Foundation oversees more than $200 million in assets for the benefit of North Louisiana. The funds managed by the Foundation are invested for the community’s benefit and then are returned to the community in the form of grants to a wide variety of charitable endeavors. Since inception, the Community Foundation has granted over $150 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.

WPN Grants

The Women’s Philanthropy Network (WPN), a fund of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, is seeking applications from programs with clearly defined outcomes that address one or more of the following areas: school readiness, student achievement, attendance, literacy, numeracy, mental health, behavioral health, nutrition, and physical well-being.

The WPN plans to award one large grant in the range of $50,000 – $75,000, and one or two small grants in the range of $5,000 – $15,000.

The Community Outreach Ticket Grant Program, operated by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, aims to provide access to the Jazz Fest for low-income Louisiana residents. Tickets are allocated through nonprofit organizations that serve low-income clients, ensuring that those unable to afford festival attendance can participate. Organizations must demonstrate nonprofit status and are selected based on financial need and availability, prioritizing new applicants.

The LEH Rebirth Grants support initiatives that promote the humanities through public engagement, including diverse projects like festivals, documentaries, and educational programs. The grants prioritize community involvement and balanced viewpoints, ensuring humanities scholars lead the projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Louisiana. Ineligible projects range from individual grants to those focused solely on the arts or scholarly audiences. The program encourages a wide participation across varied audiences, with an emphasis on underserved communities.

The Louisiana Project Grants program, administered by the Louisiana Division of the Arts and regional arts councils, provides funding for diverse arts projects across the state. With $1 million allocated from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, artists, schools, and nonprofits can develop initiatives that address local community needs. The program supports various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, visual arts, and literature, fostering innovation and cultural impact in each region.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Louisiana aim to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, with a focus on those outside urbanized regions. The program prioritizes smaller funding requests with no maximum grant limit, allowing for diverse uses including training, land acquisition, and community development. This initiative is open to various rural public entities, fostering economic growth and sustainability in Louisiana's rural communities.