Best Grants for LGBTQ Nonprofits in Louisiana

LGBTQ nonprofits and grassroots groups in Louisiana and the broader Southeast can receive up to US $5,000 for queer and trans liberation organizing and community-building projects. Louisiana LGBTQ organizations, especially BIPOC-led, rural, or emergent groups with budgets under $300,000, can access funding through Southern Vision Alliance’s Queer Mobilization Fund to strengthen local power and presence.

Early-career LGBTQ+ performance artists creating new work in Louisiana and other eligible states can receive US $5,000 to support avant-garde performance art through the XENO Prize. Focused on conceptual and performance art, Franklin Furnace Fund invites vocational, non-student artists who generate original work and claim creative authorship to apply via the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art.

Undergraduate and graduate students and early-career researchers studying LGBTQ+ issues in the South, including Louisiana, can apply for Campaign for Southern Equality’s Southern Equality Research Grant; awards Up to US $2,000 for research-related expenses. Funding can cover conference travel (when presenting) and costs like software, participant incentives, data analysis, and publication fees.

LGBTQ individuals pursuing post-high school education or vocational training that leads to financial stability, including those in Louisiana, can receive scholarship support through the We Rise LGBTQ Scholarship. Funded by the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, this one-time award offers US $10,000 total to support vocational, technical, and degree-granting programs advancing LGBTQ rights and opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area can apply for Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation’s Tier B grants, awarding US $10,000 for their work. Louisiana LGBTQ nonprofits with programs or partnerships connected to this region may be eligible to request an invitation during the application period.

Nonprofit organizations advancing LGBTQ+ rights and services in Louisiana can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund to support large-scale advocacy and programmatic projects. The fund backs work in health and wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, community engagement, and social assistance, with a focus on LGBTQ+ people of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming communities.

LGBTQ-focused nonprofits in Louisiana offering advocacy, health, crisis intervention, racial justice, or social support programs for LGBTQ+ people can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Community Grants. This national funder prioritizes organizations in the Northeast U.S., but Louisiana groups serving communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people may receive special consideration.

Public and charter schools and registered nonprofits in Louisiana partnering with LGBTQ+ youth leaders can access funding through It Gets Better to run youth-led projects that uplift and empower LGBTQ+ students. Eligible initiatives across the U.S. and territories receive US $500 - US $10,000 plus training, mentorship, and year-long engagement support.

LGBTQ nonprofits and community organizations in Louisiana supporting transgender, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex people can receive funding for health care, housing, legal, religious, and community services. Leonard Litz Foundation’s TransPLUS Resource Grants also foster peer networks, resource toolboxes, newsletters, and community events that may benefit TGNCNBI-focused programs in the state.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana can apply for the Looking Out Foundation’s grants, which award US $5,000 - US $25,000 for social justice and humanitarian programs. U.S.-based nonprofits supporting LGBTQIA2S+ communities, displaced people, immigrant communities, or mental health access may be especially competitive, alongside work with disadvantaged youth, public health, arts, food insecurity, and unhoused populations.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana can seek up to US $15,000 for specific projects serving rural and underserved LGBTQ communities, including HIV and health programs, community support services, and public education or research. Gamma Mu Foundation prioritizes HIV/STD education, prevention, and treatment initiatives within the U.S.

LGBTQ-focused health and advocacy nonprofits in Louisiana may benefit when nominated physicians or medical advocates direct this award’s US $2,500 honorarium to their organizations. American Medical Association Foundation honors physicians, residents, fellows, and final-year medical students advancing LGBTQ health policy, advocacy, patient care, education, workforce diversity, or health care administration in the U.S.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving LGBTQ communities in Louisiana can apply for $5,000 - $10,000 from the Greater New Orleans Foundation to support operations, programs, advocacy, and capacity building. Grants prioritize work in its 13-parish service area, especially Orleans Parish, improving quality of life and access to opportunity for marginalized LGBTQ individuals and families.

The Kadel & Gerhardt Internships, funded by the Point Foundation, aim to enhance the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. These internships support academically talented students pursuing unpaid opportunities in the summer of 2025, addressing the critical need for culturally competent care within the community. By investing in future leaders, the program seeks to combat the stigma surrounding HIV and increase access to essential services for those affected.

Nonprofit organizations using community organizing for gender justice in the Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Camden county region can access funding through Bread & Roses Community Fund; awards are US $10,000. LGBTQIA+ rights and women’s equality groups, including those serving LGBTQ communities similar to Louisiana-focused nonprofits, may be eligible if they meet the location and 501(c)(3) requirements.

LGBTQ-focused grassroots groups, coalitions, and nonprofits in Louisiana can seek rapid-response funding for youth-led gender justice organizing, direct action, healing justice, safety, and mutual aid. Third Wave Fund’s Mobilize Power Fund supports U.S. groups led by young people of color with budgets under $500,000, offering up to US $20,000 for unanticipated, time-sensitive movement needs.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Louisiana can seek funding for general operating support, projects, advocacy, and capacity building, typically ranging from US $100 - US $15,000. B.W. Bastian Foundation prioritizes equality-focused organizations, primarily funds the Intermountain West and national-scope U.S. projects, and requires an initial email or phone inquiry before submitting a solicited proposal.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Louisiana running kindness-centered social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, awarding up to US $5,000 plus a year of leadership development. Projects supporting LGBTQIA+ communities or advancing sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights may be especially strong fits, with funds used to launch or expand initiatives.

LGBTQ+ students from Louisiana pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for scholarships supporting their studies and leadership. Pride Foundation provides Northwest-resident students with funding for community college, universities, and vocational or professional programs, prioritizing those facing systemic barriers, financial need, and limited family or community support who are committed to advancing justice.

LGBTQ+ high school seniors and active allies seeking college scholarships in Louisiana and beyond can receive one-time support for higher education costs. Connecticut Community Foundation’s Pride in the Hills Scholarship may benefit students connected to LGBTQ+ nonprofits or advocacy efforts, especially those engaged in sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights or related community service work.

LGBTQ+ and allied students pursuing college or trade school who are current residents of the Miami Valley can receive US $2,000 for tuition through the Betsy Frabotta Educate and Engage Scholarship. The Dayton Foundation supports Q+ youth and allies with a record of academic success, community involvement, and equity-focused activism, which may interest Louisiana LGBTQ nonprofits serving similar populations.

GCEF Scholarship Fund

Established by the Gay Community Endowment Fund to provide scholarships for LGBTQ+ and allied students.

Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must maintain good academic status and reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Sisters of the Sacred Heartland Dr. Allan French Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to students in Oklahoma who identify as members of the LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify) and a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.

The Great Lakes Bay Pride Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents dedicated to promoting respect and acceptance across diverse backgrounds. This scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students pursuing undergraduate or Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate commitment through volunteer work in the LGBTQ+ community.

Gamma Mu Foundation

The Gamma Mu Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve clients and communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas across the United States. The Foundation awards grants for initiatives focused on community support services, public education and research, and HIV and health programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, the Foundation offers academic scholarships to LGBTQ+ individuals facing financial hardship and the impacts of discrimination. These scholarships are designed for those who actively support their local LGBTQ+ communities and demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing their education or vocational training. The Gamma Mu Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Scholarships

The Gamma Mu Foundation is committed to supporting the academic aspirations of gay men and LGBTQ+ students through our annual scholarship program. Scholarships provide financial assistance for a wide range of educational paths, including vocational training, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate or professional programs.

Scholarships are awarded exclusively for full-time study at accredited institutions or programs chosen by the student.

Students attending community colleges or accredited vocational programs are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must select one scholarship category that reflects both their academic status for the upcoming fall term and identity. Categories include:

• Gay Male First-Year Student – For students entering college or technical school directly from high school.
• Gay Male Undergraduate Student – For current, returning, or adult undergraduate students enrolled in a college or technical school.
• Gay Male Graduate Student – For students pursuing graduate or professional degrees.
• LGBTQ+ Undergraduate Student – Open to undergraduate students of all LGBTQ+ identities.
• LGBTQ+ Graduate Student – Open to graduate and professional students of all LGBTQ+ identities.

Submitting multiple applications or applying in a category that does not align with your academic status or identity may lead to disqualification. 

Use of Scholarship

Scholarships may be used to cover tuition, books, fees, and other college-related expenses at accredited colleges, universities, vocational, or professional schools. All scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the institution and must be applied to the fall or spring term following the award. The scholarship is a one-time grant, and continued financial support beyond the initial award is not implied. Please see FAQ section.

Award Duration

• Scholarships are awarded for one year only.
• Recipients must reapply each year for funding consideration.
• The Foundation does not offer multi-year scholarships.

Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Financial need
• Experience overcoming discrimination or marginalization
• Leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion
• Demonstrated LGBTQ+ community involvement
• Educational and career goals
• Extracurricular activities
• Academic and professional achievements

The Parsons Family Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies, established by the Parsons family, supports Maine graduating high school seniors of any gender identity or sexual orientation. The scholarship awards $2,000 and is aimed at LGBTQ+ students and their allies pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Recipients will be notified by the selection committee in late May, with funds disbursed in December for the spring semester. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse youth.