Best Community Development Grants in Louisiana

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

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 Wilson Foundation's Equip Grant, in collaboration with the Louisiana Alliance for Nonprofits, offers a comprehensive 12-month program aimed at enhancing nonprofit organizational capacity. This initiative includes weekly sessions focusing on key topics such as financial management, strategic partnerships, and effective communication. Participants will benefit from expert guidance and access to resources through Resilia, ensuring a deep and impactful learning experience designed to foster community impact and operational effectiveness.

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 CLCF Opportunity Grant supports eligible organizations in Central Louisiana with grants ranging from $250 to $2,000. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on areas such as literacy, arts, culture, and community development. The program aims to enhance the quality of life by connecting local donors with projects they care about, promoting charitable giving, and addressing community needs effectively.

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 Keller Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the Greater New Orleans community by funding non-profit organizations and government agencies, primarily those focused on education, youth development, and social services. The Foundation prioritizes local initiatives and considers applications from outside the region only with trustee endorsement. It does not fund individual education or religious activities and avoids participation in fundraising events. Overall, it seeks to foster community growth through collaborative efforts.

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 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 Community Facilities Grant Program in Louisiana provides crucial funding for the development of essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible projects include healthcare, public safety, educational, and utility services, as well as community support systems. The program supports rural communities with populations up to 20,000, offering varying levels of grant assistance based on income criteria. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in underserved areas, ensuring access to vital services and resources.

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-Led Green Infrastructure initiative by the New Orleans Community Support Foundation seeks applications from nonprofit and community-based organizations for grants aimed at enhancing environmental health and community resilience. This initiative focuses on developing green infrastructure projects that mitigate flooding and improve water quality, particularly in vulnerable areas of Greater New Orleans. With two funding rounds, the first is open now, while the second will begin in fall 2026.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

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 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 Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation's Summer Camp Program aims to support overnight camps for children with special needs, particularly those unable to attend other camps. The program prioritizes STEM education and seeks to mitigate summer learning loss through high-quality instruction and academic enrichment. Only camps located in Louisiana or Mississippi are eligible, and applicants must be non-profit organizations operating for at least three years.

The Green Infrastructure Grantmaking Program by the New Orleans Community Support Foundation aims to distribute $1.75 million to support community-led projects in Southeast Louisiana. This initiative focuses on enhancing environmental resilience in underserved areas, promoting awareness, and improving water management. The program targets the implementation of at least 12 flood mitigation projects, empowering local organizations and individuals to effectively manage environmental grants and improve understanding of critical ecological issues.

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 Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities 

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities acts as a steward and supporter of Louisiana’s diverse and vibrant culture and history.

To that end, we are dedicated to ensuring access to the humanities, offering and broadening pathways for a lifetime of learning for people of every generation and from every walk of life. We champion the humanities to enrich the lives of all Louisianans in all 64 parishes. 

Our Mission: The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ mission is to partner with communities, institutions, and individuals to explore Louisiana’s past, reflect on our present, and imagine our future.

Constitution Day Grants

Mini grants to institutions supporting existing or developing Constitution Day programming. 

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

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.

The Globe Life Texas Rangers Baseball and Softball Grant Program supports nonprofit baseball and softball initiatives across five states, including Texas and Arkansas. This program aims to enhance youth sports by providing funding for essential needs such as field renovations, equipment, and uniforms. Since 2012, it has awarded over $1.1 million to more than 150 organizations, ensuring children have access to the joy and community of sports. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth aged 18 and under.