Best Grants for Visual Artists in Louisiana

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, including in Louisiana. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving mostly economically underserved communities with innovative, tech-enabled solutions; awards up to US $100,000 and accept year-round LOIs for early-stage, high-impact projects.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, science, or arts education programs can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards More than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. Louisiana visual arts organizations serving large audiences and demonstrating measurable impact and sustainability may be competitive applicants.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability for children and youth in poverty, including those in Louisiana, can seek project or scale-up support of more than US $50,000 from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other mission-aligned organizations operating in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Louisiana visual and other arts nonprofits, government units, and tribal entities seeking professional development for staff or board members can apply for up to US $1,000 to build organizational capacity and sustainability. With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts supports first-time, arts-related training, conferences, and workshops for small organizations under $500,000 in the Southern region.

Nonprofit charities running arts, culture, education, humanitarian, or community projects in Louisiana and worldwide can seek funding to support innovative, sustainable initiatives. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver contemporary arts, visual arts, youth, environmental, or social service programs, especially where Roche expertise, logistics, and employee engagement can be actively involved from an early stage.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive storytelling support to showcase their impact across preservation, education, or wellness programs. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports this communications-focused work in the U.S.; Louisiana visual arts and media-based projects within its pillars may be eligible if they advance conservation, education, or community wellness. Awards are more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana serving communities in the Southern region can seek funding for programmatic work such as education, poverty relief, animal welfare, health, disaster relief, or spiritual initiatives. Robinson Foundation supports single-year projects from established organizations (3+ years) that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and clear, tangible impact; capital projects are not eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Louisiana can access funding via Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation supports charitable initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment, so visual arts nonprofits whose work advances these goals may be eligible.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Louisiana working on environmental or human services programs can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support program or operating needs. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help visual arts organizations that fit these priorities secure unrestricted funding, including reasonable indirect costs.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Louisiana seeking support for community programs, arts, education, or environmental initiatives can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, and environmental and wildlife protection efforts across the U.S.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Louisiana nonprofits addressing basic needs or community vitality with competitive funding. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. must align with Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, or Volunteer-Driven Causes and show strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement; arts and cultural groups, including visual arts organizations, may be eligible under cultural enrichment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for funding in Louisiana and other U.S. communities. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports project, general operating, and capital needs for local, nondiscriminatory charities, which can include arts groups serving underserved or underrepresented residents.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in South Arts’ nine-state region, including Louisiana, can apply for up to US $1,000 to support staff or guest artists’ professional development travel and training. South Arts funds conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual learning, and planning visits across film, visual, performing, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts.

Louisiana visual arts and community nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects in communities served by Union Pacific, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, including cultural institutions and youth programs, must align with at least one priority cause area and demonstrate strong DEI commitments.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana serving youth and families through education, housing, food security, or environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Organizations whose visual arts projects advance youth development, community services, or environmental stewardship may be eligible.

Grants from Louisiana Division of the Arts help Louisiana nonprofits, schools, colleges, universities, and government agencies run community-focused arts projects, including visual arts and crafts. Eligible projects must engage the public, address local needs, or showcase regional creativity across disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, design, and media, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $7,500.

Visual artists, arts nonprofits, schools, and local agencies in Louisiana can receive US $2,500 - US $7,500 for innovative regional arts projects across disciplines, including visual arts and crafts. Arts Council New Orleans administers the Region 1 Louisiana Project Grants for projects serving Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines Parishes that address community needs and create lasting cultural impact.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborations addressing significant social issues. Louisiana visual arts nonprofits engaged in cross-sector community projects may be eligible if their work models effective partnership and community impact.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s humanitarian and social services grants, including those based in or serving Louisiana. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation support poverty alleviation, disability services, social justice, and disaster relief worldwide, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.