Best Lafayette Parish Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Advanced VoIP Solutions Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, aims to support students with financial need pursuing careers in STEM fields. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors from the Big Country area planning to attend Texas Tech or the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, focusing on degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, or Language Studies. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, assisting students in achieving their educational goals.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The PLTW Launch grant, supported by Chevron in Louisiana, aims to enhance educational opportunities for K-12 students by expanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs. With over $17 million invested since 2009, Chevron has facilitated access to transformative education for nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across several states. This initiative underscores Chevron's commitment to long-term social investments in the Gulf of Mexico region, fostering innovation and learning in public and charter schools.

The PLTW Launch grant, supported by Chevron, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Louisiana by funding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs. With a total award of $12,500, schools are required to implement at least two different PLTW Launch modules over two years. This initiative is part of Chevron's commitment to social investment, having previously contributed over $17 million to PLTW, impacting nearly 250,000 students nationwide.

Public Facilities Grant (LA)

The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program is run by the Office of Community Development – Local Government Assistance (OCD-LGA). All projects funded through the program must meet at least one of the three national objectives set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

• Provide a clear benefit to low- and moderate-income people (at least 51 percent of those served)
• Eliminate or prevent slums or blight
• Address an urgent community need

Louisiana expects to receive about $22 million in CDBG funds from HUD, with roughly $12 million for the LCDBG Public Facilities Program. Every two years, OCD-LGA surveys eligible communities to set funding priorities. Public infrastructure is consistently ranked highest.

For FY 2026, Public Facilities Program funds will focus on:

• Sewer improvements
• Potable water improvements
• Street improvements

The LCDBG Public Facilities Program runs on a two-year funding cycle with two phases.

Funding limits and minimum project size

The State has set maximum funding amounts for projects:

• Street projects: $1,000,000
• Sewer and water projects (including sewer treatment, sewer rehabilitation, new sewer, and potable water, including multi-jurisdiction projects): $2,000,000

Projects must include at least $350,000 in construction costs. Projects below this amount will not be considered for funding or scored

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by Chevron Louisiana, aims to enhance educational experiences for K-12 students in Louisiana by expanding Project Lead The Way programs. With a total award of $30,000 over two years, this initiative supports schools that will offer multiple PLTW Engineering courses. Chevron's long-term commitment has already benefited nearly 250,000 students nationwide since 2009, promoting innovation and technical skills in future engineers.

The PLTW Engineering grant, supported by Chevron, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Louisiana schools through the expansion of Project Lead The Way programs. This initiative is part of Chevron's long-term commitment to fostering quality education, having invested over $17 million nationally since 2009. The funding will enable schools to add new courses, increase class offerings, and provide professional training for teachers, benefiting thousands of students and educators in the region.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Viasat Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community strength through various initiatives. Their commitment includes support for military and veteran outreach, skills-based volunteering, and promoting STEAM education, particularly for underserved communities. By engaging employees in these programs, Viasat aims to create meaningful connections and empower individuals, ensuring that families and service members thrive. This holistic approach not only fosters community growth but also inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Stuller Family Foundation Grant supports innovative solutions to community problems by providing grants to 501(c)(3) and some 501(c)(6) organizations. Focused on local initiatives such as human services, education, animal welfare, environmental conservation, arts and culture, and civic engagement, the foundation aims to empower organizations that are committed to making a difference in their communities.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

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.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, funded by Chevron Louisiana, aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region by supporting schools in implementing Project Lead The Way programs. With a commitment of $15,000, the grant encourages public and charter schools to offer multiple PLTW Computer Science courses over two years. This initiative is part of Chevron's broader investment in education, having contributed over $17 million to PLTW programs nationwide since 2009, impacting countless students and teachers.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The PLTW Computer Science grant aims to enhance educational opportunities in Louisiana by expanding existing Project Lead The Way programs. Funded by Chevron, this initiative supports the addition of new courses, training of teachers, and overall program development. Since 2009, Chevron has invested over $17 million nationally, benefiting thousands of students and educators. This grant effort underscores a commitment to improving STEM education and fostering a skilled workforce in the Gulf region.

The PLTW Gateway grant, supported by Chevron, aims to enhance educational experiences in Louisiana by expanding Project Lead The Way programs. With over $17 million invested since 2009, this initiative has transformed education for nearly 250,000 students. The grant will facilitate the addition of new PLTW units, training for more teachers, and overall program growth, ensuring that students receive quality STEM education and preparation for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway grant, funded by Chevron, aims to enhance educational opportunities for K-12 students in Louisiana. This initiative supports the implementation of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in local schools, promoting STEM education. Since 2009, Chevron has invested over $17 million in PLTW, impacting nearly 250,000 students and over 8,100 teachers nationwide. The grant enables schools to offer PLTW Gateway units, fostering innovative learning experiences for the next academic year.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.