Best Grants for Capital Funding in Louisiana

Louisiana 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations seeking support for education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs and capital needs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants. Awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000 may fund general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital programs, with some larger grants for especially promising efforts.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive scholarship support through the American Water Works Association. Focused on actionable research for current water industry challenges, this US $3,000 award may benefit students in Louisiana whose work supports long-term infrastructure and capital planning in water systems.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Louisiana can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to improve natural resources, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service of Louisiana supports projects that enhance soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may include capital improvements on eligible lands.

Louisiana 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for capital or program needs. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support projects primarily serving communities on the Union Pacific rail network, with emphasis on DEI and broad community benefit.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities in Louisiana communities where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek funding for local programs in areas like affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, and human services. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, with applications accepted year-round and a 2025 deadline of September 30.

Louisiana nonprofits serving women, children, and families through humanitarian aid, self-sufficiency, and social services can apply for support from The Father's Table Foundation. The funder provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as homelessness services, education, food security, anti-trafficking, health care, and disaster relief that build resilience and long-term sustainability.

Louisiana nonprofits, public charities, and educational institutions can access funding and in-kind support for community programs through The Caesars Foundation. Louisiana organizations working on social equity and education, climate change and food security, or responsible play and mental health may be eligible, including those serving housing, homelessness, workforce development, or human trafficking survivors.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Louisiana conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support research projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding; awards may indirectly strengthen facilities and capacity.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries, including Louisiana-based LMIC institutions, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help fund protected research time and development toward independent funding; awards are approximately US $140,000.

Early-career research scientists in eligible low- and middle-income countries with junior faculty posts can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored health research and career development. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this award provides approximately US $140,000 and may benefit Louisiana partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on capital or research infrastructure needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for education-focused or youth-serving programs, including capital needs like ADA accessibility upgrades or facility improvements, can apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Focus areas include education, youth initiatives, arts education, community initiatives, environmental education, and historic preservation in core U.S. regions, including Louisiana projects.

Organizations planning congresses, events, or initiatives in Louisiana that focus on neurology, neuroscience, or related disease areas can receive sponsorship funding in exchange for tangible marketing and recognition benefits. Biogen Foundation provides support where opportunities are open to multiple sponsors and benefits are reasonably valued, which may help groups offset some capital or event-related costs.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Louisiana working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Louisiana can receive matched donations to support community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services. Regions Bank provides Louisiana nonprofits with up to US $1,000 per recent retiree through its Matching Gifts Program when a qualifying retiree donates $25 or more.

Louisiana nonprofits focused on environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, or healthy food access can seek general operating support that may complement capital projects. Focused on grassroots, people-centered change, Clif Family Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups, with priority for U.S.-based work advancing regenerative farming, climate justice, pollution prevention, and inclusive outdoor access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana and other eligible states can seek project-specific support to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences and promote protective childhood experiences. Grants from AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation help health and family service providers expand community-led programs focused on healing behaviors, health care access, and empowering Medicaid-enrolled families, with awards of US $100,000 - US $150,000.

Students pursuing natural resource and environmental studies in Louisiana can receive scholarship support to attend accredited two- or four-year colleges through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Eligible applicants must reside in specific northeastern Illinois counties and plan full-time study in fields like conservation, ecology, forestry, hydrology, or pollution control.

Free and charitable clinics in Louisiana that are NAFC members can apply for the NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, awarding US $30,000 - US $50,000 to launch or grow clinical programs. Funding can support patient care services like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, mobile clinics, and other access-expanding initiatives.

Private landowners and tribes in Louisiana can apply for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program to fund forestland restoration, enhancement, and protection through easements, 30-year contracts, and 10-year cost-share agreements. This USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service program may benefit those seeking capital-type investments in habitat, biodiversity, endangered species recovery, and carbon sequestration projects.

The Community Partners Grant Program, led by the Humana Foundation, aims to enhance community health by addressing social barriers and promoting equitable health outcomes. With a focus on Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, the program fosters connections through emotional support and nutritional education. It also provides disaster relief funding to ensure long-term recovery and preparedness. By collaborating with local organizations, this initiative helps individuals access essential services and resources, thereby improving their overall well-being.

Louisiana Division of Administration

Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, the Office of Community Development administers federal funding through disaster recovery programs, which help storm-affected communities rebuild and strengthen resilience in housing, infrastructure, economic development and mitigation, as well as through local government assistance programs that provide grants for high-priority rehabilitation, construction and improvement projects throughout Louisiana. To this end, LOCD leverages established statewide partnerships and proven best practices to help Louisiana communities recover, rebuild and implement long-term resilience planning, while also supporting critical local projects that improve our infrastructure and expand opportunities statewide.

WSP Emergency Subfund

The state Legislature appropriated $140 million for the Phase II Subfund and $10 million for the Emergency Subfund. The Water Sector Program was created to provide grant funding for repairs, improvements and consolidation of community water and sewer systems around the state. 

The Emergency Subfund is only available to provide emergency grant funding to address or mitigate an emergency related to a community water system or community sewer system. Commission priorities for this subfund are systems taken into receivership as discussed in Louisiana Revised Statute 40:5.9.C. In such case, LDH will provide OCD-LGA with the system name and the name of the proposed receiver. OCD-LGA will work with the receiver to get access to the online portal or otherwise provide instruction on how to apply. The request for funding by the receiver will provide general information regarding the system as well as a cost estimate for their services to develop the improvement plan due to LDH within 90 days of the receivership appointment.  

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The Wilson Foundation's Engage Grant aims to foster collaboration within the community, addressing critical needs through cooperative approaches. By enhancing financial stability, healthcare utilization, and successful reintegration for those returning from incarceration, the Foundation emphasizes long-term outcomes over short-term fixes. This shift in grant processes prioritizes collective efforts and seeks to build human capital, ensuring that support is directed towards sustainable solutions to systemic issues faced by vulnerable populations.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.