Best Louisiana Grants for Nonprofits

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Louisiana

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The NC Sea Grant and NC Space Grant Graduate Research Fellowship Program invites interdisciplinary proposals addressing critical focus areas such as sediment budgets, erosion, and habitat transformations. Emphasizing regional collaboration, the fellowship aims to concurrently fund graduate students in North Carolina and Louisiana to tackle sediment loss issues. Proposals must utilize data from NASA and NOAA, fostering innovative methodologies for effective natural resource management and providing unique professional development opportunities for students across both states.

State and Tribal Wildlife Grants

The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides federal funding to the states for conservation of nongame species and their habitat. The goal of the program is to prevent these species from being listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This important program supports conservation of species that are not hunted or fished, many of which had no previous source of conservation funding. In addition, the program’s focus on proactive conservation measures designed to halt or prevent population declines is key, as conservation is often more effective and efficient before species undergo declines sufficient to warrant Endangered Species Act action.

Target Range Grant Program

The Target Range Grant Program supports the development of safe, public, and accessible shooting facilities in Louisiana to provide and promote:

• Additional recreational shooting and archery opportunities to the citizens of Louisiana
• Safe and responsible firearms ownership and use
• Shooting sports participation
• Locations for recreational shooters, hunters, and archers to practice their skills within reasonable proximity to their homes.

This program is administered through the Wildlife Restoration Program Fund in Louisiana through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. This federal program receives funding from federal excise tax generated by sales of certain firearms and archery equipment. 

Target Range Grant Program

The Target Range Grant Program supports the development of safe, public, and accessible shooting facilities in Louisiana to provide and promote:

• Additional recreational shooting and archery opportunities to the citizens of Louisiana
• Safe and responsible firearms ownership and use
• Shooting sports participation
• Locations for recreational shooters, hunters, and archers to practice their skills within reasonable proximity to their homes.

This program is administered through the Wildlife Restoration Program Fund in Louisiana through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. This federal program receives funding from federal excise tax generated by sales of certain firearms and archery equipment. 

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.

Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office

2026-27 Historic Preservation Fund Grants

The Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office (LASHPO) is composed of the Division of Archaeology and the Division of Historic Preservation as components of the Office of Cultural Development, Division of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The Office of Cultural Development serves the citizens of Louisiana by preserving, supporting, developing, and promoting Louisiana culture, including archaeology, arts, French language, and historic resources.

Each year the State Historic Preservation Office distributes an allocation of federal funds for projects through a competitive grant process. These historic preservation funds are provided by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Grant awards are generally between $3,000 and $80,000. The grant performance period is from October 1, 2026, to September 15, 2027. Funding is contingent upon the LA SHPO annual award from the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund and State General Fund appropriations.

FY 26-27 National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund

Each year, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Division of Historic Preservation (DHP) and Archaeology distribute an allocation of federal funds for historic preservation projects through a competitive grants process. These funds are allocated to the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office (LASHPO) by the U. S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service, Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The focus of the grant proposals should be related to ongoing state and federally mandated programs and initiatives that are outlined in the Louisiana Comprehensive Plan.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

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.

Rebirth Grants

LEH Rebirth Grants support programmatic initiatives focused on the humanities. Eligible projects include public humanities programs that involve audience participation and discussion; documentary photography, podcast, and radio projects; humanities-based festivals and exhibition development; digital humanities projects including websites and online documentation of Louisiana history and culture; speaker series; assistance with publication projects; and humanities-based educational initiatives. Eligible projects must include the participation of humanities scholar(s).

All Rebirth Grant applicants must demonstrate 1:1 matching cost share in cash or in kind. 

The Holt Family Foundation, originally founded as The Daybrook Foundation post-Hurricane Katrina, aims to enhance community life in Louisiana. It offers grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focusing on arts, early childhood education, and community engagement. Additionally, the Foundation provides college scholarships to Louisiana students, emphasizing innovative programs and education to foster positive community development. Its mission reflects the founder's commitment to supporting local families and organizations.

Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 Louisiana State Commission, the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities will be accepting letters of intent (LOIs) for the Parish America 250 Program Mini Grant. Grants of up to $1,500 will be available to support public humanities programming proposals that engage local audiences with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States.

The Louisiana America 250 Commission is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation and Louisiana’s role in its establishment. The Parish America 250 Mini Grant program supports projects that engage with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States. 

Programs should engage local audiences with Louisiana history, foodways, folkways, music, and culture as they relate to the larger themes of the American Revolutionary era. All viable programs are encouraged to include the participation of qualified humanities scholar(s) where applicable. Programs must be free and open to the public.  

 LEH aims to reach all areas of the state and support organizations of all sizes and communities of benefit. 

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

James Avery Corporate Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations located within 50 miles of a James Avery retail or corporate location. The foundation prioritizes projects that enrich community life, focusing on arts, veteran services, and wellness. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with applications accepted once per year. Organizations must demonstrate community impact, effective management, and provide necessary documentation for eligibility. Note that certain types of funding, such as for individuals or for-profit organizations, are excluded.

The James Avery Fundraising Support provides limited cash contributions, sponsorship of special events, and in-kind support to organizations enriching community life within 50 miles of a James Avery retail location. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on arts, community improvement, veteran support, and wellness. Requests must be made at least 60 days prior to events, and organizations can receive support only once per year.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

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 Emergency Readiness Grants, offered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, aim to support cultural organizations in Louisiana in preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods. With funding up to $5,000 available, these grants help organizations develop strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters, thereby strengthening the resilience of Louisiana's cultural infrastructure.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

The JWDDBF Service Learning Program, administered by the Joe W & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, supports K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi. This initiative encourages students to engage with their communities through service learning projects that connect academic curriculum with real-world problems. By providing funding, the program enhances students' critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy while fostering positive relationships between schools and communities. The Principal’s Award also incentivizes schools to participate in these enriching experiences.

The JWDDBF: SupportSTEM Grant Program aims to enhance STEM education in K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi by funding innovative curriculum implementation and instructional support. Eligible applicants include K-12 schools, universities, and non-profits with three years of operation. Grants can be requested for amounts up to $20,000, covering essentials like professional development, STEM kits, and ongoing programs. However, funds will not support capital projects or one-time events.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Louisiana aim to support rural communities facing emergencies that compromise their access to safe drinking water. These grants can be utilized for constructing water transmission lines or establishing water sources, with funding up to $1 million. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes. The initiative fosters partnerships to enhance water supply and ensure recovery from natural disasters, ultimately promoting community resilience and environmental sustainability.

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

Louisiana Blue Foundation

The mission of the Louisiana Blue Foundation is to promote the wellness and wellbeing of Louisianians by supporting health-related causes.

Through our strategic philanthropic work, we empower people, organizations, and communities across the state to create meaningful and lasting change. Our grantee partners share our dedication to making a measurable impact on the health and lives of Louisiana’s people.

Impact Grant Program

Impact grants are intended to help non-profit partners expand their impact to further improve the health and wellbeing of Louisianians or to address the immediate community needs after a disaster or crisis. The Foundation also makes proactive impact grant awards from this fund at discretion (invite only). 

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 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with NOAA, is offering funding to enhance environmental literacy and community resilience across the U.S. Gulf Coast. This initiative supports projects focused on local environmental challenges and solutions through place-based education. With $4M available, applicants can request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects lasting 12 to 36 months, aimed at engaging community members and fostering future leaders in addressing regional environmental issues.