Best Financial Assistance Grants in Louisiana

The Connected Healthy Lives Grant, provided by the Humana Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by removing social barriers to health. It supports community organizations in delivering essential services such as suicide prevention and nutritional literacy. The grant focuses on fostering emotional connections and lifelong wellness through collaboration across various states, ensuring that all individuals have access to healthy choices that can improve their quality of life.

The Health Equity Innovation Fund, managed by the Humana Foundation, provides seed funding to organizations aimed at reducing health disparities. By focusing on innovative solutions, the Fund supports interventions that improve emotional health and nutrition for underserved populations. Launched in October 2022, it prioritizes high-risk, high-reward projects that can lead to sustainable improvements in health equity across diverse communities.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, empowers high school seniors from rural areas across ten southern states to pursue careers in music and the arts. This fund honors Josh Turner's journey in the music industry and aims to support students focusing on diverse opportunities within the music business, including performance, writing, and production, as well as various art disciplines.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Innovation Grant Program by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of Louisianians through innovative projects. Grants, typically under $25,000, support new ideas and interventions that can potentially disrupt negative trends in health and education. This initiative promotes a research-based approach to philanthropy, encouraging applicants to challenge the status quo with fresh, impactful solutions. Projects are expected to be completed within a year.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson focuses on funding initiatives that enhance patient access to treatment and advance health equity, particularly in immunology. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for support aimed at improving health outcomes through innovative programs. The initiative prioritizes measurable impacts over fundraising activities, emphasizing the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and promoting disease awareness efforts for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

The Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant provides crucial financial support to elderly blues musicians, ensuring their well-being during emergencies. This grant, part of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's mission, offers assistance for medical expenses, home care, and essential living costs. Eligible applicants must be professional artists aged 50 or older with a household income below $35,000. By addressing these needs, PAL plays a vital role in preserving the legacy and care of blues musicians.

About the Louisiana Board of Regents

The Board of Regents, a state agency created by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, coordinates all public higher education in Louisiana. The Board began operations on January 1, 1975, succeeding the Coordinating Council for Higher Education per Article VIII, Section 5; Article VII, Section 10.1. Regents is the coordinating board for higher education while the system boards handle the day-to-day management of campuses. Through Education, Innovation, and Collaboration, Regents oversees the Master Plan, including Funding Formula, Merger and Transfer of Institutions, Capital Outlay, Approval and Elimination of Programs & Departments, and Regents Support Fund Allocations.

Research Competitiveness Subprogram (RCS)

RCS funds projects that strengthen the fundamental research base and competitiveness of Louisiana’s public and private universities. The subprogram is a stimulus opportunity available to researchers who are currently not competitive for federal support but show strong potential for achieving national research competitiveness in an area funded by the federal government within a limited span of time. Research funded through RCS must make fundamental contributions to knowledge in eligible scientific and engineering disciplines rather than simply seek to apply existing knowledge.

RCS also includes a one-year award to assist faculty who may already be competitive through short-term pilot awards to conduct novel scientific and engineering research leading to near-term federal support.

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Louisiana’s great outdoors and state parks are a great way for visitors to see the Sportsman’s Paradise while visiting our recreational and historic sites. The Louisiana Office of Tourism's vision is to market and promote the brand of Feed Your Soul showcasing Louisiana as a travel destination, increasing revenue generated by the tourism industry and contributing to the economic impact of tourism in all 64 parishes. The Office of Tourism partners with tourism professionals and industry stakeholders in private and public sectors to extend and enhance their efforts to reach domestic and international consumers and travel trade.

Cooperative Marketing Program Grant

Through the Cooperative Marketing Program (CMP) the Louisiana Office of Tourism promotes tourism in Louisiana by providing grants to eligible entities for the placement of eligible media. An eligible Applicant is any one of the following: 1) a Louisiana tourist commission (as defined in La. R.S. 33:4574, La. R.S. 33:4574:9, La. R.S. 33:4574.12, La. R.S. 33:4574.13); 2) a parish tourism commission or office of tourism; or 3) a convention and visitors bureau (CVB) or destination marketing organization (DMO) that is created and/or authorized to promote tourism parish-wide and actually does promote tourism parish-wide.

Applicants that meet eligibility criteria can apply for a maximum award of $10,000.00. The CMP provides a 50 percent match for the placement of eligible media. Funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis.

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.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

Cultural Sustainability, a collaborative initiative by The Wallace Foundation and U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, aims to support arts organizations rooted in communities of color with annual expenses below $500,000. This program promotes equity and inclusion while studying how these organizations define their well-being. With grants totaling over $1.14 million available, the initiative seeks to empower underrepresented communities and enhance their cultural contributions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive arts landscape.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Ronald L. Schmied GCFI Scholarship is a travel award supporting graduate students studying marine recreational fisheries. Established in memory of Ron Schmied, a dedicated fisheries biologist, this scholarship aims to assist students in attending the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute annual meeting. With at least one $1,500 scholarship awarded each year, it covers airfare, lodging, and research-related expenses, fostering the next generation of fishery professionals and promoting engagement in vital discussions within the field.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

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 Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.