Best Grants for Community Centers in Louisiana

Louisiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support from Costco Foundation. Funding is available for community-based initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes, address identified local needs, and show strong collaboration and diversified financial support, which may benefit community centers offering these types of services.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits addressing major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions. Focused on early post-pilot growth, organizations in Louisiana and beyond operating community-centered or other high-impact models may be eligible if they serve underserved populations and plan to scale.

Community centers and other eligible organizations in Louisiana can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects, including auto and home safety, affordable housing, job training, and K–12 or higher education initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies through an invitation-only process.

Nonprofit cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million offering arts, culture, or STEAM education programs in Louisiana and across the U.S. can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards more than US $100,000 for program or capital support. Community centers that function as arts or science hubs may be eligible.

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.

Louisiana organizations improving patient care and services in residential and nursing home settings can access funding through the Louisiana Department of Health to enhance quality of life for nursing home residents. CMP Reinvestment Projects support initiatives such as resident relocation assistance, resident and family councils, and facility quality improvement efforts, which may benefit community-centered elder care programs in Louisiana.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in Louisiana working on education for urban low-income children can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts, with awards over More than US $50,000. Community centers serving youth may qualify if they meet focus, location, and minimum request criteria.

Louisiana community-based arts nonprofits and arts-focused community centers can use this grant to fund staff and board professional development, including conferences, workshops, and organization-wide training. With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts provides up to US $1,000 for travel, registration, and related learning expenses to eligible small arts organizations.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic needs, health care, education, or civic and community services in Louisiana can seek support that may benefit community centers. Valero Energy Foundation supports these priorities in St. Bernard and St. Charles Parishes, focusing on communities near its major operations through an invitation-only grant process.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Louisiana can use this program to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites applicants to support projects like community centers, public safety buildings, health facilities, and local food system infrastructure in towns under 20,000 residents.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Louisiana community centers and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low- to moderate-income residents can seek up to US $25,000 to strengthen food security, workforce development, youth programs, or AmeriCorps-supported teams. Louisiana organizations in Hancock Whitney service areas can access this capacity-building support via the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

Nonprofits and public charities serving Greater Baton Rouge communities in Louisiana can apply for Joe Burrow Foundation’s Do Good Grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for new, sustainable projects. Funding supports children’s mental health, food insecurity, and broader services for underprivileged and underserved residents, including programs based in community centers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, governmental entities, and state colleges in northeast Louisiana can access funding through the Living Well Foundation to improve health care and community wellness. The foundation supports projects that provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services, promote community health education, and expand accessible, affordable care in Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Union parishes.

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.

Nonprofit community organizations in Louisiana addressing economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support to benefit underserved residents. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities near its business locations that improve quality of life and maintain inclusive, nondiscriminatory practices.

Louisiana community centers and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects that primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific. Through the Community Ties Giving Program, Union Pacific Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services and capacity-building efforts emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Tides Foundation

Tides is a partner for justice in the social sector, working closely with doers and donors to build the power of historically excluded groups who face systemic barriers. We provide fiscal sponsorship, donor advised funds, impact investing, and a variety of grantmaking solutions to advance social justice and equity. 

Through Tides Foundation, we partner with individuals and families, foundations, corporations, and social change leaders to design and deliver social impact initiatives that shift decision-making power back to the communities we serve. Our mission is our North Star — and a beacon for those who share our commitment to social justice. Together, we work to shift resources and power to communities historically denied both, so they can create a just and equitable future.

Multi-Year Accelerator Grant

The Vote Your Voice Accelerator Infrastructure Fund is a multiyear investment in trusted, high-capacity, and deeply networked civic-engagement organizations across: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This fund is designed to: 

• Stabilize and sustain the organizations carrying the long-term weight of democracy protection 
• Strengthen the connective tissue across state and regional ecosystems 
• Support innovation, adaptation, and emergent learning in shifting political conditions 
• Ensure frontline communities remain centered in voter engagement, protection, and shifting power to those historically denied it

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) community centers and youth-serving organizations in Louisiana can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs. Funding supports youth education and leadership, housing and family services, food access and hunger relief, and community or environmental initiatives that benefit children and families.

Louisiana community centers, nonprofits, schools, colleges, universities, and government agencies can seek $2,500 - $7,500 for arts projects that address local needs and expand public access to the arts. Grants from Louisiana Division of the Arts support disciplines like music, theater, dance, visual arts, design, media, literature, folklife, and culinary arts across Louisiana’s regions.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, local governments, and individual artists in Louisiana can receive US $2,500 - US $7,500 to develop innovative arts projects across disciplines like music, theater, dance, visual arts, media, and folklife. Arts Council New Orleans administers Region 1 grants for projects serving Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes, which may benefit community centers hosting arts programming.