Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Louisiana

The Cyrus M. Quigley Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt organizations that empower young people through initiatives focusing on courage, self-reliance, and service. Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has awarded over $300,000 in grants, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. The foundation emphasizes physical challenges and community service to help develop essential life skills. Grant proposals are accepted annually until the third Friday in April, with decisions communicated by May 31.

The VIA Art Fund provides Artistic Production Grants to support innovative artistic commissions for public spaces. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, are awarded twice a year to artists and organizations that exemplify artistic excellence and public engagement. Projects must have a confirmed exhibition venue, ensuring artworks reach diverse audiences and foster meaningful community experiences beyond traditional gallery settings.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

The Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers (DDRCCs) program invites applications to enhance communication and collaboration among researchers in digestive and liver diseases. Funded by the NIDDK, DDRCCs focus on shared resources that foster productivity and innovative research ideas. Each center must revolve around a central theme aligned with the NIDDK's mission, ensuring effective research support while avoiding overlap with other NIH Institutes' funding areas.

The CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides Crisis Grants to support nonprofit organizations aiding families impacted by natural disasters or emergencies. By dedicating over 10% of its annual budget for crisis assistance, the foundation ensures that funds directly benefit those in need. Grants can be requested up to $5,000 to help rebuild lives during challenging times, reflecting the foundation's commitment to integrity and support for children and families in crisis.

The PTA Connected: Be Internet Awesome program, sponsored by Google and YouTube, aims to empower elementary and middle schools by providing $1,500 in funding to 50 local PTAs. This initiative fosters engaging discussions among parents about digital safety and well-being, while educating children on responsible online behavior. The program emphasizes the importance of digital citizenship, equipping kids with the necessary skills to navigate the online world confidently.

The Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals Grant provides funding for programs aimed at the welfare of animals, particularly dogs, and the protection of wildlife habitats, especially for canid species. There are no application deadlines; grants are distributed from early March until the year's funding is exhausted, typically by the end of November. To apply, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, while general administrative costs are generally not supported.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Schreck Family Soccer Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to pursue education toward a 4-year college degree.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation focuses on improving the lives of individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through education grants. By funding programs that enhance educational opportunities, the foundation aims to reduce isolation and promote understanding. Grants are awarded to qualified organizations that prioritize mental health initiatives, ensuring that those affected have access to the resources and support necessary for a better quality of life. The foundation's mission is rooted in the belief that education can be transformative for those facing mental health challenges.

The Ecolab U.S. Regional NPO Grant Program supports 501(c)(3) organizations in specific geographic areas, focusing on youth education, community development, environmental conservation, and arts initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to enhance their services and impact in underserved communities. Notably, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainable practices, aiming to foster a healthier environment and society. Organizations must align with Ecolab's mission of promoting sustainability and improving quality of life.

Citizen Security Research Initiative

IPA's Citizen Security Research Initiative (CSRI) supports rigorous impact evaluations, pilot studies, infrastructure and public goods projects, and foundational and contextual research to inform policies and programs on building safer communities and strengthening justice and law enforcement systems. Funding for CSRI comes from the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Supported projects will generate actionable evidence to inform policy and programming in the citizen security and justice sector, with a focus on studies that challenge common beliefs, pioneer innovative interventions, and produce evidence where little currently exists. Priority areas of research include:

• Countering organized crime
• Combating drug trafficking and production
• Preventing crime and violence
• Strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice institutions

Budgets are expected to adhere to the budget caps outlined in our Call for Proposals (US$75,000 for pilots, US$400,000 for full impact evaluation studies, US$250,000 for infrastructure and public goods creation projects, US$75,000 for foundational and contextual research projects). In recognition that research in some locations or with some populations is more costly, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider budgets over the above award maximums with appropriate justification.

Awards are normally paid on a cost-reimbursable basis.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student matriculating at a college, university, or business in the year of the scholarship.

The AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy projects, focusing on social justice, education, environmental stewardship, and community health. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in these areas, but statewide entities may also apply. Successful projects should align with the Foundation’s impact pillars, demonstrate measurable community benefits, and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term positive effects on the local community.

The Community Traffic Safety Grants, initiated by the Road to Zero Coalition, aim to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050 through innovative, evidence-based approaches. The program invites proposals from Road to Zero Coalition members, particularly non-profits and government entities, to implement effective countermeasures that enhance traffic safety and address mobility disparities. Projects should be replicable and scalable, demonstrating measurable outcomes and contributing to a positive safety culture on U.S. roads.

The Justamere Foundation focuses on removing barriers to self-sufficiency by supporting innovative community programs. They prioritize four key areas: trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, and arts education. By providing grants and non-traditional scholarships, the foundation aims to empower individuals and create lasting change. Their mission is to connect underserved communities with essential resources, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

The Northrop Grumman Corporation Graduate Education Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports Australian students pursuing graduate-level studies in the USA. Offering up to $40,000 for one year, it is aimed at fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Physics, and Aerospace Engineering. Eligible candidates must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and have a formal offer from an accredited American institution. This scholarship promotes academic exchange and fosters international collaboration in specialized disciplines.

The RosaMary Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in the Greater New Orleans area, prioritizing education, human services, arts, and community development. Grants are available for both capital projects and operational support, with a preference for short-term multi-year requests. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Proposals are accepted year-round, and decisions are made at biannual trustee meetings. This commitment fosters community improvement and enhances the vibrancy of the region.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

The Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, offer up to $2000 to strengthen the AE Program and foster impactful partnerships. Grants focus on areas such as Educator Quality, Community Engagement, Political Action, and Social Justice. Eligible organizations include state AE chapters, and submissions are accepted three times a year. This initiative encourages aspiring educators to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation seeks to promote innovative research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by encouraging diverse perspectives from early career investigators and those underrepresented in science. The Innovator Awards do not require preliminary data and are evaluated based on the potential for innovation and scientific merit. Eligible researchers must hold advanced degrees and can apply for funding through their home institutions, fostering groundbreaking ideas that can transform IBD treatment and prevention.

The CHEERS Open Period 1 invites white papers focused on enhancing operational medicine and support for Airmen and Guardians. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and USAFSAM, this opportunity aims to address future demands in Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Health, and Public Health. Proposals should align with the objectives outlined in the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining announcement. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions to support the Department of Defense's mission.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the Tri-Cities pursuing higher education in law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology. Established in honor of Ray and Sue Barrett, who valued education and mental health, this scholarship considers financial need and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents to qualify.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship Program supports students aiming to enroll in firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical programs at accredited institutions. Established in 2005, the foundation provides $5,000 scholarships to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and current college students. The program emphasizes commitment to public safety and community service, assisting those pursuing careers as first responders. This initiative highlights the foundation's dedication to enhancing lifesaving capabilities within local communities.