Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Louisiana

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs, including small nonprofits in Louisiana, can apply for McGraw Foundation grants supporting general operations, projects, or occasional capital needs. Awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger grants possible for especially promising, high-impact efforts.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related environmental research, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit communities and small nonprofits in Louisiana and beyond.

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

Louisiana small 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for specific programs and projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building efforts that primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific and demonstrate strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Louisiana small nonprofits and public entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities can seek funding for community programs across housing, education, environment, human services, culture, workforce development, and DEI. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local projects in eligible Louisiana parishes that address important community needs and demonstrate strong leadership, broad impact, and sustainability; typical awards are more than US $1,000.

Small nonprofits in Louisiana supporting women and children through self-sufficiency, education, humanitarian aid, or related services can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. Grants up to US $750,000 support programs such as homelessness services, employment readiness, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, microfinance, and sustainable solutions that meet immediate needs while building long-term resilience.

Louisiana small nonprofits and educational institutions working in social equity, education, climate and food security, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Louisiana organizations serving local communities in areas like workforce development, housing, food security, or mental health services may be eligible if they operate within Caesars’ listed Louisiana parishes.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Louisiana conducting biomedical research can receive up to US $375,000 to support small-scale projects and enhance their research environment. The National Institutes of Health funds work in areas such as public health, neuroscience, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related fields, offering research opportunities primarily for undergraduate students at smaller, less-funded campuses.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to secure three to five years of mentored research support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Louisiana-focused small nonprofits partnering with eligible LMIC investigators advance clinical research across areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and more.

Early-career research scientists in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including those at Louisiana-based LMIC institutions, can apply for the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award; awards approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research career development. Funding supports three to five years of protected time and a research project aligned with their country’s health priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running education-focused or youth-serving programs can apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000 in project support, including in Louisiana. Focused on education, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust also considers arts and culture, community initiatives, and select environmental, disability access, and historic preservation projects that emphasize educational impact.

Louisiana nonprofits and institutions hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorships that provide Biogen Foundation with reasonable marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, and evaluates requests based on funding availability, alignment with its interests, event details, and the geographic location of the activity.

Louisiana 501(c) and 170(c) nonprofits working on economic development, education, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible organizations must be within the Regions footprint, making this a potential fit for small Louisiana nonprofits.

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.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or those with a fiscal sponsor, working on regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, or related environmental initiatives can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for general operating support. Focused on grassroots innovation, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes U.S.-based groups, including those in Louisiana, with strong community ties and budgets under $8MM.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Louisiana and other AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid markets can seek project-specific funding to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences and promote protective experiences. Grants from AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation help organizations addressing children’s mental health, family services, health care access, and related supports with awards of US $100,000 - US $150,000.

Private landowners and tribes in Louisiana restoring or protecting forestland for endangered species habitat, biodiversity, or carbon storage can apply for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program, funded by USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service of Louisiana. Support comes through easements, 30-year contracts, and 10-year cost-share agreements for approved conservation practices.

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

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.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in fields like ecology, forestry, hydrology, or environmental stewardship can receive scholarship support from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. With a mission to support higher education in environmental fields, this scholarship may benefit Louisiana small nonprofits that mentor or prepare local students for conservation and natural resource careers.

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 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 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.

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 RESTORE Act Direct Component offers funding for construction and real property acquisition activities aimed at environmental restoration in the Gulf Coast region. Eligible projects include natural resources protection, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as funds are available. This program seeks to mitigate damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and enhance the ecological and economic resilience of affected areas.

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.

The RESTORE Act Direct Component provides funding for non-construction activities aimed at restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast's natural resources. Eligible projects include ecosystem restoration, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for initiatives that enhance local economies and ecological health. This grant is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement.