Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Louisiana

The Louisiana Agricultural Workforce Development Program supports businesses in establishing internship programs, fostering the next generation of agriculture professionals. This initiative provides financial assistance, reimbursing up to 50% of intern hiring costs, with a maximum award of $5,000. Eligible businesses include agricultural producers and related entities, while interns must be Louisiana students or beginning farmers. The program operates annually from July 1st to August 31st, promoting hands-on experience in the agriculture sector.

The Louisiana Forest Legacy Program aims to protect privately-owned forestlands through land acquisition and conservation easements, ensuring the sustainability of vital natural resources. This voluntary initiative, supported by the USDA Forest Service and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, helps maintain timber production, wildlife habitats, and community benefits while preventing forest fragmentation due to development. By engaging willing landowners, the program promotes responsible forestry practices and safeguards the ecological integrity of Louisiana's forests.

The Louisiana Forest Productivity Program offers financial assistance to landowners in Louisiana to establish and enhance timber crops. By supporting forestry practices, this program aims to improve productivity and offset costs associated with tree planting and management. Eligible participants must own at least 10 contiguous acres of suitable land and commit to maintaining the forestry usage for ten years. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting sustainable forestry and enhancing the state's agricultural landscape.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Louisiana Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants provide essential funding to rural fire departments, enhancing their capacity to combat wildfires. This 50/50 matching fund program aims to support departments recognized by local governing bodies, ensuring they have the necessary resources for firefighter safety and training. Eligible departments must meet specific criteria, including a minimum of 80% volunteer personnel and compliance with state regulations. The grants focus solely on wildland firefighting needs, excluding structural fire items.

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Administering programs and enforcing regulations supporting agriculture and forestry

Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

Get funding in rural areas to build firefighting capacity

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants are available to assist rural fire departments in Louisiana. These grants:

• Address critical preparedness needs for firefighter safety
• Increase initial attack capability suppression efforts and training
• Protect state and private lands threatened by wildfire.

Definition: A rural volunteer fire department is defined as “an organized, not for profit, fire protection organization that provides service primarily to a community or city with a population of 10,000 or less or to a rural area, as defined by the Secretary of Agriculture, whose firefighting personnel is 80 percent or more volunteer, and that is recognized as a fire department by the laws of the State.” 16 U.S.C. 2106.

Louisiana Volunteer Fire Assistance - Wildland Fire Grant

This is a 50/50 matching fund program meant to assist rural fire departments in building firefighting capacity. Federal funds will pay up to 50% of approved program expenditures, with the local fire department paying at least 50% or more. Cost-share assistance WILL NOT exceed the awarded funds obligated for a qualified department.

The Region VIII Scholarship, offered by ASHRAE, is a one-year award for undergraduate pre-engineering or engineering students attending accredited institutions within Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 or rank in the top 30% of their class. Scholarships support students pursuing degrees related to HVAC&R, fostering future leaders in sustainable built environments.

The Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) program, under the Greater New Orleans Foundation, empowers community members to drive change through collaborative grantmaking. This six-month initiative connects emerging leaders with local nonprofits, fostering skills in grant review and decision-making. With a focus on Arts & Culture, Health, and Human Rights & Justice, EPNO supports organizations that uplift underrepresented communities while promoting civic engagement and philanthropy in the Greater New Orleans region.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

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.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Louisiana aim to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, with a focus on those outside urbanized regions. The program prioritizes smaller funding requests with no maximum grant limit, allowing for diverse uses including training, land acquisition, and community development. This initiative is open to various rural public entities, fostering economic growth and sustainability in Louisiana's rural communities.

The Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program is dedicated to large-scale conservation efforts by providing trees to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the U.S. Since 2005, it has donated over 5 million trees, enhancing public greenspaces and supporting wildlife habitats. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities based in states where Apache operates. This initiative not only beautifies communities but also plays a vital role in environmental stewardship.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The T.J. Moran Foundation Grant, established by the Thomas Joseph Moran Family Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in areas such as animal welfare, education, and healthcare. Grants range from $2,500 to $150,000, aiming to promote community impact through effective leadership and management. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate viable plans for sustainable programs and measurable outcomes, reflecting T.J. Moran's commitment to making positive changes in Baton Rouge, LA, and beyond.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Louisiana aim to empower low-income families by providing funding to organizations that facilitate self-help housing projects. These grants enable participants to collaboratively build their homes under professional guidance, fostering community engagement and skill development. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be utilized for technical assistance and recruitment efforts, helping families navigate the home construction process and secure necessary financing.

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.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The South-Central Section of the Geological Society of America provides competitive research grants for undergraduate students from institutions in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and parts of Mexico. Eligible students must be members of the Geological Society of America and are expected to manage funds responsibly, submitting a report after their research. This initiative supports the development of future geoscientists by fostering research opportunities in the region.

Southern Foundation

Southern Foundation's mission is to secure financial support for each of the five campuses of the Southern University System; to provide broader educational advantages for our students, encourage research among our faculty, and advance the University’s role in helping to build an increasingly functional Louisiana.

Southern Foundation Faculty Research Grant

The 1880 Society Annual Fund provides funding for student scholarships, faculty grants and strategic University initiatives while seeking to bring together a coalition of donors to create a culture of philanthropy for institutional longevity. Recognizing that giving and supporting our University are noble virtues, the 1880 Society was named to celebrate the founding year of our University. The fund has directed more than $6.5 million dollars in direct support to the students, faculty, and campuses of the Southern University A&M College System since its inception in 2012.

The mission of the Southern University System Foundation is to support the University through academic programmatic enhancements, increasing student access and success by providing recurring annual support for the campuses of the Southern University System. As such, the Foundation looks to support programmatic needs of the Southern University System campuses, departments and students. Awards will also be available to local community non-profit organizations located in surrounding areas of Southern University System campuses.

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.

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.

Voter Mobilization & Civic Innovation Fund

This fund is designed for organizations that are deeply rooted in community, testing bold or emerging strategies, and able to adapt quickly to changing on-the-ground conditions. The Southern Voter Mobilization & Innovation Fund is a 12-36 month, election-cycle investment designed to support organizations that are: 

• Closest to communities facing the most barriers to political participation
• Testing bold, creative, or unproven civic engagement strategies
• Shifting power to local groups participating in civic engagement
• Responding rapidly to on-the-ground conditions during the 2026 midterms 

Tier 2: Context-Dependent Areas

While we have identified priority counties based on data and historic investment patterns (Tier 1), we remain open to proposals serving other counties within the five Southern states.  

For work proposed outside of previously identified priority areas, we invite applicants to share:  

• Why this geography is urgent or strategically important at this moment 
• What gaps or opportunities exist that may not be reflected in traditional metrics 
• How this work complements- not duplicates of existing investments 

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.