Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Louisiana

The Keep Louisiana Beautiful: Healthy Communities Grant supports initiatives in Louisiana aimed at enhancing community aesthetics through litter abatement, waste reduction, and environmental education. Since 2004, over $3.6 million has been awarded to various projects that promote community collaboration and volunteer involvement. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions, while projects focusing on litter enforcement and recycling are prioritized. This grant aims to foster sustainable practices and community engagement for a cleaner environment.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources.

Mission Statement: To manage, conserve, and promote wise utilization of Louisiana’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their supporting habitats through replenishment, protection, enhancement, research, development, and education for the social and economic benefit of current and future generations; to provide opportunities for knowledge of and use and enjoyment of these resources; and to promote a safe and healthy environment for the users of the resources.

Boating and Fishing Access Program

LDWF provides funding to local governmental entities (subrecipients) for the development and construction, renovation, or improvement of boating and/or fishing access facilities. Eligible projects include:

• Acquiring new land for facilities
• Building new facilities; and
• Acquiring, renovating, or improving existing facilities. 

Facilities include auxiliary structures necessary to ensure safe use of recreational boating access facilities. A broad range of access facilities and associated amenities can qualify for funding; however, they must provide benefits to recreational boaters and/or anglers and cannot restrict access to the general public. 

Funding is provided as a cost reimbursement. The subrecipient is responsible for covering the cost of the project and requesting reimbursement of up to 75% of the total project cost. A local governmental entity can also sponsor a project developed by the private sector if it provides a public benefit to recreational boaters and/or anglers.

Project Requirements

• Projects will not be considered unless the local sponsor provides evidence of land ownership or a lease agreement for the proposed area.
• Subrecipients must adhere to federal regulations outlined in 2 CFR 200, including all procurement requirements. Projects must adhere to Buy America Build America (BABA) regulations.
• Maintenance and land control of funded projects by the subrecipient will be required for 25 years for freshwater projects and 20 years for saltwater projects.
• If a project is selected, the subrecipient is responsible for acquiring a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 404 Permit or clearance, a Louisiana Coastal Use Permit, if applicable, and all other applicable permits.
• Facilities must comply with Barrier-Free Design Regulations as set forth in the Rehabilitation Act as amended in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Design suggestions are provided in the Design Handbook for Recreational Boating and Fishing Facilities published by the States Organization for Boating Access.
• Income generated from the project can only be used for maintenance and operation of the project. The application must address the potential for income generation.
• If land value is used as match or if federal funding will be used to purchase property, an appraisal and review appraisal will be required. The appraisal must meet Yellow Book Standards and must be conducted no more than six months prior to the grant application.

The NPN’s Southern Artists for Social Change Grant offers $75,000 project grants to BIPOC artists and culture bearers in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, fostering social change through civic practice. This initiative aims to empower communities by supporting collaborations that address local challenges, envision futures centered on racial justice, and enhance artistic practices. Launched in 2020, it has funded 28 transformative projects, promoting equity and justice in the arts across the region.

The Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarships, initiated by the Louisiana Board of Regents in 2014, provide financial support for graduate and first-professional students, as well as post-doctoral fellows. By matching non-State contributions of at least $60,000 with $40,000 from the Board of Regents Support Fund, these endowed scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities. The program ensures that the initial endowment remains intact while allowing for the distribution of income to benefit recipients through various educational experiences.

The Board of Regents/SREB Doctoral Support Initiative aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of doctoral students poised to enter academia. Established by the Louisiana Board of Regents, this program allocates up to ten support slots annually to graduate schools. Each slot offers financial aid, membership in the SREB Doctoral Scholars Program, and opportunities for professional development at the annual Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, fostering a robust pipeline of future educators.

The Louisiana Board of Regents offers the Departmental Enhancement program to improve educational and research capacities in academic and agricultural departments. This competitive initiative supports both comprehensive and targeted projects, encouraging diverse activities from equipment purchases to curricular redesign. Open to all eligible departments, this program aims to bolster workforce activities and enhance the overall infrastructure within Louisiana's higher education system, fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines.

The Awards to Louisiana Artists and Scholars (ATLAS) program, administered by the State of Louisiana Board of Regents, provides essential support to faculty in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. This funding helps scholars and artists complete impactful projects that can resonate on regional, national, and international levels. The evaluation of proposals emphasizes originality, importance, and necessity, ensuring that funded works contribute significantly to the academic and artistic community.

The Industrial Ties Research Subprogram (ITRS) with Proof-of-Concept/Prototyping Initiative, managed by the Louisiana Board of Regents, aims to bolster the state's economy by supporting research with strong private or federal funding links. This initiative facilitates technology transfer and commercialization of innovative ideas, aligning research projects with the growth of new or existing Louisiana businesses. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, ITRS plays a crucial role in advancing economic development in Louisiana.

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.

The McCasland Foundation, founded in 1950 by T.H. McCasland, focuses on giving back to the community, primarily in Oklahoma. With assets exceeding $35 million, it supports education, cultural organizations, and community projects, emphasizing special initiatives in public schools and universities. The foundation is now also considering grant requests from Louisiana. Its mission reflects a long-standing commitment to enhancing local opportunities and fostering generosity through targeted funding.

The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The Exhibit Award from the National Library of Medicine supports outreach and professional capacity building through conferences and institutional exhibits. Its mission is to enhance access to biomedical information, particularly for underrepresented populations. Eligible applicants include members of network institutions and organizations serving specific states. Projects may focus on health literacy, equity, and diversity initiatives, aiming to improve health outcomes and awareness of health resources.

The Professional Development Award aims to enhance the capabilities of individuals affiliated with Region 3 Network Member institutions. This funding supports attendance at seminars and workshops focused on data science and health information access, promoting improved health literacy and equity. The NNLM encourages projects that empower underrepresented communities and healthcare professionals. Applications are open until funds are exhausted or April 1, 2024, with a singular award per annual performance cycle.

The Virtual Professional Development Award aims to enhance professional knowledge and experience for individuals in Region 3 Network Member institutions. By funding attendance at seminars and conferences related to data science and health information access, this award supports the goals of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). It seeks to improve health information access for healthcare providers and consumers, particularly among underrepresented populations, fostering health equity and literacy.

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.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Kurt Budke Scholarship

For students entering their sophomore year or above in college who plan on attending Louisiana Tech University, Oklahoma State University, Washburn University, or Wichita State University.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

The South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

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.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

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.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.