Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Louisiana

The JWDDBF Service Learning Program, administered by the Joe W & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, supports K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi. This initiative encourages students to engage with their communities through service learning projects that connect academic curriculum with real-world problems. By providing funding, the program enhances students' critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy while fostering positive relationships between schools and communities. The Principal’s Award also incentivizes schools to participate in these enriching experiences.

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.

The NC Sea Grant and NC Space Grant Graduate Research Fellowship Program invites interdisciplinary proposals addressing critical focus areas such as sediment budgets, erosion, and habitat transformations. Emphasizing regional collaboration, the fellowship aims to concurrently fund graduate students in North Carolina and Louisiana to tackle sediment loss issues. Proposals must utilize data from NASA and NOAA, fostering innovative methodologies for effective natural resource management and providing unique professional development opportunities for students across both states.

Department of Public Safety and Corrections

The Department of Public Safety and Corrections consists of three main divisions:

• Corrections Services oversees the custody and care of adults in prison and includes adults under probation and parole supervision.
• Public Safety Services encompasses Louisiana State Police, the Office of Motor Vehicles, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Highway Safety Commission.
• Youth Service oversees the juvenile justice system in Louisiana.

Emergency and Transitional Housing Program

The Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) is seeking housing providers to join the Emergency and Transitional Housing (ETH) program to provide participants with stable short-term housing and food access on a per diem basis.

The Emergency and Transitional Housing (ETH) program provides limited funding to increase access to short-term housing for individuals at risk of homelessness and who are under the supervision of the Division of Probation and Parole or have recently been released from state incarceration. The ETH program aims to provide emergency and/or transitional housing to stabilize the reentry process until longer-term housing can be found, improving their chances of having a successful reentry experience.

This program shall be funded by a portion of the savings allocated to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) for reinvestment in programs and services that reduce prison admissions and recidivism.

The Emergency Readiness Grants, offered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, aim to support cultural organizations in Louisiana in preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods. With funding up to $5,000 available, these grants help organizations develop strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters, thereby strengthening the resilience of Louisiana's cultural infrastructure.

The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation's Summer Camp Program aims to support overnight camps for children with special needs, particularly those unable to attend other camps. The program prioritizes STEM education and seeks to mitigate summer learning loss through high-quality instruction and academic enrichment. Only camps located in Louisiana or Mississippi are eligible, and applicants must be non-profit organizations operating for at least three years.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

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 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by NRCS helps farmers and landowners implement conservation practices that improve water and air quality, conserve water resources, and enhance soil health. This program offers technical and financial assistance to address environmental concerns and promotes sustainable land management. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland. EQIP fosters innovation in conservation practices while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, making it a key resource for enhancing agricultural sustainability in Louisiana.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based 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.

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 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Innovation Grant Program by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of Louisianians through innovative projects. Grants, typically under $25,000, support new ideas and interventions that can potentially disrupt negative trends in health and education. This initiative promotes a research-based approach to philanthropy, encouraging applicants to challenge the status quo with fresh, impactful solutions. Projects are expected to be completed within a year.

The Arts in Rural Places Grant, offered by South Arts, aims to enhance access to the arts in rural and isolated communities across nine southern states. Grants of up to $3,000 support public activities featuring Southern artists, requiring a dollar-for-dollar cash match. Eligible organizations must host at least two public events and engage a professional artist, promoting cultural engagement and artistic expression within these communities.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The James Avery Fundraising Support provides limited cash contributions, sponsorship of special events, and in-kind support to organizations enriching community life within 50 miles of a James Avery retail location. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on arts, community improvement, veteran support, and wellness. Requests must be made at least 60 days prior to events, and organizations can receive support only once per year.

James Avery Corporate Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations located within 50 miles of a James Avery retail or corporate location. The foundation prioritizes projects that enrich community life, focusing on arts, veteran services, and wellness. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with applications accepted once per year. Organizations must demonstrate community impact, effective management, and provide necessary documentation for eligibility. Note that certain types of funding, such as for individuals or for-profit organizations, are excluded.

About Us

Connecting Generous People to the Causes They Care About

Since its inception in 2000, Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) has become one of south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations. CFA’s geographic focus includes the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Vermilion. Our core purpose is building legacies and improving communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Over the past two decades, CFA attained two significant milestones. CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $336 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $174 million. In 2012 and 2013, CFA was recognized among the Top 100 community foundations in the country.

About Richard Guidry

Richard Guidry (1949 – 2008) contributed greatly to the education and preservation of the French language. This educator, author, actor and consultant dedicated his life to keeping the Cajun and Creole dialects alive in South Louisiana. The Richard Guidry Cajun and Creole Language Fund was established to support projects and initiatives that encourage, increase and improve the use of the multiple varieties of French in Louisiana, especially their spoken use in public, in the arts and in education. This includes, (but is not limited to) scholarships for students or non-students, aid for classroom projects, as well as research, cultural initiatives and media projects for the wider community.

The Richard Guidry Cajun and Creole Language Fund

The Richard Guidry Cajun and Creole Language Fund supports projects and initiatives that encourage, increase and improve the use of the multiple varieties of French in Louisiana, especially their spoken use in public discourse, in the arts and in education.

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.

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values, protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible grazing land, and protecting and restoring and enhancing wetlands on eligible land.

Agricultural Land Easements

Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) help private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities such as state and local governments protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land through conservation easements.

Benefits

Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Land protected by agricultural land easements provides additional public benefits, including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space. Additionally, ALE easements leverage local partnerships to match NRCS funding and local partners are responsible for the long-term stewardship of the easement.

How does it work?

NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land.

For working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. Under the Agricultural Land Easement component, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

Agricultural Land Easements are permanent or for the maximum term allowed by law.

The LA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to landowners, including American Indian tribes, to protect and restore wetlands that have been degraded by agricultural practices. This program enhances habitat for wildlife, improves water quality, and mitigates flooding, benefiting both the environment and landowners. Applications are accepted continuously, with a deadline for FY 2025 funding consideration on September 30, 2024, ensuring ongoing support for conservation efforts.

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.