Best Higher Education Grants in Louisiana

Higher education institutions and other eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana can seek funding for STEM education, basic needs like housing and hunger, and social justice initiatives. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation help colleges, universities, and related nonprofits within the AEP service territory or with broader regional or national reach advance post-secondary education and community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, scholarships, or welfare programs in Louisiana and beyond can seek up to US $15,000 for projects benefiting children and students. The Dan Paul Foundation supports higher education scholarships, early childhood development, youth enrichment, and related initiatives that advance the health, development, and welfare of young people.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Higher education institutions and accredited charities in Louisiana working on science education, youth services, or community development can access funding through La Roche’s corporate donations program. Grants from La Roche help organizations worldwide with humanitarian, educational, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that promote sustainable development and can actively involve local Roche affiliates and employees.

Louisiana higher education institutions and nonprofits serving marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for health, education, and humanitarian programs. Organizations working on healthcare access, medical education, literacy, or social services may be eligible, including initiatives benefiting women, children, and vulnerable populations in the U.S. and internationally.

Higher education and other educational 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana can seek funding for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs that serve U.S. communities. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed nonprofits expand services with broad impact, which may benefit colleges, universities, and related post-secondary initiatives meeting its criteria.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Higher education and arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana can apply for Collins C. Diboll Private Foundation grants, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $250,000 for one-year or multi-year projects. Funding supports sustainable community improvement in Greater New Orleans through higher education, culture, arts, and health initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education, youth services, or related programs in Louisiana and beyond can seek $1,000 - US $10,000 to advance their work. With a mission to support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Hansen Family Foundation funds projects in education, children’s services, humanitarian aid, and other community-focused causes worldwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations, higher education institutions, government units, and tribal communities in Louisiana can receive US $500 - US $2,500 to make arts programs more accessible for people with disabilities. South Arts supports costs like accessible materials, assistive services, staff training, and modest facility enhancements; BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disability-led, rural, and first-time applicants are prioritized.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Louisiana can use this program to construct, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible communities to enhance health, public safety, education, and community support infrastructure, which may include higher-education-related facilities and services.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and higher education institutions in rural Louisiana can apply for USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, with awards up to US $500,000 for microloan revolving funds and technical assistance. Funding supports working capital, debt refinancing, equipment, and real estate improvements for very small rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

Louisiana 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and serving higher education or related educational needs in the Southern region can seek program support, not capital projects. Robinson Foundation supports education, children and families, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, animal welfare, veterans, conservation, and religious initiatives with single-year funding focused on tangible, meaningful impact.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Higher education and community-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in Louisiana can seek funding for capital building and renovation projects, as well as related programs. Grants from Ash Grove Charitable Foundation support nature conservation, secondary and post-secondary STEM education, skilled trades pathways, and community gathering spaces, with awards up to US $25,000 depending on project type.

Duly registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Louisiana can seek support for programs in community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that higher education institutions or partners may use for initiatives that advance community impact, environmental stewardship, or conflict resolution work connected to their missions.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Louisiana and across the U.S. can seek funding for higher education, skills-training, and related community programs. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support colleges, universities, and other post-secondary initiatives, as well as youth, disability, environmental, cultural, and community-based projects where modest grants have strong impact.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local communities in Louisiana and other areas with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence can seek project, operating, or capital support for community-quality-of-life programs. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation prioritizes economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief, which may benefit organizations connected to higher education initiatives or partnerships.

Louisiana higher education institutions and other eligible nonprofits offering public humanities programming in Louisiana can access funding through the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for initiatives such as festivals, exhibitions, digital projects, speaker series, and educational programs. Projects must feature humanities scholars, engage public audiences, include community involvement, and may receive US $1,000 - US $5,000.

Louisiana higher education and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Organizations serving Louisiana communities on Union Pacific’s service list, including youth STEM and workforce readiness, emergency response, cultural, basic needs, or environmental programs, may receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services and capacity building.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural public entities and nonprofit higher education institutions in Louisiana can use these grants to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA: Rural Development offers US $10,000 - US $500,000 for activities like business counseling, incubators, revolving loan funds, and community economic development.

Nonprofit organizations in Louisiana with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, so higher education institutions with community-focused initiatives may be eligible if they operate as equal partners in these efforts.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those with higher education or training programs, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Louisiana and other eligible locations support poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, and related human and social services, with a focus on smaller, non-sectarian organizations.