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.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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 Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Higher education institutions and other eligible education, government, and nonprofit organizations in Louisiana can seek funding for safety, community development, and education initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support higher education, K–12 academic performance and STEM, and pathways for college and career success, including programs that strengthen community resilience and economic opportunity.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Louisiana and across the U.S. can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programs. Funding supports program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs, with priority for arts education, artist development, and STEAM initiatives that reach broad audiences, including higher education partners.

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 and community-focused nonprofits in Louisiana can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that expand equitable care and learning opportunities. Focused on health and welfare, education, and community support, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for projects like STEM programming, food pantries, and healthcare services for underserved populations.

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 other education-focused nonprofits in Louisiana can seek funding to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits working in education, preservation, or wellness, offering more than US $50,000 to share transformational work across its three program pillars.

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.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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 Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Louisiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations working on hunger relief, housing and shelters, financial literacy, workforce readiness, or cultural and arts enrichment may be eligible, with priority given where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

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.

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.