Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Louisiana

Louisiana public infrastructure and community organizations, including eligible 501(c)(3) emergency response, safety, workforce, environmental, and cultural nonprofits, can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for projects in communities served by Union Pacific. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support safety improvements, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in Louisiana communities where RBC Wealth Management operates can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability programs. RBC Foundation USA supports efforts like job readiness and internships, financial stability and accessibility, and community-focused climate and energy-efficiency projects that improve quality of life.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The ADCMS Competitive Grant Program, administered by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, aims to incentivize eligible State Departments of Transportation and partners to implement innovative technology in construction projects. This initiative promotes collaboration among various entities, including local governments and private industries, with a required cost share of 20% to enhance project viability and effectiveness. The program encourages joint applications to maximize the impact of technological advancements in the construction sector.

The FY26 Bollards Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance pedestrian safety by funding bollard installation projects. This initiative targets areas frequented by large crowds to prevent injuries and potential acts of terrorism. Eligible applicants include State Departments of Transportation and local government entities, with a 100% federal funding share for projects. This program is vital for improving public safety in urban environments.

State and local transportation agencies in Louisiana seeking to deploy advanced public infrastructure and congestion management technologies can apply for the ATTAIN Competitive Grant Program, with awards up to US $12,000,000. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that improve safety, mobility, efficiency, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure performance through innovative transportation systems.

Local governments in Louisiana seeking capital for sewer, potable water, or street improvements can apply for the Louisiana Division of Administration’s LCDBG Public Facilities grants, with awards from US $350,000 - US $2,000,000. Projects must meet HUD community development objectives and include at least US $350,000 in construction costs.

Public agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations in Louisiana working on transportation infrastructure and policy can seek funding for research, data, and policy development projects. With a mission to improve U.S. transportation systems, Arnold Ventures provides support for studies and reforms on cost, accountability, access, permitting, and governance, offering up to US $200,000.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities in Louisiana can seek funding for predevelopment planning and technical assistance for water and waste disposal infrastructure projects. Focused on rural water, sanitation, and related public facilities, USDA: Rural Development (RD) supports feasibility studies, preliminary design, and application development for these essential public infrastructure improvements.

Researchers and evaluation teams studying social programs and policies using quasi-experimental designs can apply for Arnold Ventures funding to conduct rigorous causal research, including in Louisiana. Grants from Arnold Ventures help advance evidence on areas such as public infrastructure, higher and career education, workforce training, reproductive health, and public finance to inform policy decisions.

Industrial and energy-focused organizations in Louisiana developing thermal or electric storage technologies can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize. This three-phase national competition offers up to US $700,000 per team to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective industrial energy storage that can support public energy infrastructure and industrial facilities.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in Louisiana can seek funding to plan, design, construct, rehabilitate, or inspect unsafe or aging transportation bridges serving their communities. Focused on public infrastructure, the Federal Highway Administration’s TTP Bridge Program supports improvements to BIA/Tribally owned and other eligible TTP bridges in poor condition or with low load capacity.

Louisiana public agencies planning major surface transportation infrastructure projects can access funding through the US Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant Program. Eligible sponsors include state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities across the U.S. Awards up to US $25,000,000 support multi-modal projects with significant local or regional impact.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribes, and other organizations working on traffic safety and public infrastructure in Louisiana can seek US $50,000 - US $200,000 to implement innovative, evidence-based countermeasures that reduce road fatalities. Grants from the National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition support Safe System approaches with measurable, scalable results; applicants must be coalition members and operate projects in the U.S.

Louisiana public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) charities or government entities can seek support for projects that improve local facilities, services, and quality of life. SC Johnson Giving supports U.S. organizations working where the company has major operations, funding initiatives in health, sustainability, economic opportunity, community development, and related public infrastructure needs.

Nonprofit organizations serving the Norco community in Louisiana can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 to support public infrastructure, workforce development, and local business-focused projects. Grants from Greater New Orleans Foundation help fund community events, cleanup days, vocational and job skills training, transportation supports, and programs that strengthen coordination between industry and training providers.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. communities, including Louisiana, can access up to US $25,000 for temporary street safety pilot projects that reconnect neighborhoods divided by dangerous arterial roads. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program funds yearlong cohorts for planning, implementation, and shared learning on public infrastructure and Complete Streets approaches.

U.S. tax-exempt nonprofits running environmental education, advocacy, or movement-building projects can apply for Ittleson Foundation’s Environmental Program Grants to launch innovative pilot, model, or demonstration initiatives. Louisiana organizations working on environmental activism or equity-focused campaigns that can be replicated beyond a single community may be eligible.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism principles.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.