Best Quality of Life Grants in Louisiana

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

Louisiana Housing Corporation

The LHC was created in 2011 when the Louisiana Legislature merged the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency with housing programs from other state agencies, including Louisiana’s Office of Community Development. This move centralized Louisiana’s housing programs into one agency to streamline how the state addresses its housing needs, avoids duplication of efforts and improves service to the general public.

The LHC administers federal and state funds through programs designed to advance the development of energy efficient and affordable housing for low and moderate income families, drives housing policy for Louisiana and oversees the state’s Disaster Housing Task Force.

Nonprofit Open Cycle Affordable Housing Program (NOAH)

The LHC offers the Nonprofit Open Cycle Affordable Housing Program (NOAH). Under this program, the LHC distributes HOME Investment Partnership Program Funds (HOME Funds) to experienced nonprofit housing development organizations on an open noncompetitive basis.

Under NOAH, the LHC will receive applications for new small affordable housing development projects from experienced non‐profit housing development organizations on an open window basis. The annual amount of funding will be made available through an announcement made each year when the application window in opened. The announcement of the open window will also include the maximum award that will be available to any single project, developer, nonprofit, etc. The NOAH program will be a non‐competitive program. Applications will be processed and awards made until the funds are exhausted. Projects will be considered on a first come first served basis with “first come” being defined as a complete application inclusive of information necessary for LHC staff to accurately underwrite the project. 

Rental Development Funds

Rental development funds may be used to pay eligible costs associated with the development of permanent multifamily housing. The units may be either new construction or involve acquisition with rehabilitation or reconstruction. The project can have up to four units. Units developed with LHC assistance must meet the following affordability requirements:

• Rent for assisted units must not exceed 30% of the adjusted income of a family whose annual income equals or is less than 65% of the area median income as determined by HUD, adjusted by bedroom size. HUD provides annual HOME rent limits that include average occupancy per bedroom and adjusted income assumptions. For purposes of the NOAH Program, HOME rent limits and requirements will be used for all HOME Funds-assisted units.

• Project based vouchers (PBV) may be awarded to projects that have one-bedroom units available to serve households in need of permanent supportive housing (PSH). In addition to the unit size, the project must be close to public transportation and health care. No more than 25% of the units in a project can be set aside for PSH PBVs. Projects that request PBVs will be reviewed by the PSH Executive Management Counsel with the PSH/PBV waiting list to ensure the project is in a location where services are accessible and people in need of PSH want to live.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Community Outreach Ticket Grant Program, operated by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, aims to provide access to the Jazz Fest for low-income Louisiana residents. Tickets are allocated through nonprofit organizations that serve low-income clients, ensuring that those unable to afford festival attendance can participate. Organizations must demonstrate nonprofit status and are selected based on financial need and availability, prioritizing new applicants.

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 Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) offers the Young Investigator Research Grant to support impactful clinical research on kidney disease. This grant, particularly the Francisco 'Frank' M. Gonzalez Memorial Research Fund, aims to advance patient-oriented studies, with funding up to $35,000 for one year. Eligible candidates include junior faculty in the U.S. who have completed relevant training. The NKF prioritizes projects that align with its mission to enhance kidney health and transplantation efforts.

The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation supports nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty and promoting social justice in the South. It seeks organizations with strong ties to low-wealth communities, clear strategies for addressing systemic issues, and a long-term vision for change. Eligible applicants should demonstrate accountability, strategic networking, and a commitment to racial equity. The Foundation is open to innovative approaches and encourages submissions from groups aligned with its mission, fostering impactful community partnerships.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The T.J. Moran Foundation Grant, established by the Thomas Joseph Moran Family Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in areas such as animal welfare, education, and healthcare. Grants range from $2,500 to $150,000, aiming to promote community impact through effective leadership and management. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate viable plans for sustainable programs and measurable outcomes, reflecting T.J. Moran's commitment to making positive changes in Baton Rouge, LA, and beyond.

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

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 Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Louisiana Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Projects program enhances nursing home care by utilizing CMP funds to support initiatives that improve residents' quality of life. Eligible organizations, including advocacy groups and nursing facilities, can apply for funding to enhance care quality through various projects. The program aims to equip staff and stakeholders with necessary tools for effective resident support, emphasizing continuous improvement in care standards while adhering to CMS compliance requirements.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

Tides Foundation

Tides is a partner for justice in the social sector, working closely with doers and donors to build the power of historically excluded groups who face systemic barriers. We provide fiscal sponsorship, donor advised funds, impact investing, and a variety of grantmaking solutions to advance social justice and equity. 

Through Tides Foundation, we partner with individuals and families, foundations, corporations, and social change leaders to design and deliver social impact initiatives that shift decision-making power back to the communities we serve. Our mission is our North Star — and a beacon for those who share our commitment to social justice. Together, we work to shift resources and power to communities historically denied both, so they can create a just and equitable future.

Multi-Year Accelerator Grant

The Vote Your Voice Accelerator Infrastructure Fund is a multiyear investment in trusted, high-capacity, and deeply networked civic-engagement organizations across: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This fund is designed to: 

• Stabilize and sustain the organizations carrying the long-term weight of democracy protection 
• Strengthen the connective tissue across state and regional ecosystems 
• Support innovation, adaptation, and emergent learning in shifting political conditions 
• Ensure frontline communities remain centered in voter engagement, protection, and shifting power to those historically denied it

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

Southern Foundation

Southern Foundation's mission is to secure financial support for each of the five campuses of the Southern University System; to provide broader educational advantages for our students, encourage research among our faculty, and advance the University’s role in helping to build an increasingly functional Louisiana.

Eighteen-Eighty (1880) Society Fund

Bound by a mutual love for Southern University that has provided educational opportunities for untold numbers of the under-served, and a want to insure its existence into perpetuity, devoted supporters formed an organization, The 1880 Society in 2012. Recognizing that giving and supporting Southern are noble virtues, the society is named for the year that Southern University was founded, and pays homage to its impressive history and tradition of achievement as being the first state-chartered university for African Americans in the State of Louisiana.

The mission of the Southern University System Foundation is to support the University through academic programmatic enhancements, increasing student access and success by providing recurring annual support for the campuses of the Southern University System. As such, the Foundation looks to support programmatic needs of the Southern University System campuses, departments and students. Awards will also be available to local community non-profit organizations located in surrounding areas of Southern University System campuses.

1880 Society fund is designed to direct grants to faculty, staff, and system units. In support of expanding educational advantages for students, research opportunities for faculty and strategic programming for campuses.

Southern Foundation

Southern Foundation's mission is to secure financial support for each of the five campuses of the Southern University System; to provide broader educational advantages for our students, encourage research among our faculty, and advance the University’s role in helping to build an increasingly functional Louisiana.

Southern Foundation Faculty Research Grant

The 1880 Society Annual Fund provides funding for student scholarships, faculty grants and strategic University initiatives while seeking to bring together a coalition of donors to create a culture of philanthropy for institutional longevity. Recognizing that giving and supporting our University are noble virtues, the 1880 Society was named to celebrate the founding year of our University. The fund has directed more than $6.5 million dollars in direct support to the students, faculty, and campuses of the Southern University A&M College System since its inception in 2012.

The mission of the Southern University System Foundation is to support the University through academic programmatic enhancements, increasing student access and success by providing recurring annual support for the campuses of the Southern University System. As such, the Foundation looks to support programmatic needs of the Southern University System campuses, departments and students. Awards will also be available to local community non-profit organizations located in surrounding areas of Southern University System campuses.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.