Best Volunteer Grants in Louisiana

Background

The Volunteer Louisiana Commission administers federal grants from the AmeriCorps agency. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations proposing to engage AmeriCorps Volunteers (formerly known as “members”) in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions/practices to strengthen communities through an approved national service position. Volunteers may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, Volunteers earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust that Volunteers can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

State Formula RFP process

This RFP process is open for current AmeriCorps Louisiana programs in year 2 or 3 of a 3-year State Formula grant cycle (known as a State Formula Continuation applicant) and any New organizations applying for a 3-year grant cycle. FY27 RFP awards will begin in and after August 2027.

Government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in Louisiana seeking to host AmeriCorps members can apply for Volunteer Louisiana Foundation’s FY26 AmeriCorps Louisiana National Competitive grants to support service and volunteerism programs. With a mission to strengthen volunteerism, Volunteer Louisiana Foundation provides funding for existing AmeriCorps Louisiana programs nearing the end of a three-year grant cycle.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in Louisiana communities where RBC Wealth Management operates can seek funding for workforce skills, youth development, and community programs. RBC Foundation USA provides support for initiatives like job readiness, internships, financial well-being, and accessible community spaces, which may complement volunteer-driven efforts.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 AmeriCorps State and National Competitive Grants aim to enhance community service and volunteerism across the nation. By providing funding to organizations that engage AmeriCorps members, these grants support evidence-based interventions addressing pressing community challenges. Members receive living allowances and educational awards upon successful completion of their service, reinforcing the value of civic engagement and promoting positive community outcomes.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kenneth P. Rutter (Rotary) Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth P. Rutter Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to award a scholarship to a traditional or non-traditional applicant residing in Westmoreland County, who has achieved a high school diploma or equivalent including a GED or Home School certificate. Preference will be given to students who seek to enter the Christian Ministry, and/or who have exhibited a strong interest in Community Service and Humanitarian Service.

• Average Award: $2,500
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Edmond and Rima Cabbabe Dedication to the Profession Award

Honors physicians who are committed to expanding knowledge through teaching, conducting research and publishing. Other qualifying virtues include leadership, volunteerism and philanthropic activities in medical and other civic organizations.

Made possible by Edmond Cabbabe, MD, and Rima Cabbabe

Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, American Medical Association Foundation invites Louisiana medical professionals and advocates to be nominated for its Excellence in Medicine Bello Friend Award. Honorees are recognized nationally and receive a US $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice, supporting community health and underserved populations.

Nonprofit leaders running volunteer-driven community programs in Louisiana and beyond can receive US $25,000 to support their causes, plus mentorship and national visibility. With a mission to celebrate service, L'Oreal Paris provides recognition and funding to Women of Worth advancing education, child welfare, community development, and women and girl services across the U.S. and territories.

Louisiana students who are children of full-time first responders, nurses, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, or military personnel can access funding through The NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship. This one-time award of up to US $10,000 supports tuition, fees, books, room and board, or research materials at accredited nonprofit colleges or universities.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college or technical education and demonstrating strong academics and community service can receive the Robert and Margaret Pulliam Scholarship, awarding US $1,400 - US $1,600. With a mission to encourage achievement and service, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington supports volunteer-minded students, which may interest Louisiana programs guiding youth volunteers toward higher education.

Nonprofit organizations collaborating on initiatives to build trust in local or virtual communities, including those in Louisiana, can seek US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 to strengthen community relationships and civic life. With a mission to elevate social trust, Aspen Institute provides U.S. volunteerism and community groups with funding, a national learning network, and participation in the Trust in Practice Summit.

Nonprofits in Louisiana supported by U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $100,000 in volunteerism and philanthropy funding through the Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award. Grants from Invest in Others help advisors’ designated charities grow community services and nonprofit development, recognizing at least 20 years of distinguished, volunteer-driven leadership.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors who volunteer in Louisiana and beyond can receive up to US $60,000 to support their charitable work. Invest in Others provides grants to the advisors’ designated charities, recognizing at least three years of impactful, hands-on volunteer service that strengthens community services, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

Louisiana nonprofits supported by U.S.-based financial advisors can access funding through Invest in Others’ Emerging Impact Award to advance volunteerism, philanthropy, and community services. Advisors must be active U.S. registered representatives, investment advisors, or financial planners under age 46, with at least three years of ongoing volunteer leadership; designated charities may receive up to US $60,000.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors who lead long-term volunteer service can receive grant support for community service, volunteerism, and philanthropy initiatives, including work in Louisiana. With a mission to celebrate financial professionals’ charitable work, Invest in Others provides up to US $60,000 to the advisors’ designated charities through its Community Service Award program.

Louisiana nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors leading significant volunteer-driven initiatives can receive up to US $60,000 to strengthen their organizations and community impact. Grants from Invest in Others Charitablefoundation help volunteerism and philanthropy programs when advisors are nominated for the Catalyst Award recognizing at least three years of transformative leadership with a nonprofit.

Pediatric surgeons providing long-term humanitarian surgical care to underserved children, including those serving Louisiana communities, can be nominated for the Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award. This American Pediatric Surgical Association recognition honors careers focused on volunteerism, missionary surgery, or charitable surgical organizations rather than routine practice, and may particularly interest volunteers leading pediatric surgical outreach efforts.

Louisiana volunteer and youth development organizations can access funding through Yellowstone Club Community Foundation’s Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, which sends one student on a summer outdoor adventure and service trip. Big Sky high school students in grades 9–11, age 15 by June 1, 2025, who show leadership, volunteerism, and passion for the outdoors may be eligible.

Graduating high school seniors committed to community service and volunteerism can receive scholarship support for postsecondary education, including those in Louisiana. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship Fund offers up to US $500 for students of good moral character with financial need who plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or trade school.

Louisiana volunteerism and philanthropy organizations can access funding through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, which supports academic scholarship programs. Eligible applicants are Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school. This one-time award of up to US $2,000 recognizes achievement, community service, leadership, and financial need.

Graduating high school seniors with financial need who are active community volunteers in Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough can receive one-time scholarship support for higher education. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, through the Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship Fund, provides up to US $1,000 to recognize service-oriented students, which may interest Louisiana volunteer-focused organizations advising youth.

Louisiana students engaged in volunteerism and planning to attend a two- or four-year college or trade school may be eligible for the John D. Dixon and Louise A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship, awarding up to US $2,500. Offered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, it supports graduating seniors with financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Students pursuing healthcare-related degrees with strong volunteer or community service experience in Louisiana and across the U.S. can receive post-secondary scholarships through the PennHOSA Foundation Scholarship, funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. With a mission to promote compassionate healthcare careers, this program supports HOSA members demonstrating financial need and commitment to service.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.