Best Louisiana Grants for Nonprofits

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

National Arts Futures Fellowship

The National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF) is a six-month virtual leadership development program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging. It calls on early and mid-career arts and culture professionals from all backgrounds to step into their power as civic leaders and cultural innovators—building the skills, networks, and vision needed to shape a future where creativity drives justice, care, and connection.

Fellows join a national network committed to strengthening public life, nurturing collective wellness, and fostering deep belonging across communities. Together, they learn, experiment, and act—advancing a shared vision of leadership that is sustainable, community-rooted, and future-focused.

Each fellow enters NAFF with a Personal Action Project (PAP)—a concrete idea they will develop and implement with support from peers, coaches, guest experts, and flexible seed funding of $250–$1,000. Projects may include launching a cultural initiative, organizing a community campaign, supporting artist-led advocacy, seeking a public leadership role, or piloting another form of civic or community action. Throughout the fellowship, each project evolves through coaching, peer feedback, strategy sessions, and real-world experimentation. Fellows conclude the program by sharing their project, leadership growth, and next steps at the National Fellows Summit.

What’s New in Cohort Two?

• Cohort Two expands NAFF from six to seven monthly sessions and adds two new elements that support fellows in moving their Personal Action Projects from development into implementation:
• Seed Funding: Fellows may request $250–$1,000 in flexible funding to test, pilot, or implement their projects during the fellowship.
• Artists Thrive Framework: Fellows will use the framework to assess their work, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen artist-led advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Guiding Principles

• Democracy — Use the arts to strengthen civic participation, expand public trust, and make decision-making more accessible and inclusive.
• Wellness — Treat care, rest, and healing as strategic leadership tools for sustaining movements and communities.
• Belonging — Create spaces where leaders can thrive together across differences, build trust, and celebrate shared humanity.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Examples: Running for office, launching cultural programs, organizing campaigns, supporting policies. Projects can be local, regional, or national in scope.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by NRCS helps farmers and landowners implement conservation practices that improve water and air quality, conserve water resources, and enhance soil health. This program offers technical and financial assistance to address environmental concerns and promotes sustainable land management. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland. EQIP fosters innovation in conservation practices while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, making it a key resource for enhancing agricultural sustainability in Louisiana.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers a funding opportunity for CESU partners to conduct research on national-scale biogeographic information for aquatic organisms. This project aims to enhance species distribution models and habitat assessments using advanced analytical methods and artificial intelligence. By aligning with Department of the Interior priorities, it supports informed conservation decisions for aquatic ecosystems and species management, benefiting local communities and scientific collaboration.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is providing a funding opportunity for research aimed at restoring cisco populations in Lakes Huron and Erie. This involves hiring a structured decision-making expert and facilitating a workshop for fisheries managers to create a restoration plan. Additionally, a scientist will be engaged to conduct experiments to identify optimal environmental conditions for producing high-quality cisco in hatcheries, enhancing reintroduction efforts.

The Keep Louisiana Beautiful: Healthy Communities Grant supports initiatives in Louisiana aimed at enhancing community aesthetics through litter abatement, waste reduction, and environmental education. Since 2004, over $3.6 million has been awarded to various projects that promote community collaboration and volunteer involvement. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions, while projects focusing on litter enforcement and recycling are prioritized. This grant aims to foster sustainable practices and community engagement for a cleaner environment.

Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health is dedicated to fulfilling its mission through direct provision of quality services, the development and stimulation of services for others, and the utilization of available resources in the most effective manner.

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Rural Collaborative Provider Models Program

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Rural Collaborative Provider Model Program is to support the development of collaborative provider models that extend specialist coverage and enable rural facilities to pool limited staff resources to support patient care.

This initiative focuses on how rural providers organize and deliver services across multiple communities. It is intended to support regional service delivery models rather than clinician recruitment, telehealth infrastructure, EHR modernization, capital improvements, or value-based payment arrangements.

Applicants are required to demonstrate a mandatory minimum cost share/matching contribution of 10% of the total direct costs requested.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health is dedicated to fulfilling its mission through direct provision of quality services, the development and stimulation of services for others, and the utilization of available resources in the most effective manner.

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Rural Medicaid Alternative Payment Model Program

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Rural Medicaid Alternative Payment Model Program is to support rural providers in building the infrastructure needed to participate in value-based care (VBC) and implementing LDH’s target primary-care led VBC model. The population of focus is Louisiana Medicaid members residing in rural communities and the providers that serve them.

Applicants are required to demonstrate a mandatory minimum cost share/matching contribution of 10% of the requested funding. 

Two-lane Provider Glidepath

• Lane 1: Paid to Get Ready
• Lane 2: Paid on Results

Lane 2: Paid on Results

What the Lane Means: Provider has sufficient panel, data, care delivery, and operating capabilities to improve quality / utilization measures associated with TCOC (e.g., avoidable ED visits) for a defined rural Medicaid population. In Year 1, the provider is expected to impact TCOC but not measure TCOC.

Potential Support Offered:

• Infrastructure / capacity building support to scale / tailor the model to rural providers

• Interim performance payment for achieving shared savings while meeting quality gates (with an expectation that shared savings will eventually be sustained through separate agreements with healthcare payers.

Cultural Sustainability, a collaborative initiative by The Wallace Foundation and U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, aims to support arts organizations rooted in communities of color with annual expenses below $500,000. This program promotes equity and inclusion while studying how these organizations define their well-being. With grants totaling over $1.14 million available, the initiative seeks to empower underrepresented communities and enhance their cultural contributions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive arts landscape.

Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health is dedicated to fulfilling its mission through direct provision of quality services, the development and stimulation of services for others, and the utilization of available resources in the most effective manner.

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Rural Medicaid Alternative Payment Model Program

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Rural Medicaid Alternative Payment Model Program is to support rural providers in building the infrastructure needed to participate in value-based care (VBC) and implementing LDH’s target primary-care led VBC model. The population of focus is Louisiana Medicaid members residing in rural communities and the providers that serve them.

Applicants are required to demonstrate a mandatory minimum cost share/matching contribution of 10% of the requested funding. 

Two-lane Provider Glidepath

• Lane 1: Paid to Get Ready
• Lane 2: Paid on Results

Lane 1: Paid to Get Ready

What the Lane Means: Provider cannot yet reliably impact TCOC because foundational capabilities such as data visibility, workflows, or care team capacity are still developing.

Potential Support Offered:

• Infrastructure / capacity building to enable future TCOC reduction and quality improvement
• New activities aligned with target model (e.g., disease management)
• Annual performance payment for achieving quality metrics

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Louisiana’s great outdoors and state parks are a great way for visitors to see the Sportsman’s Paradise while visiting our recreational and historic sites. The Louisiana Office of Tourism's vision is to market and promote the brand of Feed Your Soul showcasing Louisiana as a travel destination, increasing revenue generated by the tourism industry and contributing to the economic impact of tourism in all 64 parishes. The Office of Tourism partners with tourism professionals and industry stakeholders in private and public sectors to extend and enhance their efforts to reach domestic and international consumers and travel trade.

Louisiana Competitive Grant Program

The CGP (Competitive Grant Program) for FY 26-27 is offered to encourage and support marketing for Louisiana fairs, festivals and other eligible tourism events that attract and retain visitors to the state and have a positive impact on Louisiana’s economy. The maximum award per applicant is $15,000 for advertising expenses, with a reimbursable match paid after the tourism event ends.

The tourism event must take place in Louisiana between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. CGP applications must be received a minimum of 90 days prior to the start of the tourism event.

The NPN’s Southern Artists for Social Change Grant offers $75,000 project grants to BIPOC artists and culture bearers in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, fostering social change through civic practice. This initiative aims to empower communities by supporting collaborations that address local challenges, envision futures centered on racial justice, and enhance artistic practices. Launched in 2020, it has funded 28 transformative projects, promoting equity and justice in the arts across the region.

Volunteer Louisiana

Volunteer Louisiana is the state service commission for Louisiana, established in 1993 to promote national service and volunteerism throughout the state. The agency and its staff are housed in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Volunteer Louisiana is governed by a Board of volunteer Commissioners from across the state, recommended by the Lt. Governor and appointed by the Governor. These are leaders in their fields, and great advocates for service and volunteerism in their communities.

Volunteer Louisiana RFPs for AmeriCorps Louisiana Grants

Volunteer Louisiana has published its FY26 Requests For Proposals (RFPs) to support AmeriCorps Louisiana program activities from August 2026 to July 2027. Volunteer Louisiana welcomes applications from governmental agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations interested in recompeting for, continuing, or establishing an AmeriCorps program within their respective entities. Administered by Volunteer Louisiana, these grants are made available through the federal agency, AmeriCorps.

National Competitive RFP Process

This RFP process is open for current AmeriCorps Louisiana programs in year 2 or 3 of a 3-year National Competitive grant cycle and all AmeriCorps Louisiana programs that will complete any 3-year grant cycle in 2027. Volunteer Louisiana shared National Competitive RFP information directly with the Authorized Representatives of qualified programs. 

New applicants, as well as all current AmeriCorps State Formula programs applying as a continuation, should follow the guidance in the State Formula RFP.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The SESAPS Francis Slack Award, established by the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society, honors individuals who have selflessly contributed to advancing physics in the Southeast. It recognizes efforts in enhancing research facilities, strengthening academic departments, and fostering regional physics organizations. Nominations remain active for three years, with a focus on encouraging women and minority candidates. This prestigious award commemorates the legacy of Francis G. Slack, a pivotal figure in the development of the Southeastern Section.

The Southern SARE: Producer Grant supports farmers in conducting their own research projects to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Established in 1994, the program aims to enhance farmer profitability, promote responsible land use, and improve community quality of life. By focusing on areas like organic agriculture, sustainable marketing, and alternative crops, the grant empowers farmers to address production challenges and share valuable insights with others in the farming community, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation.

The Southern SARE: On-Farm Research Grant supports agricultural professionals in collaborating with farmers to conduct innovative on-farm research projects focused on sustainable agriculture. This initiative emphasizes building strong relationships between researchers and farmers while addressing agricultural production challenges. By fostering new practices in production and marketing, it aims to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector, thereby benefiting local communities and the environment.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Southern SARE offers Graduate Student Grants to support Master’s and PhD students engaged in sustainable agriculture research. This initiative encourages impactful research across various topics, including production, marketing, and social sciences. By providing funding opportunities, Southern SARE aims to foster the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Southern region.