Best New Orleans Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

Emeril's Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen Grants support K-8 schools in enhancing culinary and gardening education. Schools must be 501c3 nonprofits with established programs, demonstrating the ability to impact students positively. The initiative focuses on fostering appreciation for food sources, developing life skills, and promoting healthy eating. Schools are encouraged to mentor others and must provide dedicated gardening and culinary instruction to all students. This program aims to empower children with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is offering Community Partnership Grants to support music, arts, and cultural education programs. Nonprofit organizations in Louisiana can apply for up to $5,000 to cover professional fees for artists and educators. This initiative aims to enrich community engagement through artistic instruction and cultural preservation, reflecting Louisiana's unique heritage. Since 1979, the Foundation has distributed over $13.5 million in grants to foster local arts and culture.

The Community Partnership Grants by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation support music and arts education in Louisiana's K-12 schools. Grants of up to $7,500 are available for instruments, supplies, and instruction. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local nonprofits. The program aims to enhance cultural traditions and foster artistic expression, continuing a legacy of over $13.5 million in funding for community projects since 1979.

The Community Partnership Grants by the Jazz & Heritage Foundation aim to support music and art education programs, cultural events, and artistic projects that reflect Louisiana's rich culture. With grants up to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes Louisiana-based applicants, fostering community engagement and cultural preservation. Since 1979, over $13.5 million has been awarded, helping schools and nonprofits thrive. This initiative encourages both documentation and creation of artworks that celebrate the unique heritage of Louisiana.

The Community Partnership Grants program by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation supports Louisiana's arts community by providing funding for music and arts education, cultural events, and new artistic works. Established in 1979, the program has distributed over $15 million to local nonprofits, schools, and artists, fostering job opportunities for Louisiana-based performers at public festivals and cultural events. Grants up to $7,500 are available to eligible organizations to further the Foundation’s mission.

The Pro Bono Publico Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on education and community rebuilding in New Orleans. Their mission, rooted in the motto "For the Public Good," emphasizes supporting nonprofit, tax-exempt entities that work towards ensuring all children in New Orleans have access to excellent educational opportunities. The foundation prioritizes innovative and effective programs that directly benefit the citizens of the New Orleans region.

The Selley Foundation Grant, managed by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals in the Greater New Orleans area. With an emphasis on capital needs, it supports nonprofits in arts & culture, education, and environmental initiatives. The foundation occasionally considers programmatic requests, aiming to foster a vibrant community that celebrates the unique character of the region while ensuring sustainable growth and support for local organizations.

The New Orleans Recreation & Culture Fund, managed by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations that enhance the well-being and growth of the community. It emphasizes strong leadership, fiscal management, and community engagement. Eligible organizations should demonstrate a commitment to equity and contribute to the vibrancy of New Orleans. This initiative fosters collaboration and innovation, promoting a sustainable and just region for all residents.

The IMH Early Childhood Grants aim to enhance early childhood education and family support for children aged zero to six. This funding encourages programs that bolster children's readiness for kindergarten, improve social-emotional well-being, and aid parents in effective caregiving. IMH also promotes diverse delivery of early education services and seeks innovative proposals that foster collaborative partnerships among local educational entities, ensuring sustainable and high-quality early childhood experiences for all families in Orleans Parish.

The Gert Town Community Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Gert Town, New Orleans. This Donor Advised Fund by the Greater New Orleans Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in various areas, including youth services, housing, community leadership, education, and economic development. The fund encourages projects that foster community beautification and support local entrepreneurs, ensuring a vibrant and thriving neighborhood for all. Interested organizations can find more details through the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

The Collins C. Diboll Private Foundation, established in 1984, focuses on charitable and educational initiatives for the New Orleans community. It provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 annually to 501(c)(3) organizations that address societal issues and promote arts, education, and health. While primarily supporting local organizations, it may consider applications from other areas. However, it does not fund scholarships, grants to individuals, or for-profit entities.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

The Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) program, under the Greater New Orleans Foundation, empowers community members to drive change through collaborative grantmaking. This six-month initiative connects emerging leaders with local nonprofits, fostering skills in grant review and decision-making. With a focus on Arts & Culture, Health, and Human Rights & Justice, EPNO supports organizations that uplift underrepresented communities while promoting civic engagement and philanthropy in the Greater New Orleans region.

The Community-Led Green Infrastructure initiative by the New Orleans Community Support Foundation seeks applications from nonprofit and community-based organizations for grants aimed at enhancing environmental health and community resilience. This initiative focuses on developing green infrastructure projects that mitigate flooding and improve water quality, particularly in vulnerable areas of Greater New Orleans. With two funding rounds, the first is open now, while the second will begin in fall 2026.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

The New Orleans as Cultural Capital Grant provides essential operating support to nonprofit arts organizations across various disciplines such as dance, music, and visual arts. With funding amounts of $3,500, $7,000, or $14,000 based on fiscal year expenditures, this grant emphasizes artistic excellence and equitable practices. Grants are awarded for two years, encouraging long-term sustainability and community engagement in the arts. Applications open on February 3, 2025, for 2026 and 2027 support.

The New Orleans as Cultural Capital Grant provides vital funding for nonprofit arts organizations in various disciplines including dance, music, and visual arts. With grants available up to $14,000, this program supports organizations demonstrating artistic excellence and equitable practices. The funding can cover administrative costs, marketing, and programming expenses. This initiative highlights the importance of arts in enhancing community life and accessibility for all residents in New Orleans.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is launching its second cycle of collaborative grants aimed at eradicating poverty through community-driven initiatives. The grants focus on five priority areas aligned with their Blueprint for Prosperity, which addresses stability, prosperity, wellness, and vibrant communities. Eligible applicants must operate within specific parishes and demonstrate a commitment to systemic change and equity. Funding supports planning, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts to foster long-term community impact.

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.

The Green Infrastructure Grantmaking Program by the New Orleans Community Support Foundation aims to distribute $1.75 million to support community-led projects in Southeast Louisiana. This initiative focuses on enhancing environmental resilience in underserved areas, promoting awareness, and improving water management. The program targets the implementation of at least 12 flood mitigation projects, empowering local organizations and individuals to effectively manage environmental grants and improve understanding of critical ecological issues.

The RESOLVE NOLA Community Impact Grant, launched by United Way of Southeast Louisiana, aims to address the critical shortage of mental health resources for youth in New Orleans. This initiative focuses on providing trauma-informed support to youth of color in communities facing chronic poverty, fostering resilience and promoting positive change. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $25,000 to implement projects targeting behavioral health disparities and social determinants of health.

The Amazon Literary Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that empower diverse and marginalized writers. Since 2009, it has provided over $17 million to various literary groups, fostering emerging talent across genres. Eligible organizations must focus on developing writers, celebrating storytelling, and connecting them with audiences. By funding innovative initiatives, Amazon helps ensure that underrepresented voices are heard in the literary community, contributing to a rich and diverse narrative landscape.

Shapiro Family Foundation

Founded in 2025, the Shapiro Family Foundation is committed to fostering a more equitable and thriving community in New Orleans by addressing disparities in hunger relief and championing education access and equity. The foundation partners with local nonprofits with deep connection to the communities they serve to help expand their reach, strengthen their programs and ultimately create lasting positive change throughout New Orleans. 

Funding Priorities

• Serve low-income or under-resourced populations.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and community trust.
• Have a track record of measurable outcomes.
• Embrace collaboration and community-informed approaches.

Operating Support Grants

Operating Support Grants will be awarded for a 12-month funding period for up to $10,000 for general operations.

The Louisiana Project Grants, managed by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, aim to enhance community engagement through diverse artistic initiatives. The program supports various art forms, including dance, music, and visual arts, focusing on innovation and collaboration. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, the grants foster artistic growth while ensuring access for all residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions within Louisiana, emphasizing projects that benefit the community and promote cultural diversity.

The More Joy Community Arts Grant supports initiatives that engage the New Orleans community through parading, public performances, and street-based activities rooted in local traditions. This grant aims to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, particularly focusing on the contributions of Black Masking Indians and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. By funding exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, the grant fosters community spirit and brings joy to neighborhoods through artistic expression.