Best Cycling Grants in Louisiana

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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. 

Homeownership Development Funds

Homeownership development funds may be used to pay eligible costs associated with the development of single family homeownership units. The units may be either new construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of existing vacant units. Project must be small in scope (up to six units) and modest by local standards.

The value of the homes produced (appraised value after rehabilitation or new construction) cannot exceed HOME/Housing Trust Fund Sale Price Limit for the year in which the project is originally funded. The homes produced must be sold to an eligible buyer through a fee simple sale within nine months of completion of the construction.

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.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

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 CLCF Opportunity Grant supports eligible organizations in Central Louisiana with grants ranging from $250 to $2,000. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on areas such as literacy, arts, culture, and community development. The program aims to enhance the quality of life by connecting local donors with projects they care about, promoting charitable giving, and addressing community needs effectively.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana offers Competitive Arts & Culture Grants to organizations with a revenue of $250,000 or more. These grants aim to enhance access to the arts for underserved populations and improve community quality of life. Eligible programs can request funding for operational, programmatic, or capital expenses, with no maximum or minimum funding limits. Applications must meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status and good standing with IRS requirements.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana offers Competitive Grants for small organizations with annual revenues under $250,000, providing funding up to $10,000. Eligible programs must focus on areas such as arts, education, and health, and serve Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes. Organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and be in good standing with IRS requirements. This initiative supports community-driven projects that enhance the quality of life in North Louisiana.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

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 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.

About the Living Well Foundation

The Living Well Foundation is a non-profit public charity that was established upon the sale of a local public hospital in 2006. Its goals are to enhance the quality of life and health of the citizens of Ouachita Parish and the 7 surrounding parishes and to assist in collaborative and innovative networking within the region. The Living Well Foundation supports several projects in the northeast Louisiana area that seek to improve the medical, dental, and behavioral health of the population, especially kids.

Specific initiatives include dental hygiene clinics with the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) Department of Dental Hygiene, suicide prevention/intervention, dementia/Alzheimers cognitive deficit disorders, and school-based health centers with local school boards and medical providers, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and others. Other projects that provide behavioral health support services on school campuses and in communities are supported with area non-profit agencies and clinical professionals.

Grant Information

Grants are typically awarded to non-profits whose projects address the following:

• Activities related to rendering care to the sick and injured or in the promotion of health;
• Activities designed and conducted to promote the general health of the community; and,
• Activities undertaken in cooperation with public or private institutions or agencies engaged in providing health services to residents of the District.

The Foundation favors making grants that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• The grant would help assure the continued existence or creation of accessible, affordable health care facilities or services in the District or the service area that are responsive to the needs of the community.
• The grant would support the provision of health care to the disadvantaged, the uninsured, and/or the underinsured.
• The grant would support the goal of improved health care or wellness to the service area.
• The project would include an education component within its goals for participant self-sufficiency or self-awareness over time.
• The project would have a plan of sustainability upon conclusion of Foundation funding.

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 FY26 Request for Proposals (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 2026. Volunteer Louisiana shared National Competitive RFP information directly with the Authorized Representatives of qualified programs.

This RFP is for organizations applying for 2025-2026 AmeriCorps grant funds. These grants are awarded to organizations that propose to place AmeriCorps members within the state of Louisiana only. All current National Competitive programs, as well as State Formula programs applying as a recompete, should follow the guidance in this National Competitive RFP.

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 Robert W. Knox, Sr. and Pearl Wallis Knox Charitable Foundation Grant Program, established in 1964, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit Harris County, TX, and surrounding areas, focusing on charitable, religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring fair distribution of funds. This commitment reflects the foundation's legacy of community service and support for various humanitarian causes.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.