Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Louisiana

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Building a community of journalists committed to better health care reporting.

We believe accurate, contextual and balanced health care reporting is more important than ever.

People depend on health care stories to make life-altering decisions every day.

AHCJ U.S. Health System Reporting Fellowship

This opportunity is for U.S.-based journalists.

Issues with the U.S. health care system are often obvious — from large swaths of uninsured residents and junk insurance plans, to high maternal mortality rates and preventable medical errors. But what is at the root of issues like these? What could an equitable health care system look like? 

Through the U.S. Health System Reporting Fellowship, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, you can pursue a significant reporting project related to the U.S. health care system at the local, regional and/or national level.

This fellowship allows mid-career journalists to maintain their regular employment while working on a major project over a 12-month calendar year. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work.

We believe that issues of health equity impact every facet of the health care system, which is why we’re specifically interested in projects focused on health equity. This might include racial disparities within a community, gaps in public health inclusion, unstable housing, insurance access, food insecurity, violence as a health issue, how health care institutions or systems are applying a racial equity lens to their policies and practices or otherwise addressing inequities or disparities, or other examinations of systemic problems that have become so apparent over the last few years.

Guidance is provided by AHCJ mentors through customized seminars on health care systems, conference calls and email consultations. The fellowship covers the cost of attending the seminars and the annual AHCJ conference, as well as a $2,500 project allowance to defray the cost of field reporting, health data analysis and other project-related research. In addition, you will receive a $5,000 fellowship award upon the successful completion of the project.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

First-generation master’s and doctoral students in exercise physiology, sports science, kinesiology, or sports nutrition at U.S. schools can receive US $4,000 - US $6,000 for research plus 1:1 mentorship. With a mission to advance health and human performance, American College of Sports Medicine Foundation provides Louisiana mentoring-focused graduate researchers with funding, professional guidance, and conference participation opportunities.

Nonprofit schools and mentoring or tutoring programs in Louisiana can seek funding for education, academic enrichment, and workforce readiness initiatives. With a mission to recognize and advance individual potential, Andrus Family Foundation provides support for traditional and out-of-school learning experiences, including programs that assist adults advancing careers and schools needing added resources for teachers; organizations in other areas may also be considered.

State education affiliates in Louisiana and other U.S. states can apply for the NEA Federal Rescue Implementation Network Grant, offering up to US $100,000 per year to fund a coordinator position. This role supports implementation of the American Rescue Plan for public education, which may benefit K–12 tutoring and mentoring initiatives.

Faculty developing or expanding undergraduate mentoring and discussion-based programs in Louisiana can apply for Institute for Humane Studies’ Free Society Grants to support liberal tradition–grounded coursework and co-curricular activities. Eligible projects include faculty-led mentorship, reading groups, workshops, and symposia that foster sustained engagement with political, economic, and civic questions; adjunct and visiting faculty may be considered.

Nonprofit organizations, school districts, city or state agencies, and higher education institutions in Louisiana expanding K–12 tutoring or mentoring supports can apply for the Community Collaboration Challenge, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for evidence-based student support collaborations. National Partnership for Student Success prioritizes proven community conveners able to activate local networks toward shared education goals.

Early-career production managers in live entertainment, including those based in Louisiana, can apply for the Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program, which awards US $2,000 for conference-related expenses and intensive mentorship. Offered by United Institute for Theatre Technology, this opportunity supports hands-on management experience at the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs running ongoing academic or life-skills mentoring and youth development programs in Louisiana can receive Ross gift cards, usually valued between US $300 - US $500, to purchase school or professional clothing for low-income youth. Grants from Ross Stores Foundation help mentoring and tutoring programs serving socioeconomically disadvantaged youth near local stores.

Undergraduate students and recent college graduates in Louisiana interested in public health and healthcare careers can access a full-time, 10-week summer internship focused on mentoring and real-world experience. Focused on tutoring and mentoring, John Muir Health invites diverse, underrepresented, and first-generation students to gain exposure, networking, and support toward health-related career pathways.

High school, undergraduate, and medical students in Louisiana interested in healthcare career mentoring can apply for John Muir Health’s CLIMB Near Peer Mentorship Program. This year-long, multi-level virtual program develops family medicine learners, pairing them with medical student mentors and opportunities to mentor high school students interested in medicine.

Focused on film music, New Music USA invites U.S.-based developing film composers, including those in Louisiana, to seek support for feature-length narrative or documentary projects in production or post-production. Grants of approximately US $20,000 fund scoring-related costs and provide high-impact mentorship to help advance composers’ careers and improve project quality.

Louisiana tutoring and mentoring programs serving low-income, college-bound youth interested in law may be eligible if their students are Shawn Carter Foundation scholars. Louisiana mentoring organizations can access funding through Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund’s Josh Dubin Fellowship, which offers a seven-week paid legal development experience plus additional scholarship support for participants’ educational expenses.

Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees planning PhD studies in fields like computer science, data science, or AI can access intensive research mentoring through this predoctoral program, including candidates from Louisiana. Grants from The Allen Institute For Artificial Intelligence help emerging scholars gain mentoring, publish with senior researchers, and strengthen future graduate applications.

High school seniors pursuing business or engineering with strong character and interest in mentorship can receive renewable scholarship support and one-on-one mentoring, offered nationally by the Bradley Family Foundation. Louisiana students in Conroe Independent School District may be eligible, gaining up to four years of financial assistance plus guidance from accomplished professional mentors.

Undergraduate, master’s, and medical students interested in pediatric oncology research can receive up to US $5,000 for a mentored summer research internship through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. With a mission to change the lives of children with cancer, this program supports hands-on research training in the U.S. and Canada, including Louisiana mentoring settings.

High school seniors seeking mentoring and higher education support in Louisiana may be eligible for US $3,000 - US $5,000 scholarships that include guidance and academic encouragement. With a mission to invest in future leaders, Rotary Club of Milwaukee provides financial aid plus mentoring for students pursuing two- or four-year or technical colleges.

Individuals interested in developing credentialed youth mentoring as a profession in the U.S. can access funding through the Bergel Institute to pursue a year-long, part-time fellowship focused on research and project development. Fellows design training, certification, and licensing frameworks and help launch a pilot mentoring site, with US $30,000 in support and two funded trips to Florida.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations offering tutoring, mentoring, and other educational or human services programs can seek US $2,000 - US $10,000 in support from McGraw Foundation. Although grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, organizations working on after-school tutoring, special needs education, literacy, and youth enrichment may be eligible alongside related mentoring efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering education, tutoring, or mentoring programs in Louisiana and other U.S. regions can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on educational opportunity, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust also considers youth initiatives, community programs, arts education, and related services for disadvantaged or underserved populations.

The Wilson Foundation's Empower Grant supports transformative projects in North Baton Rouge, particularly in ZIP codes 70802, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70811, and 70812. With a focus on housing, education, community wellness, and economic vitality, the foundation seeks to empower local residents through collaborative efforts. By prioritizing community engagement and sustainable change, the grant aims to address the underlying social and economic challenges faced by over 124,000 residents in the region.

About

Building a community of journalists committed to better health care reporting.

We believe accurate, contextual and balanced health care reporting is more important than ever.

People depend on health care stories to make life-altering decisions every day.

AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships

A fellowship for experienced journalists with a focus on international health.

In comparing the U.S. health care system to its global counterparts, journalists traveling to different countries as part of the AHCJ International Fellowship program can produce projects that provide valuable insights that can help inform policy decisions, improve health care outcomes and contribute to the ongoing evolution of health care systems worldwide.

Through the AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, you can pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. 

For 2027, the focus will be on the U.K. and France in comparison with the U.S. health care system. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work.

This fellowship allows highly experienced journalists to maintain their regular employment while working to evaluate a key component of the health care system, a health outcome, access, performance, providers, efficiency or other focal point over a six-month period.

That period allows for preparatory time, a site visit to the chosen European country, interviews and information gathering, as well as follow-up and writing time. Guidance is provided through seminars, conference calls and consultations with AHCJ fellowship leaders, a mentor and exposure to various topic experts.

The Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (KR1) offers crucial support for researchers aiming for independence. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services through the NIH, this award allows candidates to engage in intensive research training under a mentor's guidance for up to five years. It is designed for those with research doctoral degrees, facilitating their transition into independent research roles and enhancing their contributions to the scientific community.

The Mentored Clinician Research Scientist Career Development Award (KC1) from the NIH supports clinician research scientists for up to five years, providing dedicated time for intensive research career development. This award aims to guide candidates with clinical doctoral degrees towards achieving research independence by pairing them with experienced mentors who can help navigate their career paths.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program aims to support educational initiatives globally, impacting the lives of children. This program welcomes applications from IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on mission alignment and available funds. Kars4Kids, a national Jewish nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing productive community members through educational and mentoring opportunities.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation offers grants through its Education Committee to support programs enhancing educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. These grants focus on initiatives like tutoring, college preparation, and internship programs. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3). Preference is given to projects that provide ongoing support to students post-graduation, particularly in specific geographic areas such as San Diego County and the New York Metropolitan Area.

The Mentored Career Transition Award (KT1/R00) offers a biphasic funding opportunity for up to 5 years, supporting the transition of postdoctoral researchers to independent faculty positions. The first phase provides 1-2 years of mentored career development, while the second phase grants up to 3 years of independent research support, contingent upon satisfactory progress and faculty appointment. This grant aims to enhance the capacity of early-career researchers in achieving research-intensive roles.