Best Workforce Grants in Louisiana

Louisiana workforce and job readiness nonprofits serving low- to moderate-income communities can access funding through the Greater New Orleans Foundation for capacity building and sustainability efforts. Through the Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, awards up to US $25,000 support organizations focused on workforce development, food insecurity, youth programs, or AmeriCorps-supported teams within Hancock Whitney’s service areas.

Louisiana workforce preparation and community development organizations, including 501(c)(3)s, schools, and local government entities, can seek project funding for sustainability, job readiness, and thriving community initiatives. Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Thriving Communities Grant Program awards US $1,000 - US $50,000 for projects within 30 minutes of its rail network in its 22-state service area.

Municipal governments in Louisiana and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states seeking ARPA and IIJA workforce and related funding can apply for National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. Participants receive one-on-one technical assistance, data support, and peer cohorts to strengthen applications for federal grants in workforce, housing, health, transportation, and more.

Louisiana 501(c) and 170(c) organizations focused on workforce preparation and job readiness can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible nonprofits working in economic and community development, education, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may benefit.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Louisiana working on workforce preparation, job readiness, education, or related community programs can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees, which may help expand training, career readiness, and financial education services.

Louisiana workforce development and job readiness organizations seeking physical materials for safety, sustainability, or community projects can apply for this in-kind donation program. Focused on safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities, Norfolk Southern Foundation invites eligible groups within its service territory to request donated materials year-round, with no set application deadline.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets offering workforce preparation, job readiness, or youth development programs in Louisiana can apply for funding from RBC Foundation USA. Grants support in-demand skills training, internships, career pathways, and related programming in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence.

Nonprofit organizations building pathways out of poverty through workforce preparation and job readiness in Louisiana can receive US $125,000 - US $175,000 annually in unrestricted, multi-year support plus intensive consulting. Arbor Brothers supports second-stage 501(c)(3) organizations with modest budgets to strengthen strategy, financial management, data analysis, and stakeholder management across the lower 48 states.

Louisiana workforce development and community nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations, can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants to support safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability programs. Awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 prioritize Union Pacific–served communities and initiatives advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented residents.

Louisiana students interested in legal careers can access funding and a paid fellowship through the Josh Dubin Fellowship, a seven-week professional and educational experience. Current Shawn Carter Foundation scholars who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, age 25 or younger with financial need, may gain legal research experience, mentorship, site visits, and additional scholarship support.

Louisiana students with eligible forms of thalassemia pursuing degrees or certificates can receive US $250 - US $2,000 to support tuition and education or career training costs. Thalassemia patients who are permanent U.S. residents and registered with Cooley’s Anemia Foundation may use these awards for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or vocational and job-readiness programs.

Students who are permanent U.S. residents with qualifying thalassemia diagnoses pursuing college, graduate, associate, certificate, or vocational programs may receive $500–$1,000 to support tuition. Grants from Cooley’s Anemia Foundation help Louisiana workforce preparation and job readiness students, as well as others nationwide, advance their education and career goals in the 2025–2026 academic year.

Louisiana workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits can access funding through AFL Global to support STEM education, youth development, and adult life-enrichment programs. Eligible 501(c)(3)-style organizations focused on career skills, education, and self-sufficiency may use these community grants to expand services for children, youth, and adults pursuing employment and stability.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve the west side of Salt Lake City. Grants of up to $10,000, with an average of $5,000, support initiatives in health, shelter, education, economic self-reliance, and cultural enrichment. Applications are reviewed monthly. Organizations must be registered as nonprofits and align with the Foundation's focus areas to be eligible for funding.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

Louisiana workforce preparation and job readiness professionals in theatrical exhibition, distribution, or related vendors facing illness, injury, or major life events can receive temporary financial aid and counseling support. Through the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund, eligible workers may access medical, emergency, vocational rehabilitation, and equipment assistance to stabilize their employment and wellbeing.

The MCSF Career & Technical Education Scholarship supports children of Marines pursuing non-degree certificate programs. It offers financial assistance to eligible applicants based on need, helping cover tuition, fees, and associated educational costs. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.00 and a family income cap of $123,000, this scholarship ensures that all qualifying students have access to vocational training at accredited institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, providing flexibility for students.

Louisiana workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits can access funding through Wegmans Family Foundation to support education, job training, and economic mobility efforts. Grants may also assist youth and families through after-school programs, housing stability, hunger relief, and community-based health and wellness initiatives that help residents build long-term financial opportunity.

Middle and high schools with strong career exploration and readiness programs, including those in Louisiana, can apply for the Future Forward Schools Prize from Building Hope for US $50,000 and a national fellowship. Eligible schools must have operated at least two years and serve predominantly under-resourced or under-represented students, supporting workforce preparation and job readiness.

Focused on municipal workforce development, Georgia Municipal Association invites city governments nationwide, including Louisiana, to join the Municipal Workforce Learning Lab. Eligible cities participate in an eight‑month action planning process with free coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning to address workforce challenges, strengthen talent pipelines, and improve local government job quality.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

Future of Work Accelerator

A program of HP Inc. and the HP Foundation

In an increasingly digital world, people without access to technology and the skills to use it are often locked out of economic opportunity. The Accelerator helps scale the impact of organizations that are working to change this.  

Since 2022, the Accelerator has served 35 nonprofit organizations across 13 countries, helping them reach an additional 11.3 million people. 

As a joint program of HP and the HP Foundation, the Accelerator offers selected organizations USD$100,000 in funding, HP technology & solutions (~USD$100,000 value), and a six-month, virtual program designed to strengthen capacity and scale impact.  Exciting changes are ahead for the 5th year of the Accelerator. 

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy projects, focusing on social justice, education, environmental stewardship, and community health. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in these areas, but statewide entities may also apply. Successful projects should align with the Foundation’s impact pillars, demonstrate measurable community benefits, and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term positive effects on the local community.

The ASSP Foundation Career Development Grant supports individuals in the environmental health and safety field by providing financial assistance for certification and professional development activities. Since its inception in 1990, the foundation has awarded over $6 million in grants and scholarships, aiming to enhance the skills and careers of safety professionals. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received a grant, promoting a sustainable talent pipeline within the industry.