Best Orleans Parish Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

Orleans Parish, Louisiana nonprofits and impact-first startups tackling major social or environmental challenges can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for early-stage, scalable solutions serving underserved communities. Eligible organizations are independent entities, typically 2–10 years old, with proven pilots, measurable impact, and plans to reach at least 10,000 people; awards are up to US $300,000.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Collaborative 501(c)(3)-led efforts in Orleans Parish, Louisiana and neighboring parishes can access funding to plan, coordinate, and implement systems-change work addressing poverty, youth development, mental health, and financial empowerment. United Way of Southeast Louisiana provides up to US $275,000 for planning, backbone infrastructure, shared measurement, implementation, and continuous improvement across multi-organization collaboratives.

Orleans Parish, Louisiana nonprofits can access funding through Ameriprise Financial for programs that meet basic needs, support community vitality, or are strongly volunteer-driven. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. clients and engaging Ameriprise volunteers may receive support for hunger relief, housing and homelessness, adult self-sufficiency, economic development, or arts and cultural enrichment initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can apply for Dr Scholl Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, or environmental work. Funding is primarily for U.S. applicants, so Orleans Parish, Louisiana nonprofits may be strong candidates for this annual, one-year project support.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can apply for GPOA Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $20,000 to support early childhood education, literacy, out-of-school programs, and youth work-readiness. With a mission to level the playing field for vulnerable children, GPOA Foundation provides operational and multi-year program support, including collaborative projects.

Orleans Parish, Louisiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children’s mental health advocacy can access funding through Institute of Mental Hygene to strengthen public support and policy for comprehensive services. Grants support advocacy efforts, community voice-building for children and caregivers, and convenings that inform the public about children’s development and mental health.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can apply for Institute of Mental Hygene of the City of New Orleans’ Child & Adolescent Grants to support children’s mental health and social-emotional development programs. Funding supports comprehensive mental health services in public schools and community-based prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for vulnerable youth and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can seek funding to strengthen early childhood programs, child care, and family supports for children from birth to age six. With a mission to improve early childhood development, Institute of Mental Hygene of the City of New Orleans provides grants for evidence-based programs, early intervention, and diverse delivery preschool partnerships.

Greater New Orleans Foundation provides Orleans Parish, Louisiana nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with US $5,000 - US $10,000 for LGBTQ-focused general operations, programs, advocacy, and capacity building. Health, cultural, and support organizations serving marginalized LGBTQ individuals and families in GNOF’s 13-parish area, with priority for Orleans Parish, may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations providing outdoor, nature-centered programs for at-risk or disconnected youth ages 10–18 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can access funding through the Emily’s Bloomin Youth Fund. Grants from Greater New Orleans Foundation support programming that teaches conservation, builds professional and teamwork skills, and fosters communication, social responsibility, and a healthy work ethic for local youth.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can apply for United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s RESOLVE NOLA Community Impact Grant, with awards up to US $15,000 for youth-focused behavioral health services. Funding supports trauma-informed programs addressing mental health, substance abuse, excessive alcohol use, and physical or emotional trauma among youth of color in chronically poor communities.

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.

Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can receive approximately US $20,000 to plant trees, purchase supplies, and cover planting-related expenses on public property. Greater New Orleans Foundation supports greening and beautification by funding partners that help expand New Orleans’ urban forest toward the goal of 40,000 new trees by 2030.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can apply for capacity-building support to strengthen organizational development, staff training, or infrastructure, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants from Shapiro Family Foundation help local groups serving low-income or under-resourced residents through hunger relief and/or education access and equity programs, advocacy, or direct services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Orleans Parish, Louisiana can receive up to US $10,000 in 12-month operating support to advance hunger relief and education access and equity. With a mission to foster a more equitable New Orleans, Shapiro Family Foundation prioritizes culturally competent groups serving low-income communities with proven outcomes and community-informed approaches.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Orleans Parish, Louisiana can apply for Shapiro Family Foundation Seed Money Grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for 12-month new or pilot programs. Funding supports hunger relief and education access and equity efforts for low-income or under-resourced communities, emphasizing cultural competence, measurable outcomes, and community-informed, collaborative approaches.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, universities, and government agencies in Orleans Parish, Louisiana can apply for Louisiana Division of the Arts’ Louisiana Project Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $7,500 for community-focused arts projects. Funding supports disciplines like music, theater, visual arts, dance, media, design, literature, folklife, and culinary arts that address local needs and expand public access.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and groups with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor serving Algiers and St. Bernard Parish can receive up to US $10,000 to improve local quality of life. Greater New Orleans Foundation provides Orleans Parish community services organizations with support for new programs, capital projects, seed funding, and bridge grants addressing community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects in Orleans Parish, Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans region can apply for Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Community-Led Green Infrastructure grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $150,000 for community-driven green stormwater infrastructure. Funding supports flood mitigation, community resilience, and water quality projects in vulnerable and underserved neighborhoods.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Orleans Parish, Louisiana with budgets under $1,000,000 can seek up to US $10,000 to support arts and culture, health, or human rights and justice work. Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Emerging Philanthropists program prioritizes small, community-based organizations serving vulnerable and historically underrepresented residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving low- to moderate-income communities with food insecurity, workforce development, youth programs, or AmeriCorps-supported teams in Orleans Parish, Louisiana and other Hancock Whitney service areas can seek capacity-building and sustainability support. Greater New Orleans Foundation partners with Hancock Whitney to award up to US $25,000 for eligible programs and housing-related community services.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Orleans Parish, Louisiana that support basic needs, at-risk youth, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services may be eligible for funding, if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. With a mission to help vulnerable families and children, TJX Foundation provides invited applicants support through a multi-step LOI and application process.