Best Orleans Parish Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

The GPOA Foundation Grant supports programs for children in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, with a focus on kindergarten readiness, reading proficiency by third grade, and equipping at-risk youth for independence. The foundation accepts concept papers biannually and encourages collaborative requests. Eligible organizations include nonprofits serving children and youth, while ineligible programs include those outside Orleans Parish or unrelated to children. Funding can cover operational costs and multi-year requests, fostering impactful educational initiatives.

The IMH: Child & Adolescent Grants support comprehensive mental health services in public schools and community settings in Orleans Parish. They prioritize programs that address emotional, behavioral, and learning barriers, fostering a nurturing school climate. The initiative encourages partnerships to enhance accessibility for vulnerable populations and promotes prevention and early intervention strategies. Nonprofit organizations in good standing are eligible for funding, while capital projects and individual funding are excluded.

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 IMH: Advocacy Grants support nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations in Orleans Parish, focusing on increasing public support for mental health services for children and their families. The grants aim to foster community engagement and strengthen the voices of children and caretakers. Additionally, the program encourages policy development for quality services. Note that funding is limited to specific organizations, and capital projects or individual funding requests will not be considered.

The GNOF Exxon-Mobil Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish. Managed by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, this fund supports nonprofit organizations through grants typically not exceeding $10,000 for St. Bernard and $4,000 for Algiers. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to initiate creative programs, undertake construction projects, or sustain operations during financial difficulties, fostering community development.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Parks and Parkways Tree Planting Grant supports non-profit partners in New Orleans to plant trees on public properties, aiming to restore the urban forest with 40,000 new trees by 2030. Funded by a one-time allocation from the City Council, eligible tax-exempt organizations can utilize this grant for tree planting and related expenses. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating strong leadership, good fiscal management, and a commitment to community equity.

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 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 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 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 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 LGBTQ Fund Grant supports organizations focused on enhancing the quality of life for LGBTQ individuals, particularly marginalized groups. Funding is aimed at general operations, programs, advocacy, and capacity building. Priority is given to initiatives that advocate for effective policies and build cultural competency in mainstream organizations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities within the Greater New Orleans area that prioritize services for elders, transgender youth, and low-income LGBTQ individuals, ensuring access to essential resources and support.

Emily’s Bloomin Youth Fund aims to support at-risk youth aged 10-18 in Orleans Parish by providing outdoor and nature-centered programs. Established in 2015, the fund focuses on teaching youth about conservation while enhancing their professional and teamwork skills. Funded organizations will promote social responsibility and a strong work ethic, ensuring that participants connect with nature and develop essential life skills. This initiative fosters personal growth and environmental awareness among the 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.

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.

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.

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building Grants will be awarded for a 12-month funding period for up to $20,000 for organizational development, staff training, or infrastructure. 

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.

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.

Seed Money Grants

Seed Money Grants will be awarded for a 12-month funding period for up to $10,000 for new or pilot programs. 

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.