Best Grants for LGBTQ Nonprofits in Louisiana

LGBTQ nonprofits and grassroots groups in Louisiana and the broader Southeast can receive up to US $5,000 for queer and trans liberation organizing and community-building projects. Louisiana LGBTQ organizations, especially BIPOC-led, rural, or emergent groups with budgets under $300,000, can access funding through Southern Vision Alliance’s Queer Mobilization Fund to strengthen local power and presence.

Early-career LGBTQ+ performance artists creating new work in Louisiana and other eligible states can receive US $5,000 to support avant-garde performance art through the XENO Prize. Focused on conceptual and performance art, Franklin Furnace Fund invites vocational, non-student artists who generate original work and claim creative authorship to apply via the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art.

Undergraduate and graduate students and early-career researchers studying LGBTQ+ issues in the South, including Louisiana, can apply for Campaign for Southern Equality’s Southern Equality Research Grant; awards Up to US $2,000 for research-related expenses. Funding can cover conference travel (when presenting) and costs like software, participant incentives, data analysis, and publication fees.

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.

LGBTQ individuals pursuing post-high school education or vocational training that leads to financial stability, including those in Louisiana, can receive scholarship support through the We Rise LGBTQ Scholarship. Funded by the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, this one-time award offers US $10,000 total to support vocational, technical, and degree-granting programs advancing LGBTQ rights and opportunity.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana can apply for the Looking Out Foundation’s grants, which award US $5,000 - US $25,000 for social justice and humanitarian programs. U.S.-based nonprofits supporting LGBTQIA2S+ communities, displaced people, immigrant communities, or mental health access may be especially competitive, alongside work with disadvantaged youth, public health, arts, food insecurity, and unhoused populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area can apply for Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation’s Tier B grants, awarding US $10,000 for their work. Louisiana LGBTQ nonprofits with programs or partnerships connected to this region may be eligible to request an invitation during the application period.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving LGBTQ communities in Louisiana can apply for $5,000 - $10,000 from the Greater New Orleans Foundation to support operations, programs, advocacy, and capacity building. Grants prioritize work in its 13-parish service area, especially Orleans Parish, improving quality of life and access to opportunity for marginalized LGBTQ individuals and families.

LGBTQ-focused health and advocacy nonprofits in Louisiana may benefit when nominated physicians or medical advocates direct this award’s US $2,500 honorarium to their organizations. American Medical Association Foundation honors physicians, residents, fellows, and final-year medical students advancing LGBTQ health policy, advocacy, patient care, education, workforce diversity, or health care administration in the U.S.

Public and charter schools and registered nonprofits in Louisiana partnering with LGBTQ+ youth leaders can access funding through It Gets Better to run youth-led projects that uplift and empower LGBTQ+ students. Eligible initiatives across the U.S. and territories receive US $500 - US $10,000 plus training, mentorship, and year-long engagement support.

LGBTQ nonprofits and community organizations in Louisiana supporting transgender, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex people can receive funding for health care, housing, legal, religious, and community services. Leonard Litz Foundation’s TransPLUS Resource Grants also foster peer networks, resource toolboxes, newsletters, and community events that may benefit TGNCNBI-focused programs in the state.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Louisiana can seek up to US $15,000 for specific projects serving rural and underserved LGBTQ communities, including HIV and health programs, community support services, and public education or research. Gamma Mu Foundation prioritizes HIV/STD education, prevention, and treatment initiatives within the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations advancing LGBTQ+ rights and services in Louisiana can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund to support large-scale advocacy and programmatic projects. The fund backs work in health and wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, community engagement, and social assistance, with a focus on LGBTQ+ people of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming communities.

LGBTQ-focused nonprofits in Louisiana offering advocacy, health, crisis intervention, racial justice, or social support programs for LGBTQ+ people can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Community Grants. This national funder prioritizes organizations in the Northeast U.S., but Louisiana groups serving communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people may receive special consideration.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Louisiana can seek funding for general operating support, projects, advocacy, and capacity building, typically ranging from US $100 - US $15,000. B.W. Bastian Foundation prioritizes equality-focused organizations, primarily funds the Intermountain West and national-scope U.S. projects, and requires an initial email or phone inquiry before submitting a solicited proposal.

LGBTQ+ high school seniors and active allies seeking college scholarships in Louisiana and beyond can receive one-time support for higher education costs. Connecticut Community Foundation’s Pride in the Hills Scholarship may benefit students connected to LGBTQ+ nonprofits or advocacy efforts, especially those engaged in sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights or related community service work.

LGBTQ+ and allied students pursuing college or trade school who are current residents of the Miami Valley can receive US $2,000 for tuition through the Betsy Frabotta Educate and Engage Scholarship. The Dayton Foundation supports Q+ youth and allies with a record of academic success, community involvement, and equity-focused activism, which may interest Louisiana LGBTQ nonprofits serving similar populations.

LGBTQ+ students from Louisiana pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for scholarships supporting their studies and leadership. Pride Foundation provides Northwest-resident students with funding for community college, universities, and vocational or professional programs, prioritizing those facing systemic barriers, financial need, and limited family or community support who are committed to advancing justice.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Louisiana running kindness-centered social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, awarding up to US $5,000 plus a year of leadership development. Projects supporting LGBTQIA+ communities or advancing sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights may be especially strong fits, with funds used to launch or expand initiatives.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Kadel & Gerhardt Internships, funded by the Point Foundation, aim to enhance the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. These internships support academically talented students pursuing unpaid opportunities in the summer of 2025, addressing the critical need for culturally competent care within the community. By investing in future leaders, the program seeks to combat the stigma surrounding HIV and increase access to essential services for those affected.

Nonprofit organizations using community organizing for gender justice in the Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Camden county region can access funding through Bread & Roses Community Fund; awards are US $10,000. LGBTQIA+ rights and women’s equality groups, including those serving LGBTQ communities similar to Louisiana-focused nonprofits, may be eligible if they meet the location and 501(c)(3) requirements.

LGBTQ-focused grassroots groups, coalitions, and nonprofits in Louisiana can seek rapid-response funding for youth-led gender justice organizing, direct action, healing justice, safety, and mutual aid. Third Wave Fund’s Mobilize Power Fund supports U.S. groups led by young people of color with budgets under $500,000, offering up to US $20,000 for unanticipated, time-sensitive movement needs.

The Eash-Potter Scholarship supports LGBTQ youth in central Pennsylvania, honoring Melinda Eash and Sharon Potter's legacy. It is available to graduating high school seniors from specific counties who demonstrate commitment to enhancing the community climate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Financial need is a consideration, and the scholarship is a one-time award. Students of color, transgender individuals, and children of LGBTQ+ parents are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the scholarship program.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship

This scholarship supports the educational aspirations of individuals from Spokane and Kootenai Counties who identify as LGBTQA+ or Allies, helping them achieve their academic and career goals while fostering a sense of community engagement. 

Applicants should demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and/or LGBTQA+ community involvement. Recipients are eligible to re-apply and compete for the Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship after a waiting period of 5 years.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship

The Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship was established to support promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their academic potential.