Best St. James Parish Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

About

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the philanthropic institution dedicated to driving positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in the Greater New Orleans Region.

Our roots extend back to the Community Chest of New Orleans established in 1923. For 100 years, we’ve connected our donors and fundholders with causes that they’re passionate about to affect transformational change. It’s how we help people make the most of their investment, while helping the members of our communities that need it most.

Kahn-Oppenheim Trust (A total of $155,000 Available)

Funding for the development and/or improvement of public health outreach and education programs to inform people about ways to prevent diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and others, insofar as these programs involve physical, nutritional, or dietary regimens.

The average grant size is $20,000; grants may be larger or smaller.

The RESTORE Act Direct Component provides funding for non-construction activities aimed at restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast's natural resources. Eligible projects include ecosystem restoration, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for initiatives that enhance local economies and ecological health. This grant is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement.

The RESTORE Act Centers of Excellence Research Grants Program, managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, offers funding for establishing Centers of Excellence in the Gulf Coast Region. These grants support research in areas like coastal sustainability, fisheries ecosystem monitoring, offshore energy development, and resilient economic growth. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as funds are available, encouraging innovative solutions for environmental and economic challenges in coastal regions.

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 Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Gulf States Eye Surgery Fund, managed by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, offers financial assistance to nonprofit organizations aiding low-income patients in need of eye surgery and care. With a total of $35,000 available, grants typically average $20,000 but can vary. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and those with fiscal agents. Priority is given to organizations showcasing strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to equity in underserved communities.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

About

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the philanthropic institution dedicated to driving positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in the Greater New Orleans Region.

Our roots extend back to the Community Chest of New Orleans established in 1923. For 100 years, we’ve connected our donors and fundholders with causes that they’re passionate about to affect transformational change. It’s how we help people make the most of their investment, while helping the members of our communities that need it most.

Harold W. Newman, Jr. Charitable Trust (A total of $40,000 Available)

Funding for organizations that provide health care assistance to residents of New Orleans whose U.S. adjusted gross income for the preceding tax year, when added to any tax-exempt income and income from a spouse for that same year, is at least $75,000 but not more than $200,000. The health care assistance must be for cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s.

The average grant size is $20,000; grants may be larger or smaller.

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Public Facilities Grant (LA)

The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program is run by the Office of Community Development – Local Government Assistance (OCD-LGA). All projects funded through the program must meet at least one of the three national objectives set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

• Provide a clear benefit to low- and moderate-income people (at least 51 percent of those served)
• Eliminate or prevent slums or blight
• Address an urgent community need

Louisiana expects to receive about $22 million in CDBG funds from HUD, with roughly $12 million for the LCDBG Public Facilities Program. Every two years, OCD-LGA surveys eligible communities to set funding priorities. Public infrastructure is consistently ranked highest.

For FY 2026, Public Facilities Program funds will focus on:

• Sewer improvements
• Potable water improvements
• Street improvements

The LCDBG Public Facilities Program runs on a two-year funding cycle with two phases.

Funding limits and minimum project size

The State has set maximum funding amounts for projects:

• Street projects: $1,000,000
• Sewer and water projects (including sewer treatment, sewer rehabilitation, new sewer, and potable water, including multi-jurisdiction projects): $2,000,000

Projects must include at least $350,000 in construction costs. Projects below this amount will not be considered for funding or scored

The Mini-Grants for Education program, funded by the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, aims to support K-12 educators in eligible communities. Grants ranging from $100 to $500 are available for diverse projects, including environmental initiatives and STEM education. Since its inception in 2006, the program has allocated over $700,000 to enhance classroom experiences. Teachers and school staff in specified areas can apply, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

The Women's Development Initiatives Grant Program, funded by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, focuses on enhancing education and economic opportunities for women in various communities. This initiative aims to empower women through skills training, small business development, and leadership programs, ultimately fostering their participation in economic growth. Eligible organizations must directly serve women and girls in specified locations, demonstrating measurable impacts and sustainability beyond funding.

The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Restoration Fund RFP aims to provide grants for projects that restore and maintain bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, enhance agricultural lands for better soil health and wildlife habitat, promote aquatic connectivity, and improve community resilience. Grants range from $150,000 to $1,000,000, depending on project scale, and applicants are encouraged to consult NFWF for proposals outside this range. This program follows an annual application cycle.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

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.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

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.

The Selley Foundation Grant, managed by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals in the Greater New Orleans area. With an emphasis on capital needs, it supports nonprofits in arts & culture, education, and environmental initiatives. The foundation occasionally considers programmatic requests, aiming to foster a vibrant community that celebrates the unique character of the region while ensuring sustainable growth and support for local organizations.

The Pratt-Stanton Manor Fund Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Orleans region that help older adults live dignified and independent lives. With funding up to $40,000, the grant prioritizes services addressing basic needs, caregiver support, and economic security. It seeks to empower older adults, particularly those below the poverty line, ensuring they receive essential resources while fostering partnerships with like-minded organizations to enhance quality of life.

The Pro Bono Publico Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on education and community rebuilding in New Orleans. Their mission, rooted in the motto "For the Public Good," emphasizes supporting nonprofit, tax-exempt entities that work towards ensuring all children in New Orleans have access to excellent educational opportunities. The foundation prioritizes innovative and effective programs that directly benefit the citizens of the New Orleans region.

The Michael R. Boh Fund, administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, allocates $45,000 to support nonprofit organizations that assist children and families who have faced rejection from essential developmental institutions. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits serving the Greater New Orleans area, as well as those with a fiscal agent relationship. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating strong leadership, fiscal management, and a commitment to equity, ensuring vital support for underserved communities.

The Green Infrastructure Grantmaking Program by the New Orleans Community Support Foundation aims to distribute $1.75 million to support community-led projects in Southeast Louisiana. This initiative focuses on enhancing environmental resilience in underserved areas, promoting awareness, and improving water management. The program targets the implementation of at least 12 flood mitigation projects, empowering local organizations and individuals to effectively manage environmental grants and improve understanding of critical ecological issues.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Entergy Micro Grants Program offers funding of up to $1,000 for various initiatives including arts, education, and community improvement. Eligible organizations are typically 501(c)(3) non-profits, schools, or government entities. Applications should be submitted at least three months in advance, as review times can take 8 to 12 weeks. Notably, grants will not be awarded to individuals or for capital projects, political activities, or religious purposes.