Foundation for Louisiana (FFL) invests in communities and ideas, builds partnerships, and transforms policies and systems for an equitable, stronger Louisiana. With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we provide sponsorships to Louisiana-based nonprofits with a sponsorship strategy designed to increase racial justice in the area of philanthropy for nonprofits working in Louisiana. Racial justice is the liberatory and transformational vision of what society could be and must become once we eliminate racial hierarchies, advance collective liberation, and make certain that People of the Global Majority have the resources, dignity, power, and self-determination to thrive fully and wholly. FFL defines racial equity as the enactment and reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that produce power, access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for all in ways that reflect the impact of historical and contemporary disparities that exist on the basis of race.

Guidelines

• Applicants must be 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organizations based in Louisiana.
• This fund aims to provide resources to organizations that typically do not have access to flexible dollars because of systemic exclusions that result from racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism.
• Funds can be used to support fundraisers, learning opportunities, convenings, community events, and awareness campaigns.
• Sponsorship requests must be for applicants to host events occurring on or before 12/31/24.
• Applicants should be prepared to provide contact and organizational information, including the annual budget and proposed event details with their funding request.
• If your application is declined, you are welcome to apply again in future open rounds of funding.
• Applications for sponsorships are accepted on a rolling basis based on availability of funding. It is highly recommended that your organization submit a sponsorship application at least 60 days in advance of the event. 
• The maximum award is $25,000, and the average award is $5,000. Only one award will be made to an organization per FFL’s fiscal year.
• We are reviewing for alignment with FFL’s mission, vision, and program areas (climate justice, racial justice, and criminal justice) and strategic priorities: support of arts and culture, economic opportunity, and community leadership and wisdom.

Projects that do not generally receive consideration:

• The private benefit of any specific individual
• Public or private secondary schools (Pre-K - 12) 

Please contact Caryn Blair, Strategic Projects Manager, at cblair@foundationforlouisiana.org with any questions.

The Opportunity

   In partnership with our 2024 TOGETHER Initiative cohort, Foundation for Louisiana announces a grant program designed by community members for community members to support people and organizations working to make our city a place in which all young people can grow and thrive.  We envision a New Orleans in which all young people are free, respected, and loved.  We want to see a city in which youth and young people experience physical and psychological wellness, have strong and diverse social relationships, live in a healthy environment, and have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities to pursue their dreams.
 

Eligibility and Selection Priorities 

This grant opportunity supports individuals and organizations who provide programming, support, and resources for youth-led community safety and violence reduction.  The program will award grants at two levels:
 

•  $500 - $5,000 grants to support individuals and grassroots groups 
• $5,000 - $10,000 grants to support organizations (501c3 or fiscally sponsored) 

Youth-led in this context includes any program in which youth and young people exercise significant decision-making power over and leadership in program or project design, implementation, and learning.  We intentionally define youth very broadly as ages 0 - 31 to acknowledge the mentorship of young adults working with younger people.
 

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Provide youth-led programming addressing community safety and/or violence prevention.
• Be located and work in Orleans Parish
   

Priority will be given to individuals, groups, and organizations who: 

• Represent the diversity of our city.
• Were born in New Orleans or have lived in the city for a significant period of time.
   

This program is designed to fund small, grassroots groups and organizations who are often overlooked for grant funding.  Groups or organizations with budgets of greater than $200,000 annually are not eligible to apply.

How to Apply and Timeline

Applications will be received using Submittable.  Applicants will be prompted to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit the application form. 

Applicants will be asked to provide information about their organization and answer five questions about their work.  Responses can be provided in writing or as short video responses.  A simple budget will be requested.  Support is available for applicants who may need assistance with any part of the application by emailing grants@foundationforlouisiana.org.

Responses will be reviewed by members of the 2024 TOGETHER Initiative cohort and Foundation for Louisiana staff. 

The timeline for this grant opportunity is as follows: 

• April 26: Application opens
• May 1:  How to apply webinar (register here)
• May 9: Applications due by 11:59 PM CT 
• May 31: Notifications 
• June 15: Anticipated grant start date 
• December 31: Grant end date 

Expectations 

Successful applicants will be asked to have a check-in conversation with FFL staff and members of the review committee in late August – early September.  A short final report (written or video) will be requested by December 31, 2024.  

Successful applicants will also be strongly encouraged to attend a community celebration and good work showcase tentatively scheduled for November 9, 2024 (details TBD).
 

More Information 

• Resources and support for using our online application portal Submittable is available here. 
• Want to learn more about how our application has been designed to be inclusive of people with disabilities?  Learn more here.  To discuss accommodations, please contact Jamie Schmill at jschmill@foundationforlouisiana.org.
   

Questions about this opportunity, eligibility, or how to prepare your application materials? Other questions or concerns?  Email us at grants@foundationforlouisiana.org.