About the Solidarity Fund

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, the Solidarity Fund offers sponsorships to Louisiana-based nonprofits as part of a strategy to increase racial justice in philanthropy—particularly for grassroots organizations working in and for Louisiana.

FFL defines racial justice as the liberatory and transformational vision of what society could be—and must become—once we eliminate racial hierarchies, advance collective liberation, and ensure that People of the Global Majority have the resources, dignity, power, and self-determination to thrive fully and wholly.

We understand racial equity as the enactment and reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that produce power, access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for all—while accounting for the ongoing impact of historical and contemporary racial disparities.

Eligibility & Funding Guidelines

To be eligible for support from the Solidarity Fund, applicants must:

•  Be a Louisiana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be fiscally sponsored by one
•  Submit a complete sponsorship application at least 60 days before the event
•  Propose an activity that takes place on or before December 31, 2026

We prioritize applications from organizations that have historically lacked access to flexible funding due to systemic exclusions based on racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism.

What We Fund

Sponsorships can be used to support:

•  Community events, convenings, and gatherings
•  Fundraisers and benefit performances
•  Learning opportunities or public awareness campaigns
•  Organizing events and cultural programming

Projects that do not generally receive consideration:

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

Funding Parameters

•  Maximum award: $25,000
•  Average award: $5,000
•  One award per organization per FFL fiscal year
•  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while funds remain available

What We Look For

We assess applications based on:

•  Alignment with FFL’s mission and program areas, including racial justice, climate justice, and criminal justice
•  Support for our strategic priorities: arts and culture, economic opportunity, and community leadership and wisdom
•  The feasibility, urgency, and community impact of the proposed activity  

Please contact Tiffany Hall, Grants & Special Projects Manager, at thall@foundationforlouisiana.org with any questions.

About the Fund

The Armature Scholarship Fund supports Louisiana students pursuing higher education in the arts. Established at Foundation for Louisiana, the fund was created to expand access to educational opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students and students of color who are developing their artistic practice and creative voice.

In the arts, an armature is the internal structure that supports a work while it is being formed. In that same spirit, the Armature Scholarship Fund helps create the foundation that makes it possible for emerging artists to continue their education and creative work.

The scholarship recognizes the role that artists play in shaping culture, building community, and contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive creative landscape.

Guidelines

Foundation for Louisiana invites prospective and current college students to apply for the Armature Scholarship Fund. The Armature Scholarship Fund is a scholarship program that supports LGBTQIA+ undergraduate students and students of color who reside in Louisiana and are pursuing higher education in the arts during the 2026–27 academic year.

Awards are distributed annually and may be up to $15,000 per award

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for the Armature Scholarship, students must be:

• A Louisiana resident for at least three years*
• Black, Indigenous, or a person of color and/or identify as LGBTQIA+
• Pursuing an undergraduate degree (Associate's or Bachelor's) in the arts. (Master's and doctoral programs do not qualify.)
• Planning to attend or currently enrolled in a higher education program during the 2026-27 academic year**

     * Undocumented students are encouraged to apply.

     ** The institution of higher education can be located anywhere in the United States.

Armature Scholarship Values

The Armature Scholarship Fund is grounded in a commitment to equity, creativity, and respect for the diverse communities that shape Louisiana’s cultural landscape.

While applicants from all backgrounds are welcome, the scholarship was designed to expand access to higher education for LGBTQIA+ students and students of color. The fund centers and affirms the experiences of these communities while supporting artists who contribute to inclusive and respectful creative environments.

Armature Scholars are expected to uphold these values throughout their participation in the program. Conduct that is discriminatory or harmful toward LGBTQIA+ people, people of color, or other marginalized communities is inconsistent with the purpose of this scholarship.

Required Application Materials:

1. Proof of Louisiana Residency

Applicants must have lived in Louisiana for at least three years.

Acceptable Documentation demonstrating Louisiana Residency May Include:

 • Louisiana high school transcript showing enrollment in a Louisiana school

 • GED transcript from a Louisiana program   • Louisiana driver’s license or state ID   • Voter registration or vehicle registration   • Lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill (in the name of the applicant or parent/guardian)   • Documentation of Louisiana employment   • School records or other official documents confirming Louisiana residency

Multiple documents may be combined to demonstrate residency. If you have documentation not listed above that shows you have lived in Louisiana for at least three years, you are welcome to submit it.

2. Statement of financial nee:

Applicants should provide documentation demonstrating financial need.

Preferred documentation:   • Financial Aid Award Letter from your college or university

Other documentation may be submitted if an award letter is not yet available:   • FAFSA Submission Summary   • Documentation showing Pell Grant eligibility

Selected applicants may be asked to provide additional financial aid documentation prior to award disbursement.

3. Optional reference

A reference letter or short video from a teacher, professor, mentor, colleague/employer, or community member who can speak to why you are a strong candidate for the Armature Scholarship.

You may submit a reference letter previously used for another application if the context is relevant to this scholarship. You may also provide your reference’s email address and we will contact them directly to request the letter.

Armature Scholarship Key Dates

• April 1, 2026 - Application Opens
• May 24, 2026 - Application Deadline
• June 29, 2026 - Notification of Selection

ACCESSIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Applicants who need assistance submitting materials or have questions about the application or eligibility requirements may contact Foundation for Louisiana at scholarships@foundationforlouisiana.org