FOUNDATION FOR LOUISIANA TO PROVIDE GRANTS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES!

Baton Rouge, La. – The Foundation for Louisiana will begin accepting grant requests to fund projects that increase economic opportunity for marginalized Louisiana communities.  The Foundation has released its grantmaking strategy and application guidelines reflecting its commitment to supporting community-driven projects dedicated to building resilience and increasing opportunity throughout the state of Louisiana.

 
Over the next five years, Foundation for Louisiana seeks to increase the number of affordable housing units developed within Louisiana, increase the number of small and disadvantaged businesses obtaining public contracts, and increase the buying and saving power of the state’s poorest citizens.

Foundation for Louisiana will fund two program areas:  Economic Opportunity and Public Policy and Advocacy.

The Foundation’s Economic Opportunity program will provide grants to support projects that increase production of and access to affordable housing and strengthen the capacity of small, minority- and women-owned business throughout the state.  The Public Policy and Advocacy program funds activities aimed at removing institutional barriers to economic opportunity and ensuring that needs of underrepresented populations are addressed in the development of public policy.

There is a two-step process to apply for Foundation for Louisiana grants.  Organizations interested in applying should complete the initial step of submitting a two-page letter of interest describing the proposed project no later than August 15th.  Only organizations with a valid tax-exempt status are eligible to apply for a grant.   More details and information regarding the full application process are available on the Foundation’s website at www.foundationforlouisiana.org

Established in May 2011, Foundation for Louisiana is the successor to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF).  Founded shortly after hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana, LDRF awarded more than $40 million dollars in grants to more than 200 organizations to support recovery efforts associated with hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike and the BP oil spill.

“We are building upon the lessons learned from LDRF as we go forward as the Foundation for Louisiana,” stated foundation vice president Eric D. Shaw.

“We see our investment in economic opportunity as strengthening the state’s neediest communities and helping them develop resources that will better enable them to respond and recover when faced with another disaster.  Increased economic opportunity builds more resilient communities.”

Foundation for Louisiana staff will be holding outreach sessions for nonprofit organizations the week of July 4th.   Foundation staff will provide an overview of the foundation and its new mission, share information on new program areas and grantmaking guidelines, and answer questions.

Session will be held at the following date, time and location:

Tuesday, July 12

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Next Level Empowerment Center

4700 Freret Street

New Orleans, LA 70115