Foundation for Louisiana Invests Nearly $1 Million in State Nonprofits

Inaugural round of funding supports small businesses, affordable housing and strategies to fight poverty, blight statewide

Foundation for Louisiana this month announced grant awards totaling $843,000 to 22 nonprofits, including the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations and several of its members.

In its first grant cycle, Foundation for Louisiana continues the work of its predecessor, the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, to assist Louisiana nonprofits, support citizen engagement, and create affordable housing and economic opportunity in low-wealth communities.

Aimee Smallwood, CEO of Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation (LCEF), a LANO member, expressed her gratitude to Foundation for Louisiana for its matching support of nine cultural agency partnerships across the state that provide assistance to self-employed individuals, nonprofits and businesses within their local arts communities.

Said Smallwood, "We believe the goals of this project parallel those of the Foundation in trying to remove institutional and structural barriers to economic well-being, increase access to opportunity, and cultivate local leadership.”

On behalf of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, President & CEO Ann S. Williamson said, "We are so pleased to receive Foundation support for important public policy work that assists nonprofits to provide affordable housing, build community wealth, expand economic opportunity and empower the underserved across the state."

Other LANO member organizations in receipt of Foundation grants include the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation to support the Urban Gardens Project in Baton Rouge, and Project Build A Future, for its Homebuyer Restoration Initiative providing Lake Charles families with homebuyer counseling services.

To learn more about Foundation for Louisiana's mission, values and initiatives, visit www.foundationforlouisiana.org.