Annually, Community Foundation of North Louisiana accepts applications from eligible charitable organizations that serve the Caddo and Bossier communities through the Competitive Grants Process. This process is separated into three distinct categories based on the purpose of the organization and its annual revenue – Primary Grants, Arts & Culture Grants, and Small Organization Grants.
This year, there are several key changes for prospective grantees to be aware of as the application period opens. For all applicants, if your organization has not been funded through the Competitive Process in the past three years, you are required to schedule a phone call, Zoom/Teams meeting, or site visit with the CFNLA grants department after the submission of your full application.
Small Organizations
- Small Organization grants are now single-stage, meaning there is NO LETTER OF INTENT. Full applications may be submitted during the application period: October 15 at 8:00 a.m. CST to November 15 at 4:00 p.m. CST. The intent of this change is to minimize the administrative burden for small organizations with limited staff and revenue.
- There are new financial statement requirements. Small Organization applicants must provide a Statement of Activities (Profit & Loss) and a Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet). This will provide grant reviewers with a widely accepted and standardized overview of an organization’s financial situation. This will also ensure potential grant recipients have an accurate understanding of their finances at the beginning of the grant period, thereby setting them up for success. These documents may be prepared by a CPA but can also be prepared internally by staff or board members.
- The maximum amount that can be requested has increased from $10,000 to $15,000. This change is in recognition of the increased financial need by small organizations and the additional cost that may be incurred in the preparation of new financial documents.
Arts & Culture Grants
- The maximum amount that can be requested is $100,000. This amount was previously undefined and was created in response to organizations requesting guidance. Any exceptions must be requested in writing prior to the application deadline.
Primary Grants
- The maximum amount that can be requested is $500,000. This amount was previously undefined and was created in response to organizations requesting guidance. Any exceptions must be requested in writing prior to the application deadline.
Timeline:
- Grant Trainings
July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
July 21, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
July 28, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
First time applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Register for a training session here.
- Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
August 1, 8:00 a.m. CST – August 21, 4:00 p.m. CST
Primary Grant and Arts & Culture Grant applicants only.
- Stage 2: Full Grant Application
October 15, 8:00 a.m. CST – November 15, 4:00 p.m. CST
Primary Grant and Arts & Culture Grant applicants (if invited from Stage 1)
Small Organization Grant applicants
- Schedule Meetings, Phone Calls, or Site Visits
November 15, 2026 – February 15, 2027
If your organization has not received a Competitive Grant from the Community Foundation of North Louisiana in the past three years, schedule a meeting with the grants department.
- Grant Recipients Announced
On or before April 30, 2027
For any questions regarding the application process, please contact Garrett Johnson at [email protected] or Liz LaBorde [email protected].