Climate Action Equity Project

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that serve within the Greater New Orleans area are eligible to apply for funding. Organizations that are not tax-exempt but have a fiscal agent relationship with a 501(c)(3) organization are also eligible. Expected grant size is $5,000 to $10,000; grants may be larger or smaller. Smaller organizations and organizations with limited to no experience with the grant application process are especially encouraged to fill out the interest form, and there will be support available for completing this application. 

The Climate Action Equity Program will support: 

• General operations 
• Programs 
• Advocacy, including legislative, judicial, or executive advocacy; community organizing; campaigns; leadership development; and policy development 
• Capacity building, including technology needs and support, collaboration, professional development, communications training, organizational effectiveness, and evaluation and research 

Priority Areas 

The Climate Action Equity Program (CAEP) Advisory Group will be distributing grants, via the Greater New Orleans Foundation, to organizations working on projects that will further the goals listed in the Taking Steps Together for Equity & Climate report under the following categories: 

• Modernize our energy use 
• Improve transportation choices 
• Reduce waste 
• Create culture that supports workforce and small business opportunities in climate action 

 Organizations must be located in New Orleans and be led by and/or have established partnerships with residents of underserved neighborhoods. 

How to Apply for Funding 

1. Complete this interest form by June 12, 2024. 
2. Interested organizations that are eligible and aligned to the Climate Action Equity Project objectives will be invited and supported to complete a full application via the Foundation’s grantmaking portal.  

 Grant Award Process 

The Climate Action Equity Project Advisory Group will review all applications and recommend grants to be approved. The committee reviewing grant applications shall consist of representatives of the foundation’s Environmental Programs team, as well as community leaders and leaders of local groups with expertise in transportation, renewable and efficient energy, small business and workforce development, and waste reduction.  

 Applications will be evaluated based on the following: 

1. Does the project and/or organization meet basic eligibility criteria? Does the project and/or organization meet the general and specific guidelines outlined above? 
2. How will the program or project be evaluated or its impact measured? 
3. The proposed plan or strategy for use of the funds? 
4. Is the organization networking, coordinating, cooperating, or collaborating with underserved communities? 

Awards are expected to be announced in August 2024. 

Still Have Questions? 

If you have a question, please e-mail your question to alyssa@gnof.org (please include the phrase “CAEP Question” in the subject line). 

Thank you to The Funders’ Network Partners for Places Program and the Surdna Foundation who made this program possible with their generous support.