Greater New Orleans Foundation Announces the Next 100 Years Challenge

March 28, 2023

Greater New Orleans Foundation Announces the Next 100 Years Challenge

Awarding $1 million to strengthen infrastructure and hazard mitigation solutions and build a safer, more equitable Southeast Louisiana for the next 100 years 
Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, addresses the audience at the Foundation’s launch of the Next 100 Years Challenge. (Photo Credit: Chuck Billiot)
New Orleans (March 21, 2023) – In celebration of its centennial year, the Greater New Orleans Foundation announced a new initiative, the Next 100 Years Challenge. The million-dollar Next 100 Years Challenge is a regional competition designed to inspire and attract plans for community-centered and cost-effective infrastructure improvements, including nature-based solutions, in 13 parishes of Southeast Louisiana that will address the threat of storms and other disasters. The Foundation will award $100,000 each to up to ten collaborative teams that demonstrate strong potential to secure additional infrastructure dollars from the State of Louisiana, federal government, and other funders.

Eligible parishes include Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington. 

“As weather disasters become more frequent, we recognize that we need to find, and fund, new solutions,” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We believe in a future for our region that is stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable—and are committed to making that future a reality. That is why we are thrilled to celebrate our 100th anniversary by launching the Next 100 Years Challenge. It is our way of building on the legacy of our last 100 years by asking ourselves how we can best position our region for success in our next 100 years.”

Strong Challenge proposals will present sustainable, community-centered, cost-effective projects that protect against and reduce the risks from disasters and natural hazards in communities located in the thirteen Southeast Louisiana parishes. The Challenge team encourages infrastructure plans at varying stages of development, from early-stage concepts to solutions that are proven effective and will be offering robust technical assistance to help applicants prepare for the competition.

St. Augustine’s Marching 100 welcomes attendees to the launch of the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s launch of the Next 100 Years Challenge (Photo Credit: Chuck Billiot)

Winning teams will use funds from the Next 100 Years Challenge, funded through the Foundation’s Disaster Response and Restoration Fund, to refine their plans and help ensure their proposals are competitive for further investment.

Proposed projects submitted to the Next 100 Years Challenge must demonstrate community buy-in, commitment from local leadership, and projected impact and a wide range of benefits to under-resourced, disadvantaged populations located in the thirteen parishes in the Southeast Louisiana region.

Rashida Ferdinand, Founder and CEO, Sankofa Community Development Corporation, speaks about the Sankofa Wetland Park & Nature Trail in the Lower Ninth Ward at the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s launch of the Next 100 Years Challenge. (Photo Credit: Chuck Billiot)

Those interested in applying for the Challenge must complete registration no later than Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM CT. To register, click here. The deadline for application submissions is Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 5:00 PM CT. To view the application, click here.

For more information about the Challenge, visit www.next100yearschallenge.org or email questions@next100yearschallenge.org.

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About the Greater New Orleans Foundation:  
With roots extending 100 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation connects generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org.