IMPACT

Greater New Orleans Foundation Evaluates IMPACT Grantmaking Program

During the 2023 calendar year, the IMPACT Grants Program was put on hold so that an internal review of the grantmaking process could be made. Staff at the Greater New Orleans Foundation collected, organized and analyzed IMPACT data from the past five grantmaking cycles, and presented this data to the Foundation’s Grants Committee. With this presentation, staff made a recommendation to the Committee to allow a second year of research, evaluation, planning and redesign of the grantmaking program. The Grants Committee agreed with the recommendation and as such, the IMPACT Grants Program will relaunch in 2025.

During this year of redesign, no new IMPACT grants will be awarded. This does not mean that no IMPACT grants will be made in 2024. Organizations eligible for their 2024 IMPACT renewals are currently under review and will be eligible again in 2025.

The Foundation’s special funding grantmaking categories are not impacted by this decision and will open in July 2024. These programs include the Kahn Oppenheim Trust, Harold W. Newman Trust, Gulf States Eye Surgery Fund, and Michael R. Boh Fund.

The Foundation plans to announce an updated strategy for IMPACT in Spring 2025.

What does this mean for IMPACT 2024?

• The Foundation will accept new applications for the Kahn Oppenheim Trust, Harold W. Newman Trust, Gulf States Eye Surgery Fund, and Michael R. Boh Fund
• Organizations with general operating IMPACT grants approved in 2022 are eligible for renewals in 2024 and 2025. 2024 renewals are currently underway.
• The Foundation will not accept new applications for IMPACT grants in 2024.
• The Foundation will release an updated grantmaking strategy and make new grants in 2025.

The Foundation offers free access to Foundation Directory Online, an extensive online database that grantseekers can use to research and identify prospective funders and funding opportunities.

You can access the database, for free, at the Foundation – 919 St. Charles Avenue. The database is only accessible in person. You can reserve a time to search here.

Special Funding Opportunities

Harold W. Newman, Jr. Charitable Trust – Funding for organizations that provide health care assistance to residents of New Orleans whose U.S. adjusted gross income for the preceding tax year, when added to any tax-exempt income and income from a spouse for that same year, is at least $75,000 but not more than $200,000. The health care assistance must be for cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s. 

Kahn-Oppenheim Trust – Funding for the development and/or improvement of public health outreach and education programs to inform people about ways to prevent diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and others, insofar as these programs involve physical, nutritional, or dietary regimens. 

Gulf States Eye Surgery Fund – Funding for organizations that defray the expenses of poor or indigent patients requiring or receiving eye surgery, care, or treatment. 

Michael R. Boh Fund – Funding for organizations that help children and their families who have been rejected by the institutions that most children rely on for their development.

How to Apply for Funding 

Note: All grant applicants will need to create an account using our online system to apply. Basic information will be stored for future use when new applications are submitted. We have a simple two-step process: 

1. Use our online portal to submit an application along with all attachments by 11:59 pm (CT) on Friday, August 2, 2024.
2. GNOF program staff will review all applications and will contact those organizations that are selected for a site visit.

Special Funding Category awards are expected to be announced in November 2024.

Still Have Questions?

If you have a question, please e-mail your question to grants@gnof.org (please put “IMPACT Question” in the subject line).