The Surdna Foundation remains committed to helping those communities most impacted by Hurricane Katrina with long-term rebuilding efforts.  Organizations working in and around New Orleans that align with one or more of the Foundation’s three program areas are invited to apply for a grant.  While we do not have a separate review process for New Orleans-related inquiries, we take an integrated approach when considering proposals that address the unique circumstances of the City.

We seek organizations that:

• Are based in New Orleans (or work in direct collaboration with locally-led groups); and
• Meet the guidelines of at least one of our three programs: Strong Local Economies, Sustainable Environments, Thriving Cultures.

We give preference to efforts that:

• Engage communities that have been historically excluded from decision making and economic opportunity in the city.
• Collaborate with others and promote partnerships, shared learning, capacity building and collective strategies to advance New Orleans’ economic, environmental or artistic vitality;
• Promote innovative or new and emerging strategies to help ensure New Orleans’ communities are just and sustainable;
• Take an approach that integrates elements of Strong Local Economies, Sustainable Environments and Thriving Cultures.  Please apply to the program that you feel is the strongest fit and then, as appropriate, explain how it meets the objectives of our other program(s).

How to apply

Please review the guidelines for each of our programs (Strong Local Economies, Sustainable Environments, Thriving Cultures) to see if your organization meets the Foundation’s strategic priorities.  Please submit a letter of inquiry, applying to the program that you feel is the strongest fit.

About our commitment to New Orleans:

New Orleans is a place where the Surdna Foundation sees remarkable opportunities given our commitment to building just and sustainable communities.  We have long supported the region and continue to do so through our core programs today.

In 2008, we created a New Orleans Fund to help with long-term rebuilding efforts in response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  Over 5 years, we gave more than $6.5 million to a diverse group of locally led group in the areas of economic development, sustainable infrastructure and arts and culture.