Northshore Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,499,183 (2022)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: $500 - $50,000
• Geographic Focus: Louisiana's Northshore (St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, and St. Helena parishes)

Contact Details

• Website: northshorefoundation.org
• Phone: (985) 893-8757
• Address: 807 N. Columbia Street, Covington, LA 70433
• Scholarships: scholarships@northshorefoundation.org

Overview

Founded in 2007 with support from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the Northshore Community Foundation serves as the philanthropic hub for Louisiana's Northshore region, comprising St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, and St. Helena parishes. As a 501(c)(3) public charity with tax-exempt status since 2008, the foundation unites human and financial resources to enhance quality of life in communities north of Lake Pontchartrain. Under the leadership of President & CEO Leslie S. Landry, the foundation distributed $2,499,183 across 67 awards in 2022, supporting diverse initiatives from human services to environmental protection. The foundation operates the NORTHSHARE campus, providing education and resources for nonprofits, and maintains various fund types including donor-advised, corporate advised, and field of interest funds.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Impact Grant Cycle: Variable amounts (supports innovative and impactful community projects, funded by anonymous donor)
• Driving FORE Charity Grants: Variable amounts (awarded bi-annually)
• Grant's Gift Foundation: Special equipment for children with special needs (bikes, adaptive iPads, service animals)
• Mandeville Recreation Fund: Recreation opportunities in Mandeville area
• Fund for Bogalusa: Human services and economic development in Bogalusa
• World of Wonder Fund: School gardens and environmental projects
• Claire M. Moss Memorial Fund: Choral music programs in public schools
• Dick Knight Award: $5,000 annually for community service

Priority Areas

• Human services
• Economic development
• Children and youth programs
• Healthy food initiatives
• Environmental efforts
• Education
• Healthcare
• Social services
• Arts and culture
• Community development

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations not in good standing with IRS or Louisiana Secretary of State
• Projects outside their four-parish service area
• Event sponsorships requested less than 2 quarters before the event

Governance and Leadership

Leslie S. Landry serves as President & CEO, leading a team of 7 staff members dedicated to strengthening the Northshore community. The foundation maintains strong ties with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, participating in The Giving Collective platform for fund management. The foundation emphasizes collaborative approaches with community partners and maintains an active board engaged in strategic grantmaking decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Competitive grant applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing with the IRS and Louisiana Secretary of State. Applications are submitted through questionnaires on the foundation's website at northshorefoundation.org. Event sponsorships require submission at least 2 quarters prior to the event. The foundation also considers fund holder recommendations and works collaboratively with community partners on strategic initiatives.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by program, with some grants awarded bi-annually (Driving FORE Charity Grants) and others on rolling or annual cycles. Event sponsorship decisions require at least 6 months lead time.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2022, the foundation made 67 awards totaling $2,499,183.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated but organizations appear to be eligible for multiple grants across different programs.

Application Success Factors

Key factors for successful applications include:

• Clear demonstration of impact in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, or St. Helena parishes
• Strong organizational standing with IRS and Louisiana Secretary of State
• Alignment with foundation's priority areas, particularly human services, youth programs, and community development
• For event sponsorships, applying at least 6 months in advance
• Projects that unite resources and enhance quality of life across the Northshore region
• Innovative approaches to community challenges
• Clear measurable outcomes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation serves exclusively the four-parish Northshore region of Louisiana - geographic alignment is essential
• Multiple grant programs offer opportunities throughout the year - research which program best fits your project
• Strong emphasis on collaboration and community partnership - highlight partnerships in applications
• Foundation maintains close relationship with Baton Rouge Area Foundation, leveraging shared resources
• Event sponsorships require significant advance planning (minimum 6 months)
• Foundation particularly values projects addressing human services, youth needs, and economic development
• Consider becoming a nonprofit member to strengthen relationship with foundation

References

• Northshore Community Foundation official website (northshorefoundation.org)
• IRS Form 990 filings for EIN 61-1517784
• Foundation Directory Online profile
• Baton Rouge Area Foundation partnership information
• Community foundation program descriptions and guidelines
• 2022 grant distribution data