Ella West Freeman Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,285,047 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 6-8 weeks from initial submission; 4-8 months total process
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $150,000
• Geographic Focus: Greater New Orleans area and Southeast Louisiana
• Assets: $22,358,193
• Founded: 1941
• Grants Made: 61 awards (2021), 50 awards (2020)

Contact Details

Address: Ella West Freeman Foundation, c/o CAPTRUST, 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 1350, New Orleans, LA 70163

Phone: 504-207-8541

Email: info@ellawest.org

Website: https://www.ellawest.org/

Application Information: Available at https://www.ellawest.org/application.html

Overview

The Ella West Freeman Foundation was established in 1941 by A.B. Freeman, a successful New Orleans businessman who named the foundation after his wife. Since its founding, the foundation has provided the Greater New Orleans community with more than $20 million of support for nonprofits. With assets totaling over $22 million, the foundation operates as a private grantmaking foundation (501(c)(3)) administered by CAPTRUST in New Orleans. The foundation is governed by a six-member board of trustees that meets twice annually in spring and fall. Their strategic approach emphasizes project-specific funding over general operating support, prioritizing initiatives with well-defined objectives, clear timetables, and broad public benefit. Capital projects for established agencies receive particular emphasis, reflecting the foundation's preference for investments in tangible, lasting community infrastructure.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with two application cycles per year:

• General Grantmaking Program: $2,000 - $150,000 per grant
  • Two-stage application process
  • Deadlines: January 20 and September 1 for initial submissions
  • Rolling consideration with semi-annual board meetings
  • Grants typically awarded for periods not exceeding two years

Priority Areas

Education: Highest priority funding area with emphasis on private educational institutions. Supports both K-12 and higher education initiatives.

Arts: Supports both performing arts (theater, music, dance) and applied arts organizations throughout the Greater New Orleans region.

Community Improvement: Funds projects that enhance civic infrastructure and community development, including governmental oversight initiatives.

Human Services: Primarily supports established agencies with capital project needs rather than general operating expenses. Focus on organizations serving vulnerable populations.

Civic Affairs: Supports programs that strengthen democratic participation and civic engagement in the region.

Grant Preferences

• Project-Specific Funding: Priority given to specific projects or programs incorporating well-defined objectives and timetables promising broad public benefits
• Capital Projects Strongly Preferred: The foundation prioritizes grants for capital projects over sustaining/operating grants, particularly for established agencies with strong track records
• Time-Limited Support: Grants usually given for periods not exceeding two years
• Geographic Priority: Special consideration given to organizations in the Greater New Orleans area

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals: No grants or scholarships to individual students or persons
• United Way/Combined Campaigns: Typically avoids giving operational support to combined campaigns like United Way and Archbishop's Community Appeal (though capital appeals for these groups may be considered)
• Repeat Capital Projects: New capital contributions not considered until two years after previous grant has been paid
• General Operating Support: Low priority; foundation strongly prefers project-specific or capital funding
• Organizations Outside Service Area: While not explicitly excluded, organizations outside Southeast Louisiana/Greater New Orleans area are unlikely to receive funding

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The foundation is led by a six-member board of trustees who serve without compensation and meet twice per year in spring and fall:

• Tina Freeman - Chair
• R. West Freeman III - Vice Chair
• Virginia Rowan - Secretary
• Philip Woollam - Trustee
• Peter Freeman - Trustee
• Sarah Freeman Carey - Trustee

Administration

The foundation is professionally managed by CAPTRUST (formerly Crescent Capital Consulting), which provides administrative, financial, and grants management services.

Family Legacy

The Freeman family's philanthropic legacy extends beyond the Ella West Freeman Foundation. A.B. Freeman and Ella West Freeman were involved in multiple charitable initiatives in New Orleans, including connections to the RosaMary Foundation, which received funds from Ella West Freeman's estate.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses a two-stage online application process:

Stage 1: Summary Sheet/Letter of Intent

• Submit a brief summary sheet or letter of intent describing your project
• Deadlines: January 20 or September 1 annually
• Required information includes:
  • Organization name, address, telephone number
  • Name and title of individual submitting request
  • Other support received (United Way, ACA, government support, etc.)
  • Amount requested
  • Total project cost
  • Project date/timeline
  • Organization's total annual budget
  • Brief paragraph summarizing: organization's purpose, reason for requesting grant, hoped-for outcomes, and how funds will be spent

Stage 2: Full Application (by invitation only)

• New grantees hear back by February 15 or September 15 about whether foundation is interested
• If invited, full applications due March 1 or October 15
• Full applications require:
  • Current and prior year operating budgets (expenses and revenue)
  • List of all revenue sources (received and pending, including in-kind)
  • Most recent annual financial statement (audited, if available)
  • Budget for the specific project/program
  • Amount being sought from the foundation

Special Requirements for Capital Projects:

• Must demonstrate history of operational stability
• Must show financial capacity to maintain new facilities
• Must provide credible fundraising plan
• Must demonstrate capacity to maintain building and facilities once in place
• Must show evidence of broad support for the project
• Grants usually made contingent upon entering into contract to begin project

Critical Application Notes:

• Grant seekers must pay strict attention to proposal requirements - failure to follow requirements may cause grant to be denied without review
• The board never entertains presentations in person at meetings; proposals must speak for themselves
• Organizations can download proposal formats from the foundation website (separate forms for program/operating support and capital projects)

Decision Timeline

• Initial Review: 3-4 weeks after submission deadline (January 20 or September 1)
• Stage 1 Response: By February 15 or September 15
• Stage 2 Due Date: March 1 or October 15 (if invited)
• Board Meetings: Spring and Fall (typically April and November)
• Grant Decisions: Made at board meetings
• Notification: Following board meetings
• Total Process Time: Approximately 4-8 months from initial submission to final decision

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose application acceptance rates. However, available data shows:

• 61 grants awarded in 2021
• 50 grants awarded in 2020
• 2 grants totaling $1,351,833 awarded in 2024 (indicating possible focus on larger strategic grants)
• Average grant size: approximately $676,000 in 2024; typical range $2,000-$150,000

The relatively small number of grants compared to the likely volume of applications suggests a competitive process, though exact success rates are not available.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly state a formal reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. However, one important restriction applies:

For Capital Projects: A new capital contribution will not be considered until two years after the previous grant has been paid.

Organizations that were unsuccessful in previous rounds appear able to reapply in subsequent cycles, though this is not explicitly documented. Given the semi-annual application cycle, organizations could potentially reapply every six months, though strategic timing and addressing any previous weaknesses would be important.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and requirements, grant writers should focus on these key factors:

Project Design

Well-Defined Objectives and Timetables: The foundation explicitly states priority for "specific projects or programs incorporating well-defined objectives and timetables." Applications should include:

• Specific, measurable outcomes
• Clear timeline with milestones
• Concrete deliverables
• Defined endpoint (typically within two years)

Demonstrate Broad Public Benefit

The foundation prioritizes projects "promising broad public benefits." Applications should clearly articulate:

• How many people will benefit
• Community-wide impact beyond direct beneficiaries
• Alignment with community needs assessments or regional priorities
• How project addresses gaps in services

Capital Project Strength

For capital projects (which receive priority), applicants must demonstrate:

• Operational Stability: History of consistent programming and financial management
• Financial Capacity: Ability to maintain new facilities long-term
• Credible Fundraising Plan: Show how you'll raise total project costs
• Broad Community Support: Evidence of other funders, community backing, letters of support
• Readiness to Begin: Applications usually contingent on entering contract to start

Local Connection

"Special consideration to organizations in the Greater New Orleans area" - emphasize:

• Years serving the New Orleans/Southeast Louisiana community
• Local board representation
• Community partnerships with other regional organizations
• Understanding of regional context and needs

Financial Documentation

The foundation requires detailed financial information. Strengthen applications by:

• Providing audited financial statements (if available)
• Showing diverse funding sources (not over-reliant on single funder)
• Demonstrating financial stability and reserves
• Clear project budget that matches narrative
• Realistic revenue projections

Follow Requirements Exactly

The foundation explicitly warns: "Grant seekers should pay strict attention to proposal requirements, as failure to do so may cause a grant to be denied without review."

• Use the foundation's official proposal format (downloadable from website)
• Include all required attachments
• Meet word count/page limits if specified
• Submit by deadline (not postmarked, but received)

Let the Proposal Speak for Itself

"The board never entertains any presentation in person at its meetings; proposals must speak for themselves."

• Write clearly and compellingly
• Assume readers have no prior knowledge of your organization
• Use specific examples and data
• Avoid jargon; write for educated generalists
• Make the case self-contained in the application

Avoid Operating Support Requests

The foundation "typically avoids giving operational support" and "prioritizes grants for capital projects over sustaining grants."

• Frame requests around specific projects or capital needs
• If seeking program support, emphasize time-limited nature and specific objectives
• Show how project funding advances organizational mission rather than simply covering overhead

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Capital Projects Are King: This foundation strongly prefers capital projects for established organizations. If you have capital needs (building renovation, equipment, facilities), this is an excellent match. Operating support requests face steep odds.

2. Two-Year Project Window: Structure your project to be completable within two years. The foundation explicitly states this timeframe preference. Longer projects may need to be phased.

3. Be Specific and Measurable: Vague proposals fail. Include concrete objectives, quantifiable outcomes, and clear timetables. "Broad public benefit" must be demonstrable, not aspirational.

4. Geographic Focus Matters: While not exclusively limited to Orleans Parish, the foundation gives "special consideration" to Greater New Orleans organizations. Emphasize your local roots and regional impact.

5. Financial Strength Required: For capital projects especially, you must demonstrate operational stability, financial capacity for maintenance, and a credible fundraising plan. This is not a funder for struggling organizations or those without diverse funding streams.

6. The Application IS Your Pitch: No presentations, no meetings before decisions. Everything hinges on the written application. Invest time in clear, compelling writing with strong supporting documentation.

7. Plan for Long Timeline: With two annual deadlines and two-stage process, expect 4-8 months from initial submission to decision. Plan cash flow accordingly.

References

1. Ella West Freeman Foundation Official Website - Homepage. https://www.ellawest.org/ (Accessed February 2026)

2. Ella West Freeman Foundation - About Page. https://www.ellawest.org/about.html (Accessed February 2026)

3. Ella West Freeman Foundation - Application Guidelines. https://www.ellawest.org/application.html (Accessed February 2026)

4. Ella West Freeman Foundation - Contact Information. https://www.ellawest.org/contacts.html (Accessed February 2026)

5. Ella West Freeman Foundation - Grant List. https://ellawest.org/grantlist.pdf (Accessed February 2026)

6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Ella West Freeman Foundation (EIN: 726018322). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/726018322 (Accessed February 2026)

7. Charity Navigator - Ella West Freeman Foundation Profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/726018322 (Accessed February 2026)

8. Instrumentl - Ella West Freeman Foundation 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/ella-west-freeman-foundation (Accessed February 2026)

9. Foundation Directory (Candid) - Ella West Freeman Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=FREE002 (Accessed February 2026)

10. Inside Philanthropy - Ella West Freeman Foundation Grant Guide. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/louisiana-grants/ella-west-freeman-foundation (Accessed February 2026)

11. Grantmakers.io - Ella West Freeman Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v1/726018322-ella-west-freeman-foundation/ (Accessed February 2026)

12. Cause IQ - Ella West Freeman Foundation Financial Data. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/ella-west-freeman-foundation,726018322/ (Accessed February 2026)