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Community Foundation of North Louisiana

Annual Giving
$11.6M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M
Decision Time
8mo

Community Foundation of North Louisiana

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11,555,322 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $193,177,949
  • Decision Time: 8 months (August LOI to April awards)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000+ (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: 14 parishes in North Louisiana (primarily Caddo and Bossier)

Contact Details

Website: https://cfnla.org
Phone: 318-221-0582
Email: info@cfnla.org
Address: 401 Edwards Street, Suite 105, Shreveport, LA 71101
Grant Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfnl
Grants Officer: Liz LaBorde (llaborde@cfnla.org)

Overview

Founded in 1961, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana (CFNLA) serves as a permanent and growing resource for philanthropy in the region. With over $193 million in assets managed by a seven-member volunteer Board of Directors, CFNLA has distributed more than $150 million in grants to nonprofit organizations serving 14 parishes in North Louisiana. The foundation earned a 4/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator, demonstrating strong financial accountability. In 2024 alone, CFNLA awarded $11.6 million to 355 organizations through various grant programs. The foundation takes a data-driven approach through its annual Community Counts report, which has tracked 41 community indicators since 2008. Recent strategic focus areas include early childhood education, where CFNLA has leveraged over $25 million since 2021 for scholarships serving children ages 0-3, resulting in measurable improvements in kindergarten readiness.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Competitive Grants (Annual Cycle)

  • Primary Grants: Variable amounts - For organizations with revenue ≥$250,000 (April 2025 awarded $3M to 61 programs)
  • Small Organization Grants: Maximum $10,000 - For organizations with revenue <$250,000
  • Arts & Culture Grants: Variable amounts - For arts organizations with revenue ≥$250,000 (previous average $35,177)

Women's Philanthropy Network Grants

  • Large Grant: $50,000 - $75,000
  • Small Grant: $5,000 - $15,000
  • Focus on school readiness and student achievement

Grayson Foundation Grants

  • Annual cycle for disadvantaged populations in Shreveport-Bossier
  • Focus on Health, Human Services, and Education

Priority Areas

  • Civic Engagement
  • Economic Development
  • Education (special emphasis on early childhood ages 0-3)
  • Environment
  • Health & Science
  • Human Services
  • Organizational Development

What They Don't Fund

  • Sectarian or religious projects
  • Sponsorships and fundraisers
  • Debt retirement
  • Expenses already incurred
  • Programs outside the 14-parish service area

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

  • Kristi Gustavson, Chief Executive Officer
  • Liz LaBorde, Chief Grants Officer
  • Kate Pedrotty, Director of Community Investment

CEO Kristi Gustavson on community impact: "This year we had the lowest number of measures moving in a negative direction and the most positive movement we've seen in years."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications submitted through online Grant Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfnl

Two-Stage Process for Competitive Grants:

  1. Letter of Intent: August 1-21
  2. Full Application (by invitation): October 15 - November 15

Organizations may submit only ONE application per year across all categories.

Decision Timeline

  • Competitive Grants: Awards announced in April (8 months from LOI)
  • Grayson Foundation: Awards announced December 31
  • Funds typically available June 1 or later

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly available, though 2024 data shows 192 grants awarded to 355 organizations.

Reapplication Policy

  • One application per organization annually
  • WPN grants: Maximum two consecutive years of funding
  • No explicit restriction on reapplying after unsuccessful attempts

Application Success Factors

  • Data-Driven Alignment: Reference specific findings from the Community Counts report to demonstrate how your program addresses documented community needs
  • Demonstrate Collaboration: CFNLA explicitly prefers programs showing partnerships across nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and government
  • Serve Underserved Populations: Priority given to innovative programs addressing needs of underserved communities
  • Measurable Outcomes: Include specific, evidence-based goals - the foundation tracks impact rigorously
  • Geographic Specificity: Most grants require serving Caddo and/or Bossier parishes specifically
  • Proper Documentation: Have all required documents ready (501(c)(3) letter, audit/financial review, Form 990, insurance proof)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • One Shot Per Year: Choose your category wisely - you can only apply once annually across all programs
  • Invest in the LOI: Only invited applicants advance to full proposals, making the Letter of Intent critical
  • Use Community Data: Reference Community Counts report findings to position your program as addressing documented needs
  • Emphasize Partnerships: Highlight all collaborative elements - this is a consistent priority across programs
  • Plan for Long Timeline: Budget for 8 months from application to funding availability
  • Target Caddo/Bossier Impact: Be specific about your service to these core parishes
  • Engage Year-Round: Participate in Give For Good and other initiatives to build familiarity beyond grant applications

References

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