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

• Community Foundation of North Louisiana official website: https://cfnla.org (accessed February 4, 2026)
• Competitive Grants pages: https://cfnla.org/competitivegrants/ (accessed February 4, 2026)
• WPN Grants: https://cfnla.org/grants/wpn-grants/ (accessed February 4, 2026)
• Grayson Foundation Grants: https://cfnla.org/grants/grayson/ (accessed February 4, 2026)
• Charity Navigator profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/726022365 (accessed February 4, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/726022365 (accessed February 4, 2026)
• Community Counts 2025 report: https://cfnla.org/communitycounts2025/ (accessed February 4, 2026)
• Recent news coverage of grants and community impact (various sources, 2024-2025)