Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans

Formerly known as the Crescent Civic Engagement Fund, Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) is an initiative to engage young leaders in New Orleans in philanthropy. We are thrilled to annonce that EPNO  has released its 2011 grantmaking focus areas. Letters of Intent can be submitted online until July 8th at 5pm.

EPNO is a donor-advised fund held at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. All questions should be sent to info@emergingphilanthropists.org.

In 2011, EPNO will award grants up to $9,000 to support the following areas:

Arts & Culture
The EPNO Arts Team seeks to provide programmatic funding to established organizations that serve residents of New Orleans and connect underserved populations with access to the performing, written, and/or visual arts.

Education
The EPNO Education Team seeks to fund organizations that expand educational opportunities for traditionally under-served students in grades PK-12 in Orleans Parish. Eligible organizations must directly serve students in the areas of early childhood education or college readiness and demonstrate how they will measure impact on student achievement.

Housing
The EPNO Housing Team seeks to support organizations that are dedicated to helping disadvantaged communities within the Greater New Orleans area and focus on one or more of the following:

• Community & Neighborhood Development
• Housing Support Initiatives
• Homeless Services & Transitional Housing

Applicants are encouraged to specify how the Housing Team’s grant will directly impact their organization’s mission and our city.

Healthcare
The EPNO Healthcare Team seeks to support the mental health of individuals and communities in the Greater New Orleans area by offering financial assistance to organizations that provide:

• Mental Health Education and Awareness
• Community Outreach
• Direct Care

Eligibility:

Applicants must have 501c3 status. If you are an individual with an innovative idea, you must find a sponsoring 501c3. Applicants must be located in the Greater New Orleans area.

Please note: EPNO has a Conflict of Interest policy which may prohibit an organization at which an EPNO member or immediate family member is employed from applying to this year’s grant cycle. EPNO will notify you after your letter of intent is received if there is a conflict.

Reporting Information:

You will be asked to report on your project 3 months, 6 months, 1 year after project funding, and at project completion.

How to Apply:

Please submit a one page Letter of Intent online by July 8, 2011.

You may apply to one area only. The Letter of Intent should a description of the following (Please limit to 750 words):

• The organization and its mission
• The project for which you are seeking funding
• How the funds will be used

All applicants will receive an email by July 25 indicating if they are invited to submit a full proposal.

Important Dates:

July 8: Letter of Intent due online
July 25:  All applicants will receive an email by July 25th indicating if they are invited to submit a full proposal, which is due August 22.
September 12:  Those who submitted full applications will receive an email indicating if they are a finalist. Finalists will be invited to participate in a Site Visit or Interview.
October 31: Finalists will be notified of the final award decisions.
November 9th, 6-8pm: Grant Awards Ceremony.

Questions? Contact info@emergingphilanthropists.org