May 2009

One of the most critical policy decision facing the residents of the City of New Orleans is the approval of the Master Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Because of our involvement in the Unified New Orleans Plan (UNOP), we realize that no plan will ever be successful and carry the force of law without the full participation of its constituents. As a nonprofit partner, we encourage you to become involved and participate in a plan that must reflect the diversity, opinions and wisdom of all its residents. A Draft of the Master Plan is here for your review, and by signing up to email alerts, you will be kept informed about future public meetings.

Three months ago Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to stimulate the economy, but many non-profits are still left wondering how to access desperately needed funding relief. Last month’s White House special report makes it clear that community-based organizations that have never received federal funding might face an uphill battle, while organizations with a good track record may see stimulus dollars via state contracts and grants. Over the next several months, we’ll be providing additional information about how to access the Stimulus Package dollars. In the meantime, we’ve posted some helpful links on our Nonprofit Resource page.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation Environmental Fund recently announced that 14 organizations will receive grants totaling $500,000. The grants are awarded to community-based nonprofit organizations that are conducting programs to inspire and facilitate ecological, economic and cultural vitality. Each one of these award-winning organizations is implementing a program that will work toward a more vibrant region. Read more for a complete list of grant recipients and proposed programs.