BRAF Impact Grants

BRAF Impact Grants

Status: Pilot grant program completed for 2025 cycle. No information provided about future cycles.

Overview: A competitive pilot grant opportunity for local nonprofits working in early childhood education or community safety sectors. This funding opportunity was issued in response to findings from BRAF's Opportunity Data Project and seeks to address challenges and areas for greatest impact in these sectors.

Geographic Scope: The Capital Region, defined as:

Ascension Parish

East Baton Rouge Parish

East Feliciana Parish

Iberville Parish

Livingston Parish

Pointe Coupee Parish

West Baton Rouge Parish

West Feliciana Parish

Focus Areas:

Community Safety

Programs and services focused on violence intervention or prevention, including:
• Youth development and support
• Violence prevention and intervention
• Community well-being and support
• Safety and advocacy
• Economic empowerment and crisis support

Early Childhood (Birth to Five)

Programs and services for children, parents, families, and caregivers, including:
• Access to quality early learning
• Early childhood care, health, development and well-being
• Early childhood workforce capacity building and support
• Curriculum and instructional support
• Facilities and infrastructure
• Community inclusivity
• Parental and caregiver support programs
• Health and developmental screenings
• Transition to kindergarten
• Innovative models and research
• Advocacy and policy change

Eligible Uses:

Unrestricted Funding Support – covers operational costs and overhead

Project Support – aids implementation of new or existing initiatives aligned to funding areas

Capital Costs Assistance – supports facility or infrastructure needs that contribute to program/service provision

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization or public agency (school district or library)

Must be in good standing under state and federal IRS guidelines

Must demonstrate history, commitment, and track record in identified grant focus areas

Must have been operational for at least two years

Organizations with established programs within the Capital Region or seeking to expand into the Capital Region are eligible

What They Do Not Fund:

Grants to individuals

Private business ventures

Partisan political organizations

Multi-year opportunities (at this time)

Evaluation Criteria:

Proof of organizational existence for at least two years

Demonstrated collaboration within the community

Clearly outlined mission or purpose

Alignment of proposed projects with funding areas

Consistency of population served with organization's mission

Geographic location within BRAF service parishes

Well-structured organization and project budget

Contact Information: grants@braf.org | (225) 387-6126