Ella West Freeman Foundation Grant

Ella West Freeman Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ella West Freeman Foundation
Last Updated: January 19, 2026

Summary

The Ella West Freeman Foundation, established in 1941 by A. B. Freeman in honor of his wife, has provided over $20 million to support non-profits in the Greater New Orleans area. The foundation prioritizes funding for specific projects in civic affairs, arts, and education, with a focus on measurable community benefits. Grants typically have a two-year limit and require a solid fundraising plan for capital projects. Operating support is less prioritized, especially for organizations reliant on community campaigns.

Overview

NOTE: Beginning with the 2026 application cycle, the Foundation will only consider grant applications once each year in the Spring cycle (January/March). The Fall application cycle will be eliminated. Our History A. B. Freeman founded the Ella West Freeman Foundation in 1941. Mr. Freeman, a successful businessman residing in New Orleans named the Foundation in honor of his wife, the former Ella West. Since its founding, the Foundation has provided the Greater New Orleans community with more than $20,000,000 of support for non-profits in the area. Grant Program Our History In evaluating requests, the Ella West Freeman Foundation gives special consideration to organizations in the Greater New Orleans area. Within the New Orleans area, the Ella West Freeman Foundation supports a variety of programs in the fields of civic affairs, community development, the arts, education and human resources. Priority is given to funding for specific projects or programs incorporating well-defined objectives and timetables and promising broad public benefits. They are usually given for a period of time not exceeding two years. Longer term projects will usually require evaluation for further funding. Capital projects are considered for organizations with strong records of community service. They must demonstrate true need for the proposed facility and they must also provide a credible fund-raising plan as well as demonstrate the capacity to maintain the building and facilities once they are in place. Sustaining grants to organizations are given a lower priority. Ordinarily, no operating support is considered for organizations supported by community giving campaigns such as the United Way and the Archbishop's Community Appeal. Decisions regarding grants will be made only at regularly scheduled meetings of the trustees which are usually held twice a year in the spring and fall. Interviews will be conducted only at the initiation of the Foundation.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Supports non-profits in the Greater New Orleans area.

Ineligibility

Ordinarily, no operating support is considered for organizations supported by community giving campaigns such as the United Way and the Archbishop's Community Appeal. Sustaining grants to organizations are given a lower priority.