Emergency Readiness Grants

Grants supporting cultural organizations in ongoing efforts to mitigate previous impacts from emergency events and prepare for future threats. Helps organizations better prepare for and respond to potential threats, reducing vulnerability and putting in place clear and current strategies.

Geographic Scope: 64 parishes of Louisiana

Eligible Emergency Types:

• Natural disasters (hurricanes, floods)
• Range of other types of emergency events

Eligibility:

• Humanities-based organizations operating within the 64 parishes of Louisiana
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status
• Public-facing organizations operating within accredited institutions of higher learning
• State and local government agencies
• State and federally recognized Native American tribal governments in Louisiana

Focus Areas & Allowable Costs:

• Hire consultants to develop, update, or guide staff in developing written emergency plans
• Underwrite staff time to create, update, and implement written emergency plans
• Support staff training, such as workshops or professional development opportunities related to emergency planning and implementation
• Coverage or partial coverage of insurance storm deductible
• IT support to move servers and local systems vulnerable to onsite flooding to the cloud
• Physical repairs or improvements that reduce vulnerability

Important Note: If organization does not currently have an emergency plan in place or in development, a portion of proposed budget must be allocated to plan development.

Cost Sharing: Not required

Period of Performance: One-year period may begin as late as 45 days from award date

Current Status: Applications are currently closed (as of extraction date April 3, 2026)

Review Criteria:

• Organization's record of humanities-based programming
• Alignment with approved use of funds
• Geographic location (organization must be in one of Louisiana's 64 parishes)
• Organization impact and reach
• LEH aims to reach all areas of state and support organizations of all sizes and communities of benefit

Humanities Definition: Includes study and interpretation of language (modern and classical), linguistics, literature, history, jurisprudence, philosophy, archaeology, comparative religion, ethics, history/criticism/theory of the arts, social sciences with humanistic content and methods, and application of humanities to human environment with attention to reflecting diverse heritage, traditions, and history

Contact Information:

• Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
• 938 Lafayette Street, Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70113
• 504.523.4352
• For urgent needs: Regrants_Calendar@leh.org

Application Process

1. Access LEH grant management portal
2. Complete application form with required sections
3. Submit supporting documentation:
   • Federal tax identification/EIN number
   • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
   • IRS determination letter or equivalent documentation confirming 501(c)(3) status (R-1056)
4. Budget and budget narrative using provided template
5. Detailed description of emergency preparedness activities and costs

Required Materials

• Budget template (downloadable from website)
• Budget narrative template
• Completed application checklist
• Sample applications and sample award agreement available
• Reviewer criteria documentation
• FAQs available

Additional Resources Provided

• RFP PDF
• Video guidance
• Budget narrative template
• Sample application
• Completed application checklist
• Reviewer criteria
• Frequently asked questions
• Sample award agreement