Description: The Foundation’s interest in K-12 education stems from two separate but related concepts: (1) an individual’s ability to pursue higher wage employment and take care of their health and the health of their family is directly linked to the knowledge and skills they acquired in school, and (2) the learning environment in a school is a critical component of a community's infrastructure similar in importance to vibrant business and health sectors. The Rapides Foundation's Systemic Initiative focused on literacy for the past five years. This year the focus shifted to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and career and technical education (CTE).
Eligibility: The Foundation awards grants to organizations which are tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) and are not a private foundation as described under Section 509(a). Note that some groups that have a nonprofit State of Louisiana tax ID number may not be tax exempt under the IRS code. This requires a separate federal application. Staff of Community Development Works can assist an organization in getting the application materials that are needed for the IRS process. Staff of Community Development Works can be reached at 318-443-7880 or 800-803-8075. Also, most religious and governmental organizations do not have a separately incorporated nonprofit affiliate. Fortunately, the Foundation is able to accept applications from many of these groups. Once again, contact Foundation Program Staff to discuss a specific situation. Projects must directly benefit residents or organizations within the nine parish Foundation service area: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn.
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