NEW ORLEANS (press release) – For the fourth year in a row, Hancock Whitney, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is offering competitive grant opportunities to help nonprofits broaden community development efforts across the five Gulf Coast states the bank serves. Funding for the 2021 Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grants—part of Hancock Whitney’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program—doubled from last year to $400,000.
Hancock Whitney has earmarked $200,000 of the grant funds for organizations serving FEMA designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Hancock Whitney will consider grant requests from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that promote financial health and wellness or affordable housing to underserved communities located within Hancock Whitney service areas. Hancock Whitney will also consider applications from organizations assisting with Hurricane Ida-related housing rehabilitation and financial recovery assistance programs. Hancock Whitney and the Foundation encourage eligible organizations working with community members to enhance financial sustainability or increase homeownership, along with organizations working to preserve affordable housing in Hurricane Ida impacted areas, to apply.
The application deadline is Oct. 19.
“Hancock Whitney’s Opportunity Grants aim to help nonprofits solve some of the most pressing needs in our communities, and it’s clear that following Hurricane Ida, housing and financial recovery programs are key to building back stronger across Southeast Louisiana,” said Hancock Whitney Community Affairs CRA Manager Ashley Harrison. “We’re honored to partner again with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to help amplify the efforts of area nonprofits and, in turn, make a positive difference in our local economies.”
The Greater New Orleans Foundation manages the grant application process. Hancock Whitney reviews applications and awards grants to qualifying nonprofits according to a competitive assessment that measures overall community impact.
“The Foundation is proud to again partner with Hancock Whitney to help provide grants and support to nonprofits in our region who have weathered both the pandemic and Hurricane Ida in the same year,” said President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation Andy Kopplin. “We especially applaud Hancock Whitney for their leadership to invest in nonprofits supporting organizations that promote financial health and wellness. These types of philanthropic investments will not only strengthen nonprofits but will also strengthen our local economies.”
Hancock Whitney supports 501 (c) (3) organizations serving 30 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and non-MSAs in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Last year 12 nonprofits in five states earned Hancock Whitney competitive grants totaling $200,000.
How to apply
Now through October 19, 2021, eligible 501 (c)(3) organizations located in one of Hancock Whitney’s 30 assessment areas in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas may apply digitally for competitive grants of up to $25,000 through the Greater New Orleans Foundation online application portal at https://www.gnof.org/program/hancock-whitney-community-reinvestment-act-grant-program/.
All applications are due via the online portal no later than Oct. 19. The Greater New Orleans Foundation will only accept applications submitted electronically. Applications received after the deadline will be ineligible for review.
The application process requires a tax identification number and includes a review for current standing with the Internal Revenue Service. By submitting a proposal, non-profit organizations consent to sharing their application, financial information, and other details related to their application with Hancock Whitney and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Application documents are stored electronically.
Learn before applying
The Greater New Orleans Foundation technology partner, Foundant, created a brief tutorial for applicants at foundant.com/tutorials.Hancock Whitney and the Foundation strongly encourage all applicants to watch this video before beginning a new application to better understand the application process.
