Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Women’s Giving Circle Grants.
Donor Name: Catholic Community Foundation
State: Louisiana
County: Jefferson Parish (LA), Orleans Parish (LA), Plaquemines Parish (LA), Saint Bernard Parish (LA), Saint Charles Parish (LA), Saint Tammany Parish (LA), Washington Parish (LA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/06/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) is a 2016 initiative of the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) that brings women together to pool their resources to make a greater impact in the local community.
Funding Priorities
- Catholic nonprofits listed within the current local Catholic Directory will be given priority over other potential grantees.
- Nonprofits not listed in the current local Catholic Directory will be considered on an individual basis.
- These 501(c)(3)s will be no more than 25% of the applications accepted for grant consideration.
- These organizations will be asked to submit additional materials, including an acknowledgment signed by organization leaders which confirms that the organization respects the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Grant funding is awarded for operational costs of programs, including materials.
- Grant proposals may include money for a new program-specific staff salary, not to exceed more than 50% of the designated base annual salary. Again, these eligible salary considerations will be designated for only a new “program-specific staff member.”
- Preferred grantee programs share the following characteristics:
- Sustainability
- Collaboration
- Operation with more than one funding source
- Preferred grantee project proposals:
- Have a well-planned approach
- Address a clearly identified need
- Have clearly stated goals, objectives, and outcome measurement tools
- Are likely to continue and expand after the grant period, becoming self-sustaining
- Provide creative solutions
- Demonstrate efficiency in its use of funds
- Support the mission of the Church and its ministries.
Allowable Expenses
Some examples of “allowable expenses” include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Computers, office equipment, and supplies
- Marketing materials
- Special speakers’ and consultant fees
- Food banks
- School uniforms (if part of the requested funding project).
Eligibility for Organizations
Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that serve the spiritual or corporal needs of the people within the New Orleans metropolitan area.
- Grantee Geographic Footprint: Nonprofit organizations impacting (or partially impacting) individuals living in the eight civil parishes of the Archdiocese of New Orleans are eligible. These parishes include Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Tammany, and Washington.
- Grant proposal must align with the 2026 focus area: Needs of Women
- Grant distributions will be awarded in three funding categories:
- $1–$10,000
- $10,001–$25,000
- $25,001–$35,000
- NOTE: organizations can apply for only one (1) category of funding and will not be considered for funding in the other two categories.
Ineligibility
The WGC does NOT consider:
- Programs not focused on the Needs of Women (the 2026 focus area)
- Programs not operating (or partially operating) within the civil parishes of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
- Building, capital projects, and renovation funding
- Sponsorship of special events (galas and the like)
- Deficit reduction (mortgage, rent, utilities, and the like)
- Political activities or political action committees
- Current employee wages.
For more information, visit Catholic Community Foundation.
