Helping children and youth in Louisiana dream bigger dreams and gain the skills to reach them.
GPOAFoundation
The GPOA Foundation is a grant-making, independent foundation which supports programs that serve children in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, Louisiana. ​​
Each year, the GPOA Foundation grants approximately $500,000 to New Orleans area nonprofit organizations which serve children and youth. Typically, grants range from $4,000 - $40,000, with the average grant award between $10,000-$15,000.
GPOA
Foundation
The GPOA Foundation is a grant-making, independent foundation which supports programs that serve children in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. ​​
Each year, the GPOA Foundation grants approximately $800,000 to New Orleans area nonprofit organizations which serve children and youth. Typically, grants range from $10,000 - $20,000.
The GPOA Board has adopted the following priorities for the coming three years, in our effort to level the playing field for the most vulnerable children and youth. In brief, the outcomes we want to see are:
-
Children who are ready for kindergarten
-
Children who can read on-level by third grade
-
At-risk Youth who are equipped for work and independence
Our Grantmaking Will Support
Early Childhood Education
-
Helping Children 0-8 meet attainable developmental goals through Kindergarten readiness and access to early childhood education
​​
Children who read on grade level by third grade
-
Summer learning loss prevention programs for K-3rd grade students
​​​
Out of School Programs for K-12
-
Enrichment programs (music, art, dance, STEM)
-
Behavioral health and social-emotional supports
Children with Special Needs​
-
Special Education and Autism Spectrum programs
​​
At-risk youth who are equipped for work and independence
-
Youth experiencing homelessness, youth with special needs, and youth who are in foster care, group homes, or juvenile justice facilities
-
Educational remediation or growth opportunities
-
Vocational and work-readiness training and apprenticeships
-
Life-skills training and leadership opportunities
Starting in 2026 The GPOA Foundation will make grant decisions two times each year (May and November). Applicants must first submit a Concept Paper and may be invited to submit a full proposal. Concept Papers will be accepted January 1 - February 1, 2027 and July 1 - August 1, 2027.
​
Applications for summer programs are encouraged to submit during the January concept paper window.
The German Protestant Orphan Asylum's State Street Children’s Home provided the children with a place to live, food, educational opportunities and vocational training. Times changed, however, and in 1979 the children’s home was closed and funds from the sale of the property were invested to create a grantmaking foundation, The GPOA Foundation. Our mission now is to support programs that serve children in Louisiana.
