The Community Foundation of North Louisiana and United Way of Northwest Louisiana will open Stage One of its 2017-18 competitive grant cycle on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. There will continue to be a common application with the United Way of Northwest Louisiana in an effort to streamline the application process for nonprofits. Organizations serving Red River Parish are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have 501(c)3 status prior to submitting an application.

Jennifer Steadman of the foundation told the Journal that in Red River Parish the grants come from United Way of Northwest Louisiana. However parish non-profits will apply through the Foundation. Steadman says this is to streamline the process.

The 2017-18 grant cycle will remain similar to the previous year’s process. The application process will have two stages. In Stage One applicants will submit a synopsis of the proposed project, a program budget and organizational information. This information will be reviewed by a committee of community volunteers who select organizations for participation in Stage Two. Those who are selected after Stage One may submit a Stage Two application beginning October 15 with a firm deadline of 4 p.m. November 15.

Interested organizations must attend one orientation session prior to submitting Stage One. Five sessions are offered between July 18 and July 27. A complete schedule, and all details of the application process, can be found on The Community Foundation website (http://www.cfnla.org/grant-seekers/apply).