The 2021 class of Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) recently awarded $43,000 in grant funding to nine local nonprofits. Organizations were selected by class members at the conclusion of EPNO’s signature giving circle program, which is divided into groups supporting the focus areas identified as top priorities for New Orleans.
“EPNO grants help build stronger, established nonprofit organizations,” said EPNO Board Chair Xiaobin Tuo. “Not only does this program directly support the critical needs of our community, it creates connections and empowers our class members to make a philanthropic impact beyond their program year.”
Arts & Culture grants were awarded to Be Loud Studios and ricRack. Be Loud Studios turns screens into tools for creative self-expression and courageous collaboration through radio and digital media production. ricRack diverts clothing and textiles from landfills by educating the community with sewing and creative workshops.
Health grants were awarded to the Dinerral Shavers Education Fund and The Beautiful Foundation. The Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund opens doors to the youth of New Orleans and supports anti-violence initiatives to make the city safer. The Beautiful Foundation provides leadership development to young women, focusing on self-esteem, entrepreneurial thinking, and emotional/mental/physical wellbeing.
Housing grants were awarded to Home by Hand, Inc. and Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative. Home By Hand provides pathways to homeownership for low- and moderate-income New Orleanians. Jericho Road is a neighborhood-based nonprofit homebuilder that provides families with energy-efficient, affordable housing.
Environment & Sustainability grants were awarded to LOOP NOLA and Ripple Effect Water Literacy Project. LOOP NOLA addresses the lack of opportunity for urban children to experience the outdoors by creating opportunities for New Orleans children and youth to connect with nature. Ripple Effect educates and empowers the next generation of water-literate leaders.
The Human Rights & Justice group awarded funding to FREE ALAS, an organization that supports court-impacted students by training educators with trauma-informed approaches to connecting undocumented students with legal representation and writing mitigation letters to criminal court judges.
EPNO typically hosts a large awards ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the program; however, this year’s participants presented ceremonial checks to representatives of each nonprofit in small groups to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
“In a way, the opportunity to visit with award recipients in smaller groups made the moment even more meaningful,” said EPNO Board Member Julie Ward who attended the Housing check presentation in City Park. “It also created a special opportunity for nonprofits in similar sectors to connect with each other.”
About Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO)
EPNO is a six-month young professional giving circle that invites 50 participants to give more together. Every participant contributes to a collective fund and learns how to volunteer in a team setting, make an impact, and build community. Over the past 11 years, 500 young professionals have collectively donated, with the help of sponsors, more than $690K to more than 80 local organizations. For more information about EPNO, visit emergingphilanthropists.org.