The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant is a competitive funding initiative designed to support nonprofit organizations in New Orleans and across the Gulf South. Established through a partnership between Hancock Whitney Bank and the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), the grant aims to enhance community development by focusing on critical areas such as affordable housing, disaster preparedness, and home rehabilitation.
Grant Focus Areas
In its 2024 cycle, the Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant emphasizes:
Affordable Housing Access: Supporting first-time homebuyer programs that offer down payment or closing cost assistance, enabling more individuals and families to achieve homeownership.
Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation: Funding organizations that provide resources for disaster preparedness and mitigation services, helping current homeowners safeguard their properties against natural disasters.
Home Rehabilitation: Assisting nonprofit developers in offering home rehabilitation, renovations, and repairs, ensuring the preservation and maintenance of affordable housing stock.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the grant, organizations must:
Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Operate within Hancock Whitney's service areas, which include regions in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Texas.
Focus on serving underserved and low-to-moderate-income communities.
Application Process
The application window for the 2024 grant cycle opens on October 9, 2024, and closes on November 11, 2024. Interested nonprofits can submit their applications through the GNOF's online portal. It's essential to provide a tax identification number and ensure good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. Late submissions will not be considered, so timely application is crucial.
Impact on the New Orleans Community
Over the years, the Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant has significantly impacted the New Orleans area. For instance, in 2025, Hancock Whitney, in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, awarded $105,000 in grants to four Louisiana nonprofits. These funds were allocated to resolve heirs' property issues and support local entrepreneurs, addressing critical community needs.
By focusing on affordable housing and community resilience, the grant plays a vital role in strengthening neighborhoods, promoting economic stability, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in New Orleans and the broader Gulf South region.
For more detailed information and to access the application portal, visit the Greater New Orleans Foundation's official website.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, details about the Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding allocations, are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to visit the official websites of Hancock Whitney Bank and the Greater New Orleans Foundation for the most up-to-date information.
We are not affiliated with Hancock Whitney Bank, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, or any of their grant programs. Any reliance on the information provided in this blog is at the reader’s own risk.