Adaptive Capacities for Transformation (ACT) Initiative: New Orleans
Adaptive Capacities for Transformation (ACT) Initiative: New Orleans supports local planning teams implementing science-based, community-driven disaster adaptation to improve community health and resilience.
Funder: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Due Dates: October 14, 2026 (Application workshop) | December 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Applications) | February 2027 (Award notification) | April 1, 2027 (Anticipated funding start)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$625,000 per award for up to 24 months; $1.25 million total available
Summary: Supports existing ACT New Orleans planning grantees in implementing science-based, community-driven disaster adaptation solutions that improve community health and resilience.
Key Information: Only teams that received an ACT New Orleans planning grant may apply for implementation funding.
Description
The National Academies’ Gulf Research Program (GRP) runs ACT New Orleans, a multi-phase initiative supporting collaboration on disaster-related priorities in the Greater New Orleans area, Louisiana. Launched in 2025, the initiative brought together local nonprofits, foundations, academia, and government to develop an evidence-based, community-driven framework for disaster adaptation. Planning grants supported working groups and the design of place-based solutions.
Phase 2 implementation grants support those planning grantees in putting solutions into practice. Projects advance priorities in connecting communities and policymakers, improving disaster coordination, or enabling fast recovery. The program seeks early evidence of changes in community assets, health, and resilience. Lessons learned will be shared with local stakeholders, GRP partners, and other Gulf communities interested in testing or investing in effective disaster adaptation solutions.
