[Greater New Orleans Foundation](https://www.gnof.org)

October 2026 (projected)

Endowment: up to $75,000 (1:2 match); Reserve: up to $15,000 (1:2 match); 12 months to meet challenge

Matching grants for New Orleans-area nonprofits to build endowments or board-restricted reserves, promoting long-term financial sustainability.

Prerequisite workshop required; only organizations meeting challenge goals receive awards.

--- ## Description The Freeman Challenges, administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, are designed to help nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Orleans thirteen-parish region establish endowments or board-restricted cash reserves. Through a competitive matching grant program, the initiative aims to promote financial independence and long-term stability for local nonprofits. Organizations must participate in a mandatory readiness workshop and undergo a rigorous application process. Both the Endowment and Board-Restricted Reserve Challenges offer a 1:2 matching structure, supporting nonprofits in building critical financial assets that underpin sustainability and resilience. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Endowment Challenge:** 1:2 match; nonprofits select one of three categories: - Raise $50,000, receive $25,000 match - Raise $100,000, receive $50,000 match - Raise $150,000, receive $75,000 match - **Board-Restricted Reserve Challenge:** 1:2 match; nonprofits select one of three categories: - Raise $10,000, receive $5,000 match - Raise $20,000, receive $10,000 match - Raise $30,000, receive $15,000 match - **Grant Period:** Organizations have 12 months to meet their fundraising challenge. Only those meeting their goal receive the award. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing with the IRS. - Minimum of five years in operation. - Headquartered in one of the thirteen parishes served by the Greater New Orleans Foundation: Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, or Washington. - Cannot have an endowment exceeding $1,000,000 in market value. - Must demonstrate readiness for an endowment or reserve fundraising campaign. - Board approval required, with a resolution to house the fund at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. - Attendance at the “Are You Ready for an Endowment?” workshop (within the application year) is mandatory. - If declined in a previous cycle, must wait until the second consecutive cycle to reapply for the same challenge (may apply for the alternate challenge in the immediate next cycle). - Funds raised for other matching grants cannot be counted towards this challenge. - Organizations may only participate in each challenge type once. --- ## Application Process 1. **Attend Prerequisite Workshop:** “Are You Ready for an Endowment?” (required for eligibility). 2. **Board Approval:** Secure a board resolution (must include intent to house the fund at the Foundation). 3. **Application Submission:** Complete application during the open period (anticipated September–October). 4. **Site Visit:** May be conducted as part of the review process. 5. **Grant Decision:** Committee meets in December; awards contingent on meeting fundraising goals within 12 months. 6. **Documentation:** For reserve challenge, a board-approved reserve policy is required (see [policy template](http://www.gnof.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Freeman_Reserve-Policy-Template.pdf)). --- ## Additional Information - The program is highly competitive and designed for organizations committed to long-term financial planning. - Only funds raised specifically for the challenge are eligible for matching. - Participation in the prerequisite workshop is required each year an organization applies. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: The Freeman Challenges](https://www.gnof.org/program/the-freeman-challenge/) - [Freeman Challenges Initiative Overview](https://www.gnof.org/what-we-do/initiatives/the-freeman-challenges/) - [Step-by-Step Application Process](https://www.gnof.org/what-we-do/initiatives/the-freeman-challenges/step-2/) - [Workshop and Policy Resources](https://www.gnof.org/what-we-do/initiatives/the-freeman-challenges/step-1/) - [Board-Restricted Reserve Policy Template (PDF)](http://www.gnof.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Freeman_Reserve-Policy-Template.pdf) - [Grantmaking Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.gnof.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Freeman-Challenges-Guidelines.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |---------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Devon Turner | devon@gnof.org | 504-598-4663 | [Contact Form](https://www.gnof.org/contact-us/) | | General Inquiries | — | 504-598-4663 | [Greater New Orleans Foundation](https://www.gnof.org) |

The Freeman Challenges

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