Awarding $1 million to strengthen infrastructure and hazard mitigation solutions and build a safer, more equitable Southeast Louisiana for the next 100 years

New Orleans (March 16, 2023) – In celebration of its centennial year, the Greater New Orleans Foundation announced a new initiative, the Next 100 Years Challenge. The Next 100 Years Challenge is a regional competition designed to inspire and attract plans for community-centered and cost-effective infrastructure improvements, including nature-based solutions, in 13 parishes of Southeast Louisiana that will address the threat of storms and other disasters. The Foundation will award $100,000 each to up to ten collaborative teams that demonstrate strong potential to secure additional infrastructure dollars from the State of Louisiana, federal government, and other funders.

Eligible parishes include: Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington

“As weather disasters become more frequent, we recognize that we need to find, and fund, new solutions,” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.  “We believe in a future for our region that is stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable—and are committed to making that future a reality. That is why we are thrilled to celebrate our 100th anniversary by launching the Next 100 Years Challenge. It is our way of building on the legacy of our last 100 years by asking ourselves how we can best position our region for success in our next 100 years.”

Strong Challenge proposals will present sustainable, community-centered, cost-effective projects that protect against and reduce the risks from disasters and natural hazards in communities located in the thirteen Southeast Louisiana parishes. The Challenge team encourages infrastructure plans at varying stages of development, from early-stage concepts to solutions that are proven effective and will be offering robust technical assistance to help applicants prepare for the competition.  

Winning teams will use funds from the Next 100 Years Challenge, funded through the Foundation’s Disaster Response and Restoration Fund, to refine their plans and help ensure their proposals are competitive for further investment.  

Proposed projects submitted to the Next 100 Years Challenge must demonstrate community buy-in, commitment from local leadership, and projected impact and a wide range of benefits to under-resourced, disadvantaged populations located in the thirteen parishes in the Southeast Louisiana region. 

Those interested in applying for the Challenge must complete registration no later than Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM CT. To register, visit the Next 100 Years Challenge website. The deadline for application submissions is Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 5:00 PM CT. To view the application, click here.

For more information about the Challenge, visit next100yearschallenge.org or contact by email.

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About the Greater New Orleans Foundation:

‍With roots extending 100 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation connects generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org.