The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Grant Program is designed to support arts and cultural projects within Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. This annual grant program is funded by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and is administered through the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. The program provides financial assistance for local arts initiatives, ensuring that cultural priorities are determined at the community level. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 per applicant and are intended to support specific art projects rather than general operational expenses.

The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance artistic and cultural engagement within the parish by funding projects that promote community involvement and cultural enrichment. Eligible applicants include organizations domiciled within Calcasieu Parish. The program prioritizes local decision-making by convening a community review panel composed of members with diverse ethnic, demographic, and geographic backgrounds. These panelists, who possess relevant artistic and administrative expertise, assess applications to ensure they align with grant guidelines and objectives.

Grant funds may be used to support specific art projects, including visual, literary, and performing arts initiatives. Applicants are required to submit a single Project Assistance Grant application for consideration. The funds must be used for activities that take place within the grant period, which begins on May 1, 2025, and ends on April 30, 2026. A final report is required no later than June 1, 2026, or within 30 days of project completion, whichever comes first.

To apply, eligible organizations must complete and submit an application by the deadline of March 17, 2025. Applications must be emailed to the designated program contact. Once submitted, the Arts & Humanities Council will review applications for compliance with eligibility and grant guidelines. Eligible proposals will then be assessed by the community review panel. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions following the review session scheduled for March 28, 2025.

The evaluation criteria for the grant focus on the artistic and cultural impact of the proposed project, community engagement, and organizational capacity to successfully execute the initiative. The review panel will consider the feasibility of the project, the qualifications of the applicant, and the potential for broad community participation. Successful projects will demonstrate artistic merit, strong management, and clear alignment with the grant’s objectives.

The program follows a structured timeline, with applications and guidelines becoming available on February 3, 2025. The application deadline is March 17, 2025, followed by the grant panel review on March 28, 2025. Approved projects can begin their activities on May 1, 2025, and must conclude by April 30, 2026. Final reports must be submitted by June 1, 2026, or within 30 days of the project’s completion. Further details and application materials, including guidelines, agreements, and required attachments, can be accessed through the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana.