The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, offers competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations across five Gulf South states—Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The grant program aims to support community development efforts that promote affordable housing access and sustainability in underserved and low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities. Applications for the 2024 grant cycle are accepted from October 9, 2024, through November 4, 2024, with grants of up to $25,000 available to qualifying nonprofit organizations.

This grant opportunity focuses on three key areas to enhance housing affordability and community resilience: providing resources for first-time homebuyers, supporting home rehabilitation and preservation efforts, and offering disaster preparedness and mitigation services. Eligible programs include first-time homebuyer initiatives that offer financial assistance for down payments or closing costs, nonprofit developers engaged in home renovations and repairs, and organizations that facilitate disaster mitigation renovations, such as fortified roofing or green building projects.

The funding is part of Hancock Whitney’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program, which seeks to ensure that community development efforts reach LMI areas within the bank's service regions. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving one of Hancock Whitney’s 30 designated assessment areas across the Gulf South. The application must be submitted digitally through the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s online portal by November 4, 2024. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

The application process involves providing the organization’s tax identification number and confirming the nonprofit's current standing with the Internal Revenue Service. Applicants will also consent to share financial and other pertinent information with Hancock Whitney and the Greater New Orleans Foundation as part of the review process. All application documents will be stored electronically.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant presents a valuable opportunity for nonprofits dedicated to enhancing housing stability and community resilience, especially in regions vulnerable to natural disasters. Organizations that meet the criteria and have projects that align with the grant's focus areas are encouraged to apply promptly to secure funding that could significantly benefit their community development initiatives.