New Orleans cultural institutions have been hir hard during COVID-19. Music venues, museums, historic sites, and many more cultural institutions have been unable to open or generate revenue during the past three months. Cultural organizations in the greater New Orleans area are facing over $17 million in lost revenue as a result of closures, loss of donations, and more. A staggering number to hear as we continue to see NOLA recover from COVID-19.
In an effort to help and elevate some of these institutions, The Helis Foundation has joined forces with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to help protect New Orleans’ critical cultural institutions and organizations. The Helis Foundation is contributing a major financial gift to the endowment’s Louisiana Culture Care Fund.
The fund provides emergency relief grants to humanities organizations impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic, with awards ranging between $3,000 and $20,000 and designated for operational
expenses.
“Now more than ever, The Helis Foundation is committed to doing everything we can to support and protect New Orleans’ cultural landscape,” said David Kerstein, president of The Helis Foundation.
If you are unfamiliar with either organization, The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to all residents of the state. The Helis Foundation is a Louisiana private foundation that focuses on community needs primarily within the Metropolitan New Orleans area by granting funds to numerous local nonprofit organizations. The foundation also serves to provide free admission to and to acquire significant artworks on behalf of major institutions and cultural organizations within the Metropolitan New Orleans area.
How to Apply
The gifts are available to 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural organizations in the New Orleans area with a strong humanities focus, such as museums, historic sites, and archives, as well as the city’s diverse array of humanities-focused media, festivals and more.
The funds are designated for operational expenses, such as staff retention, rent, mortgage, and utilities. Applications will be accepted through June 30, or until funds are expended. Those looking to apply, or for more information about the Louisiana Culture Care Fund, including eligibility requirements, visit www.leh.org
Featured Photo: Crista Rock Photography
The LEH is seeking to grow the Louisiana Culture Care Fund. Should you wish to contribute, please contact Michael Bourg, vice-president of institutional advancement, at bourg@leh.org or (504) 620-2482.
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