Application period opens soon for Atchafalaya grants

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area will open the application period for the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Grants Program on Sunday, May 1. The purpose of this grant is to fund projects to advance ANHA’s mission of preservation and promotion of the heritage and natural resources of the Atchafalaya Basin and Floodway. The deadline to submit an application is May 312.

“The people and places of the Atchafalaya region are part of a rich tapestry made up of traditions heavily influenced by our fertile lands and waters. The ANHA grants program was created to enhance cultural, recreational, and natural resource programming and projects that further enhance and preserve the culture that sets us apart from any other place on earth,” said Justin Lemoine, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Executive Director.

The ANHA Heritage Grants Program is a reimbursable grant that funds projects related to heritage interpretation, cultural events, and recreation and natural resource improvements. ANHA will present the applications to a review panel for selection. Grants will be awarded based on eligibility criteria, project location and impact to equitably serve the entirety of the heritage area.

Eligibility for the ANHA Heritage Grant includes:

--Project must take place within the boundaries of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area or be related to the heritage of the Atchafalaya Basin and Floodway

--Eligible applicants include nonprofits and 501(c)3s, municipalities, libraries, universities and certain events

--Ineligible applicants include advocacy or lobbying groups, singular artists and private individuals

To apply, applicants must create a free account on the online grant platform Submittable. Once an applicant creates an account, application and guidelines may be accessed through the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development Grant applications manager.

Information and resources may be found at atchafalaya.org/grant-program. Applicants may also email Caroline Byrne at cbyrne@crt.la.gov for further questions or clarification.

The National Heritage Area program is part of the National Park Service. NHAs are designated by Congress as areas that tell nationally significant stories through natural, cultural and historic resources. Designated in 2006, the goal of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is to preserve and promote the natural, recreational and cultural resources surrounding the Atchafalaya River and its basin.