As weather disasters become more frequent, we need to find, and fund, new solutions. 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, at the Greater New Orleans Foundation, are thrilled to celebrate our 100th anniversary by sponsoring The Next 100 Years Challenge, funded through our Disaster Response and Restoration Fund. 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.
At the Foundation, we are lucky to have fundholders, partners, and collaborators who believe in us and our work. We know that an equitable, sustainable future is possible for our region, and every day, our partners like Pastor Bernard, Theresa Dardar, John Dias, and Jeray Jarreau are proving it. They’ve faced disasters in Southeast Louisiana head-on. They stand strong for the people of our communities and we stand strong in supporting them and the nonprofits they lead. Together, we will build a more economically and culturally vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all.
We are inspired by the dedication and generosity of local and national foundations, corporations, individuals, fundholders, and friends who supported our Hurricane Ida Response and Restoration Fund, including:
We know that our funders do not give for the accolades. But we want to honor their deep care and conviction and celebrate the ways in which they’ve unequivocally made Southeast Louisiana a safer, stronger, more sustainable place for generations to come.
The Next 100 Years Challenge, an initiative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is a regional competition designed to inspire and attract nature-based plans for infrastructure improvements in 13 parishes of Southeast Louisiana that will address the threat of storms and other disasters.
The Next 100 Years Challenge seeks game-changing ideas brought forth by collaborative teams, and will offer support and technical assistance to develop clear, actionable plans and increase opportunities to secure the funding and resources needed to deliver results.
In Fall 2023, Greater New Orleans Foundation will award $100,000 each to up to ten teams with strong potential to secure additional infrastructure dollars from the State of Louisiana, U.S. federal government, and other funders. Winning teams will use funds from the Next 100 Years Challenge to refine their plans and help ensure their proposals are competitive for further investment. We encourage infrastructure plans at varying stages of development, from early-stage concepts to solutions that are proven effective.
Complete this readiness quiz and access resources designed to strengthen your solution and improve your proposal for the Next 100 Years Challenge.
Judges will measure the success of the Next 100 Years Challenge by how well teams can use this exercise to develop infrastructure plans and create high-quality proposals that address local needs, increasing the potential for teams to secure other sources of funds especially state and federal infrastructure funds.
Strong proposals will demonstrate:
COMMUNITIES & PROJECT AREAS
The Next 100 Years Challenge encourages nature-based, community-centered, and cost-effective projects that protect against and reduce the risks from disasters and natural hazards in vulnerable, disadvantaged communities in one or more of the following parishes:
The Next 100 Years Challenge team will host workshops, information sessions, and Q&A webinars leading up to registration and submission deadlines.
Complete this readiness quiz and access resources designed to strengthen your application by helping address any roadblocks and issues with capacity, feasibility, analysis, community engagement, and other areas that could benefit from refinement. More information about events and webinars will be emailed to registrants of the Next 100 Years Challenge and will be available on Resources and News & Updates.
You may also contact us with requests for technical support and more information regarding eligibility, requirements, and other challenge-related questions.
