THE FOUNDATION FOR LOUISIANA CULTURE, RECREATION & TOURISM
Celebrating Louisiana through culture, recreation & tourism
We invest in heritage programs, outdoor recreation, and visitor experiences that honor Louisiana traditions from Baton Rouge to every parish across the state.
Our Mission
Stewardship for Louisiana living traditions
THE FOUNDATION FOR LOUISIANA CULTURE, RECREATION & TOURISM advances cultural preservation, recreation access, and sustainable tourism across Louisiana communities.
From Creole heritage corridors to bayou trail networks, we connect residents and visitors to the stories, landscapes, and celebrations that define our state.
Heritage Pillars
Four commitments to Louisiana identity
Preserve
Document and sustain music, cuisine, crafts, and oral histories rooted in Louisiana parishes.
Activate
Fund recreation infrastructure, trail systems, and waterfront access for residents and visitors.
Welcome
Support responsible tourism that respects communities and strengthens local economies.
Partner
Collaborate with museums, parks departments, and cultural councils statewide.
About the Foundation
A Baton Rouge anchor for statewide culture
Established to unite culture, recreation, and tourism under one philanthropic vision, our foundation operates from United Plaza Boulevard in Baton Rouge.
We coordinate grants, visitor programs, and parish partnerships that keep Louisiana traditions vibrant for the next generation.
Our Journey
Milestones across Louisiana
- 2014Foundation incorporated in Baton Rouge to support statewide cultural and recreation initiatives.
- 2017First parish grant cycle distributes $280K to twelve heritage and trail projects.
- 2020Bayou Trails Coalition launches with recreation partners across south Louisiana.
- 2023Visitor welcome centers program expands to eight regional tourism hubs.
- 2026$3.6M cumulative investment across 48 programs in 64 parish partnerships.
Leadership
Stewards of Louisiana culture and recreation
GREEN BILLOPS DAIZYA NYCOLE
Executive Director — leads strategic vision, grantmaking, and statewide partnerships from Baton Rouge headquarters.
Renée Fontenot
Program Director — oversees culture, recreation, and tourism initiative portfolios across all parishes.
Advisory Council
Parish cultural officers, park directors, and tourism leaders guide program priorities through quarterly assemblies.
Strategic Plan
2024–2028 priorities for Louisiana
Expand heritage documentation, artist residencies, and festival support across Creole, Cajun, and indigenous traditions statewide.
Build trail networks, waterfront access, and adaptive recreation programs connecting bayou communities to outdoor wellness.
Strengthen visitor welcome services, heritage itineraries, and sustainable tourism education for Louisiana destinations.
Grant Programs
Funding Louisiana culture and recreation
Heritage Catalyst Grants
Up to $20,000 for parish-led cultural preservation and festival projects.
Trail & Parks Fund
Multi-year support for recreation infrastructure and waterfront access improvements.
Visitor Welcome Grants
Matching funds for welcome centers, signage, and responsible tourism education.
Louisiana Culture
Living traditions across every parish
We fund oral history archives, craft apprenticeships, and community museums that keep Louisiana heritage accessible to residents and visitors alike.
From zydeco dance halls to Mardi Gras Indian traditions, our culture programs honor the diversity that defines Louisiana identity.
Arts & Expression
Creative corridors from Baton Rouge to the bayou
Artist residencies, public murals, and gallery partnerships bring Louisiana stories into shared community spaces.
We support emerging and established artists whose work reflects the state's cultural complexity and creative resilience.
Music Heritage
Jazz, zydeco, blues, and beyond
Louisiana's musical legacy is a global treasure. We fund instrument libraries, youth band programs, and archival recordings.
Parish music hubs connect young musicians with master artists who carry forward generations of Louisiana sound.
Recreation
Bayou trails, parks, and open water
Outdoor recreation is essential to Louisiana quality of life. We invest in accessible parks, paddling routes, and community recreation centers.
Our recreation portfolio connects urban Baton Rouge residents to rural parish landscapes through shared trail networks.
Parks & Green Space
Neighborhood parks for every community
Park renovations, playground upgrades, and shade infrastructure make outdoor gathering spaces welcoming year-round in Louisiana heat.
Waterways & Bayous
Paddling routes and waterfront access
Louisiana's bayous and rivers are recreation corridors and cultural landmarks. We fund launch sites, safety signage, and guided paddle programs.
Trail Networks
Connecting parishes by foot and wheel
Multi-use trails link communities to heritage sites, parks, and visitor destinations across Louisiana's diverse landscapes.
Outdoor Wellness
Active living on Louisiana landscapes
Group fitness programs, adaptive recreation, and nature therapy initiatives bring wellness outdoors across all ages and abilities.
Louisiana Tourism
Welcome visitors with authentic experiences
Responsible tourism strengthens local economies while respecting the communities that share Louisiana culture with the world.
Heritage Routes
Curated itineraries connecting music, food, and history across parish destinations.
Welcome Centers
Regional hubs offering maps, event calendars, and local business referrals.
Seasonal Guides
Festival calendars, trail conditions, and cultural event listings updated quarterly.
Local First
Tourism education that prioritizes parish-owned businesses and community benefit.
Destinations
From Baton Rouge to the bayou country
We support destination marketing that highlights authentic Louisiana experiences — plantation heritage, swamp tours, music districts, and culinary trails.
Visitor Services
Planning your Louisiana journey
Our visitor services team connects travelers with parish resources, event calendars, and responsible tourism guidelines.
Louisiana Cuisine
Food as cultural heritage
Gumbo, jambalaya, boudin, and beignets tell Louisiana's story. We fund culinary apprenticeships, food heritage archives, and market partnerships.
Festivals & Events
Celebrations that define Louisiana seasons
Community Programs
Parish partnerships rooted in listening
Resident advisory councils in Baton Rouge and partner parishes co-design grant priorities and program evaluations.
Community ambassadors connect neighborhoods to culture, recreation, and tourism resources through bilingual outreach and parish events.
Youth Programs
The next generation of Louisiana stewards
Paid internships, heritage apprenticeships, and recreation leadership academies engage Louisiana youth as co-creators of their parishes' future.
Partners
Collaborators across Louisiana
Louisiana Office of Tourism
Statewide destination marketing and visitor resource alignment.
City of Baton Rouge
Parks, cultural districts, and civic event partnerships.
LSU & Southern University
Research, internships, and heritage documentation programs.
Parish Park Departments
Recreation infrastructure and trail network coordination.
Governance
Accountable stewardship of Louisiana resources
We operate under a volunteer board, independent audit committee, and conflict-of-interest policies aligned with Louisiana nonprofit best practices.
Resident voices inform grant priorities while maintaining fiduciary rigor across culture, recreation, and tourism program areas.
Board of Directors
Leaders committed to Louisiana heritage
Our board includes cultural officers, recreation directors, tourism professionals, and community advocates from parishes across the state.
Quarterly public meetings are held at our Baton Rouge headquarters on United Plaza Boulevard.
Transparency
Open books, open processes
Financial Reports
Audited financial statements and Form 990 filings are published annually and available upon request at our Baton Rouge office.
Grant Criteria
All grant eligibility requirements, scoring rubrics, and award notifications are published before each application cycle opens.
Board Minutes
Summary minutes from quarterly board meetings are posted within 30 days, excluding confidential personnel matters.
Impact Metrics
Measuring what matters in Louisiana
Annual Review
2025 year in culture, recreation & tourism
Last fiscal year, we distributed $920K in grants, launched three new trail segments, and expanded visitor welcome services to two additional parishes.
Download Report
Impact Stories
Voices from Louisiana communities
"The heritage grant helped our parish archive three generations of zydeco recordings."
— Marie T., St. Landry Parish
"New trail signage made our bayou route accessible to families for the first time."
— James B., Ascension Parish
"Visitor welcome training transformed how our downtown greets travelers."
— Carla M., East Baton Rouge
News
Latest from the foundation
2026 Heritage Grant Cycle Opens
Applications accepted through August for parish cultural preservation and festival support projects.
Bayou Trail Segment Completed
New paddling launch and signage connect three Ascension Parish communities to the regional trail network.
Visitor Welcome Center Partnership
Foundation announces expanded collaboration with Louisiana Office of Tourism for regional welcome hubs.
Events
Upcoming gatherings
Heritage Grant Workshop
Baton Rouge headquarters — learn application requirements and meet program officers.
Parish Recreation Summit
Trail directors and park administrators share best practices for Louisiana outdoor access.
Tourism Stewardship Forum
Responsible visitor education and local-first tourism strategies for parish leaders.
Annual Impact Celebration
Evening program honoring grantees and partners at United Plaza Boulevard.
Resources
Guides and publications
FAQ
Common questions
Who can apply for grants?
Louisiana nonprofits, parish agencies, cultural organizations, and recreation departments serving state residents may apply during open cycles.
What areas do you fund?
Culture, recreation, and tourism programs including heritage preservation, trail infrastructure, festivals, and visitor services.
Where is your office?
Our headquarters is at 8555 United Plaza Blvd Ste 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-2258. Visit by appointment.
How do I volunteer?
Contact our community programs team through the form below or email us to join parish ambassador and event support networks.
Baton Rouge
Our capital city headquarters
From United Plaza Boulevard, we coordinate statewide programs while investing directly in Baton Rouge cultural districts, parks, and visitor corridors.
Contact Us
THE FOUNDATION FOR LOUISIANA CULTURE, RECREATION & TOURISM
8555 United Plaza Blvd Ste 100 Baton Rouge, LA, 70809-2258 United States
GREEN BILLOPS DAIZYA NYCOLE
Send a Message
Visit Our Office
8555 United Plaza Blvd, Baton Rouge
Our Ste 100 office welcomes partners, grant applicants, and visitors by appointment Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Central Time.
Free parking is available on-site. The building is accessible via I-10 and Airline Highway corridors.
Gallery
Louisiana culture, recreation & tourism in images
Stay Connected
Louisiana Culture & Recreation Bulletin
Quarterly updates on grants, festivals, trail openings, and tourism resources across Louisiana.