The Helis Foundation has partnered with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and donated a major gift to help preserve significant New Orleans’ cultural organizations. The contribution goes towards the LEH’s Louisiana Culture Care Fund, making it the first private donation offered to the fund. 

The goal of the Louisiana Culture Care Fund is to provide emergency financial support to humanities organizations devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, through the form of relief grants. The Helis Foundation’s gift will reach prominent humanities related organizations in the greater New Orleans area, including museums, historic sites and archives, relevant media, festivals, and more.

Recent data collected by the LEH reveals that cultural organizations in the area have been affected the greatest by the pandemic and face over $17 million in lost revenue due to closures, loss of income and donations, and other contributing factors. President of The Helis Foundation, David Kerstein, states “Now more than ever, The Helis Foundation is committed to doing everything we can to support and protect New Orleans’ cultural landscape. The LEH has a proven track record of efficacy and diligence, and by contributing to the Louisiana Culture Care Fund, we can be sure that funds will be quickly and responsibly distributed to places that need it the most.”

Grants from the Louisiana Culture Care Fund are intended for operational expenses of organizations in this time, with awards ranging between $3,000 to $20,000.  Applications are available now through June 30, or until funds are depleted. Details on qualifying criteria may be found here. Sample applications are available for viewing here. 

For more information about the Louisiana Culture Care Fund, including eligibility requirements, visit www.leh.org.