Getting Out the Vote in Greater New Orleans

The Greater New Orleans Funders Network (GNOFN) is excited to announce a $25,000 grant to Step Up Louisiana to support their voter education and community civic engagement efforts. Step Up Louisiana is deeply committed to community organizing focused on education and economic justice for all Louisianans. Their mission aligns with GNOFN’s dedication to promoting equity and justice in the Greater New Orleans region through philanthropy.

Step Up Louisiana’s latest initiative, the Fall for Liberation Organizer in Training Program, is a powerful step towards building transformational power in the South. Designed to train 50 residents in Southeast Louisiana on community, labor, and electoral organizing, the program aims to mobilize thousands of voters and workers across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Jefferson Parish. With plans to knock on over 100,000 doors and have meaningful conversations with community members, the initiative has the potential to empower historically disenfranchised voices and reshape local elections.

The Fall for Liberation program offers paid training and provides participants with effective field organizing experience. Step Up Louisiana has developed relational organizing networks that will reach over 11,000 people, demonstrating their deep commitment to building capacity, recruiting, and training new organizers. This program is part of a broader vision to address systemic issues around the environment, education, and the economy—issues that, when confronted, could allow the majority to reshape the future of Louisiana.

This grant was made through GNOFN’s Climate Justice Action Table, which seeks to invest in communities tackling environmental, social, and climate-related challenges in the Gulf Coast. With billions of dollars being directed toward these challenges, there is a unique opportunity to confront historic injustices and improve the quality of life for all residents. The Climate Justice Action Table focuses on civic engagement, equity, social justice, and building progressive civic infrastructure. By supporting initiatives like Step Up Louisiana, GNOFN aims to foster a reimagining of communities, empowering citizens to take direct action and advocate for sustainable and equitable futures.

As Step Up Louisiana continues to expand its work across its three membership chapters—New Orleans, Greater Baton Rouge, and Jefferson Parish—they are poised to create lasting change. With over 450 dues-paying members and a clear strategy for mobilizing voters, the organization is set to empower thousands and drive meaningful progress in upcoming elections. Through their direct action, voter mobilization, and cultural organizing efforts, Step Up Louisiana is at the forefront of building a stronger, more just Louisiana.