The Helis Foundation
The Helis Foundation is a Louisiana private foundation (est. 1955) that advances access to the arts in the Greater New Orleans region. The official site lists funded projects and initiatives (Art for All, Unframed, Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition), and provides the foundation's address and contact email.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A qualified nonprofit arts or cultural organization based in Greater New Orleans (Louisiana) seeking project or operating support and able to submit a concise, typed letter and supporting materials.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in Louisiana, preferably Greater New Orleans.
- • Mission centers on arts, culture, public exhibitions, festivals, or arts education.
- • Request is for operating support, programs, events, exhibitions, or arts access initiatives.
- • Can apply via typed letter and supply brochures or program descriptions.
- • Track record or existing relationship with local funders or cultural institutions.
Geography
Observed giving is heavily concentrated in Louisiana: in the latest year roughly 94% of dollars stayed in-state, with only small out-of-state awards to a few other states.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows broad breadth: 74 grants to 74 distinct recipients spanning museums, festivals, community arts programs and related nonprofits, indicating a wide recipient set despite some dollar concentration.
New Applicants
Direct application instructions, named contacts, and a public mailing route are provided, and 12 new recipients appeared in 2023 (about 16%), so unfamiliar local applicants have a realistic path to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
