New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) Grant Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NOTCF’s Grant Program! There is one application cycle remaining in 2025, and the intake day is September 3, 2025. Please check for updates regarding the last grant cycle on July 8, 2025!
Nominations Now Open for the 4th Annual NOTCF Honors Gala
The New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) is excited to open nominations for the 4th Annual NOTCF Honors Gala on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Mardi Gras World.
Each year, the NOTCF Honors Gala highlights the individuals and organizations that make New Orleans a global cultural icon. This vibrant celebration recognizes excellence across six cultural sectors: Culinary Arts, Design, Entertainment, Literary Arts and Humanities, Preservation, and Visual Arts and Crafts, as well as an Emerging Artist and a Lifetime Achievement honoree. We invite the public to nominate cultural contributors who reflect our city's diversity, passion, and creativity. A distinguished committee of cultural and business leaders will review the nominations. Nominees selected as honorees will be recognized during the gala!
Award Categories
- Emerging Artist – One rising voice shaping the future of New Orleans culture
- Established Artists – One honoree from each of the six cultural sectors (Culinary Arts, Design, Entertainment, Literary Arts and Humanities, Preservation, and Visual Arts and Crafts)
- Lifetime Achievement – One honoree for a legacy of cultural impact
Important Details:
- Nomination Deadline: July 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM
- Event Date: January 9, 2026
- Location: Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, LA
Please submit your nomination today by clicking the appropriate application form below, and help us honor New Orleans's culture bearers and cultural artists!
Submittable Portal Information
In order to access the application portal, you must create a login to apply, and your Submittable account will be used to communicate information about any applications or forms submitted with NOTCF.
If you are a returning user of Submittable, please log in and apply where applicable to your organization.
If you are experiencing login difficulties, please reset your password through the portal. If you are still unable to log in, you must contact Submittable's Help Desk for additional assistance.
If you have questions about the portal outside of the information stated above, please email the Grants Program Team at grants@notcf.com.
NOTCF Mission
The mission of the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund is to support cultural industries and culture bearers of the City of New Orleans through partnerships, grants, and programs to advance sustainable tourism.
Individuals and organizations that align with this mission are encouraged to apply for funding. Please read our General Funding Terms and Conditions before applying.
Thank you, and remember that "Culture Is Our Open Door."
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) will host its 4th Annual NOTCF Honors Gala at the iconic Mardi Gras World. This dynamic celebration recognizes the outstanding individuals and organizations whose work elevates the cultural heartbeat of New Orleans across all sectors—culinary arts, design, entertainment, literary arts and humanities, visual arts and crafts, and cultural preservation. The evening will be a vibrant tribute to the creativity, passion, and enduring legacy of those who shape and share the spirit of our city.
During the gala, honors will be presented in the following categories
- Emerging Artist
– 1 honoree representing the rising voices shaping the future of New Orleans culture - Established Artists
– 1 honoree in each of the six cultural sectors:
• Culinary Arts
• Design
• Entertainment
• Literary Arts and Humanities
• Preservation
• Visual Arts and Crafts - Lifetime Achievement
– 1 honoree recognizing a legacy of extraordinary impact and lifelong dedication to the cultural enrichment of New Orleans
Cultural Sectors Descriptions
- CULINARY ARTS
Food-related cultural products, specialty food products, local non-chain restaurants & cafés, Culinary Instructor, Food Manufacturer, Specialty Food Shop, Mobile Vendor, Farm & Community Garden, Chef, and/or Caterer - DESIGN
Individual designers and firms involved in the communication arts, such as Graphic Designer, Technology, Game/Product Designer, Web Designer/Programmer, Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Event Designer, Set Designer, Parade Float Designer, and Advertising/PR - ENTERTAINMENT
The performing arts (music, theater, and dance), individual performers, and the film industries: Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Indians, Marching Club, Musician, Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Film Production, Recording Studio, Music Instructors, and Tour Guides - LITERARY ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Individual Writers/Editors, books, periodicals, and newspaper publishing: Print Media, Web-based Media, Creative Writer, Blogger, Spoken Word Performer, Journalist, Bookstores, Libraries, and Publishing - PRESERVATION
Building arts and economic activities focused on the restoration and redevelopment of the built environment, including architecture, landscape architecture, and a percentage of construction activity focused on preservation and renovation: Building Arts Instructor, Architect, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Master/Preservation Craftsman - VISUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS
Individual artists and craftspeople as well as the galleries and museums that present cultural products: Visual Artist, Photographer, Craft or Folk Artist, Jewelry Maker, Art Instructor, Art Gallery, Art Museum, Art Market & Festival, Art Supplier
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee will be comprised of distinguished individuals from the New Orleans cultural and business community, who will carefully evaluate and vote on the slate of nominees.
Nominating Guidelines
- Eligibility Restrictions
New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) employees and board members are ineligible for nomination in any category. - Nominating Committee Restrictions
Members of the nominating committee are also precluded from being nominated in any category. - City Office Restrictions
Employees of the City of New Orleans' Office of Cultural Economy are not eligible for nomination in any category. - Completion Requirement
Failure to respond to all questions on the nomination form will result in the nomination being voided and not considered for recognition in any category. - Winners' Participation
Winners must agree to participate in a recorded interview that will be showcased during the gala and consent to having their headshots displayed for promotional purposes. - Nomination Limit
Only one nomination may be submitted per form. - Complimentary Ticket
Winners will receive one complimentary ticket to the gala.
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed and scored using a matrix comprising five key questions. Scores will be calculated objectively and uniformly, ensuring that decisions are minimized from subjective interpretations or personal experiences.
Nominations Deadline
Nominations must be submitted using this form by 11:59 p.m. July 7, 2025.
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) will host its 4th Annual NOTCF Honors Gala at the iconic Mardi Gras World. This dynamic celebration recognizes the outstanding individuals and organizations whose work elevates the cultural heartbeat of New Orleans across all sectors—culinary arts, design, entertainment, literary arts and humanities, visual arts and crafts, and cultural preservation. The evening will be a vibrant tribute to the creativity, passion, and enduring legacy of those who shape and share the spirit of our city.
During the gala, honors will be presented in the following categories
- Emerging Artist
– 1 honoree representing the rising voices shaping the future of New Orleans culture - Established Artists
– 1 honoree in each of the six cultural sectors:
• Culinary Arts
• Design
• Entertainment
• Literary Arts and Humanities
• Preservation
• Visual Arts and Crafts - Lifetime Achievement
– 1 honoree recognizing a legacy of extraordinary impact and lifelong dedication to the cultural enrichment of New Orleans
Cultural Sectors Descriptions
- CULINARY ARTS
Food-related cultural products, specialty food products, local non-chain restaurants & cafés, Culinary Instructor, Food Manufacturer, Specialty Food Shop, Mobile Vendor, Farm & Community Garden, Chef, and/or Caterer - DESIGN
Individual designers and firms involved in the communication arts, such as Graphic Designer, Technology, Game/Product Designer, Web Designer/Programmer, Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Event Designer, Set Designer, Parade Float Designer, and Advertising/PR - ENTERTAINMENT
The performing arts (music, theater, and dance), individual performers, and the film industries: Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Indians, Marching Club, Musician, Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Film Production, Recording Studio, Music Instructors, and Tour Guides - LITERARY ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Individual Writers/Editors, books, periodicals, and newspaper publishing: Print Media, Web-based Media, Creative Writer, Blogger, Spoken Word Performer, Journalist, Bookstores, Libraries, and Publishing - PRESERVATION
Building arts and economic activities focused on the restoration and redevelopment of the built environment, including architecture, landscape architecture, and a percentage of construction activity focused on preservation and renovation: Building Arts Instructor, Architect, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Master/Preservation Craftsman - VISUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS
Individual artists and craftspeople as well as the galleries and museums that present cultural products: Visual Artist, Photographer, Craft or Folk Artist, Jewelry Maker, Art Instructor, Art Gallery, Art Museum, Art Market & Festival, Art Supplier
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee will be comprised of distinguished individuals from the New Orleans cultural and business community, who will carefully evaluate and vote on the slate of nominees.
Nominating Guidelines
- Eligibility Restrictions
New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) employees and board members are ineligible for nomination in any category. - Nominating Committee Restrictions
Members of the nominating committee are also precluded from being nominated in any category. - City Office Restrictions
Employees of the City of New Orleans' Office of Cultural Economy are not eligible for nomination in any category. - Completion Requirement
Failure to respond to all questions on the nomination form will result in the nomination being voided and not considered for recognition in any category. - Winners' Participation
Winners must agree to participate in a recorded interview that will be showcased during the gala and consent to having their headshots displayed for promotional purposes. - Nomination Limit
Only one nomination may be submitted per form. - Complimentary Ticket
Winners will receive one complimentary ticket to the gala.
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed and scored using a matrix comprising five key questions. Scores will be calculated objectively and uniformly, ensuring that decisions are minimized from subjective interpretations or personal experiences.
Nominations Deadline
Nominations must be submitted using this form by 11:59 p.m. July 7, 2025.
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) will host its 4th Annual NOTCF Honors Gala at the iconic Mardi Gras World. This dynamic celebration recognizes the outstanding individuals and organizations whose work elevates the cultural heartbeat of New Orleans across all sectors—culinary arts, design, entertainment, literary arts and humanities, visual arts and crafts, and cultural preservation. The evening will be a vibrant tribute to the creativity, passion, and enduring legacy of those who shape and share the spirit of our city.
During the gala, honors will be presented in the following categories
- Emerging Artist
– 1 honoree representing the rising voices shaping the future of New Orleans culture - Established Artists
– 1 honoree in each of the six cultural sectors:
• Culinary Arts
• Design
• Entertainment
• Literary Arts and Humanities
• Preservation
• Visual Arts and Crafts - Lifetime Achievement
– 1 honoree recognizing a legacy of extraordinary impact and lifelong dedication to the cultural enrichment of New Orleans
Cultural Sectors Descriptions
- CULINARY ARTS
Food-related cultural products, specialty food products, local non-chain restaurants & cafés, Culinary Instructor, Food Manufacturer, Specialty Food Shop, Mobile Vendor, Farm & Community Garden, Chef, and/or Caterer - DESIGN
Individual designers and firms involved in the communication arts, such as Graphic Designer, Technology, Game/Product Designer, Web Designer/Programmer, Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Event Designer, Set Designer, Parade Float Designer, and Advertising/PR - ENTERTAINMENT
The performing arts (music, theater, and dance), individual performers, and the film industries: Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Indians, Marching Club, Musician, Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Film Production, Recording Studio, Music Instructors, and Tour Guides - LITERARY ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Individual Writers/Editors, books, periodicals, and newspaper publishing: Print Media, Web-based Media, Creative Writer, Blogger, Spoken Word Performer, Journalist, Bookstores, Libraries, and Publishing - PRESERVATION
Building arts and economic activities focused on the restoration and redevelopment of the built environment, including architecture, landscape architecture, and a percentage of construction activity focused on preservation and renovation: Building Arts Instructor, Architect, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Master/Preservation Craftsman - VISUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS
Individual artists and craftspeople as well as the galleries and museums that present cultural products: Visual Artist, Photographer, Craft or Folk Artist, Jewelry Maker, Art Instructor, Art Gallery, Art Museum, Art Market & Festival, Art Supplier
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee will be comprised of distinguished individuals from the New Orleans cultural and business community, who will carefully evaluate and vote on the slate of nominees.
Nominating Guidelines
- Eligibility Restrictions
New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) employees and board members are ineligible for nomination in any category. - Nominating Committee Restrictions
Members of the nominating committee are also precluded from being nominated in any category. - City Office Restrictions
Employees of the City of New Orleans' Office of Cultural Economy are not eligible for nomination in any category. - Completion Requirement
Failure to respond to all questions on the nomination form will result in the nomination being voided and not considered for recognition in any category. - Winners' Participation
Winners must agree to participate in a recorded interview that will be showcased during the gala and consent to having their headshots displayed for promotional purposes. - Nomination Limit
Only one nomination may be submitted per form. - Complimentary Ticket
Winners will receive one complimentary ticket to the gala.
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed and scored using a matrix comprising five key questions. Scores will be calculated objectively and uniformly, ensuring that decisions are minimized from subjective interpretations or personal experiences.
Nominations Deadline
Nominations must be submitted using this form by 11:59 p.m. July 7, 2025.