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Awards support organizations advancing community reinvestment
GULFPORT, Miss. - Jan. 21, 2026 --21 non-profit organizations across the Gulf South are starting the New Year with additional funding to advance community reinvestment. Through Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant awards, these organizations will be more equipped to expand access to critical services that help address food insecurity, workforce development, youth programs, or whose core teams are supported by AmeriCorps volunteers.
Hancock Whitney Bank has awarded a total of $200,000 in competitive grants to organizations across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grants are funded through the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program.
Top grant award winners for each respective category Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc. of Bradenton, Florida for food insecurity and New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, Inc of New Orleans, Louisiana for workforce development.
Other organizations receiving competitive grants from Hancock Whitney are:
Food Banks
CESC, Inc.
Giving HOPE
Grace at the Greenlight
Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
Magnolia Medical Foundation
Workforce readiness agencies, job training programs
Ransom Ministries, Inc.
Operation New Uniform LLC.
Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative
Moore Community House
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast
Afterschool Programs, Youth Mentorship Programs
NAMI Tallahassee
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties, Inc.
Katy Rey Foundation DBA Fostering Hearts FL
Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights
Thrive New Orleans
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
One Way Love, Inc.
Youth Development Center
Organizations participating in AmeriCorps
Community Care Network, Inc.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation was instrumental in creating awareness about the grants across the Hancock Whitney footprint and managed the grant application process.
“When we invest in nonprofits, we invest in the strength, resilience, and future of our region,” said Andy Kopplin, President & CEO, Greater New Orleans Foundation. “These organizations are closest to the challenges our neighbors face every day. We are thrilled to yet again partner with Hancock Whitney to support the Opportunity Grant program, providing needed funding to the organizations who work tirelessly to create a more thriving, just, and sustainable region for us all.”
Hancock Whitney received and considered 381 grant applications before determining recipients.
“Strong communities are built through collaboration, and these organizations exemplify that spirit through their work by feeding families, training workers, mentoring youth, and inspiring service. By partnering with nonprofits like this, we’re able to support initiatives that create lasting impact. This grant represents our continued investment in the people and programs that help our communities thrive,” said Hancock Whitney Senior Vice-President, Director, Community & Economic Development, Ashley Aubrey Harrison.
Hancock Whitney supports 501(c)(3) organizations serving 34 assessment areas in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Last year, 18 nonprofits in five states earned Hancock Whitney competitive grants. Since 2018, we have invested $1.875 million across 147 organizations.
About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.
About the Greater New Orleans Foundation
With roots extending 100 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation connects generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership and action in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org