504ward Collaborative Partners
504ward is honored to be associated with these groups, each of whom is committed to improving New Orleans for future
generations. If you or someone you know would like to partner with 504ward, please e-mail us at 504ward@504ward.com.
Arts Council of New Orleans: www.artscouncilofneworleans.org The Arts Council of New Orleans, in its 33rd year, is a private,
non-profit organization designated as the City’s official arts agency. The Arts Council partners with the City of New Orleans,
community groups, various government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations to meet the arts and cultural needs of the New
Orleans community through different initiatives and services.
AVODAH: www.avodah.net/new-orleans AVODAH is the Jewish Service Corps that engages young people in direct work on the
causes and effects of poverty in the United States. Participants in the service Corps program deepen their commitments to social
change and Jewish life through a year of full-time work at anti-poverty organizations in Chicago, New Orleans, New York, and
Washington D.C. Members work with organizations to tackle urban poverty from a variety of perspectives, including housing,
healthcare, education, and hunger.
The Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region: www.bcno.org The New Orleans Business Council promotes and
enhances the economic climate, social welfare and environment of the city, region and state.
City Year: www.cityyear.org City Year, founded over twenty years ago on the belief that young people can change the world,
hopes that one day these young people will view service as both an opportunity and common expectation. City Year supports its
vision through four primary methods: full-time youth service corps, inspiring citizens through high-impact community events,
leading discussion and development of national service policies and initiatives, and expanding service opportunities around the
world.
Desire Nola: www.desirenola.org Local nonprofit dedicated to supporting small businesses by providing financial and business
development assistance. Provides regular workshops for small business owners to learn from local and national leaders about
available resources and ways to increase efficiency and profitability.
EngageNOLA: www.engagenola.org EngageNOLA is a coalition of young professional organizations and individuals working to
connect their peers to local civic landscape through education and action initiatives. The coalition will sponsor educational forums
that will allow young professionals to voice their concerns on local policy issues and convey these concerns to local governmental
officials and candidates. EngageNOLA’s mission is to engage young professionals in local civic society, through education and
action initiatives, creating a culture of accountability and ensuring the collective advancement of New Orleans.
First Fridays: www.neworleansblack.com First Fridays is a nationally recognized networking event targeting African American
professionals and provides an opportunity to socially network, exchange and share ideas on professional, educational, political and
social issues.
Greater New Orleans, Inc: www.gnoinc.org Regional partnership of public and private leaders driving the economic resurgence of
the Greater New Orleans area. Fosters a pro-business public policy, including financial incentives for businesses.
Hands On: www.handsonneworleans.org Local non-profit dedicated to promoting and co-coordinating volunteer opportunities in
the city to locals and visiting groups. Their goal works towards the advance of ordinary citizens into active, interested participants.
Horizon Initiative: www.horizoninitiative.com Group of 375 diverse business and civic leaders dedicated to increasing prosperity
and quality of life in New Orleans through economic development. City of YES! marketing campaign focuses on business outreach
and retention while also changing public perception of New Orleans.
Human Resources Management Association: www.hrmaneworleans.org Organization dedicated to connecting human resource
professionals. This local branch of a national organization holds monthly meetings, compiles local job listings, and provides other
career services. Their goal is to connect the local business world, as well as offer recruiting and other human resource functions.
Humid Beings: www.humidbeings.com Blog that aims to create community awareness and voice about a broad range of topical
issues in New Orleans.
The Idea Village: www.ideavillage.org The Idea Village mission is to accelerate the growth of the entrepreneurial community in
New Orleans region by advocating for a culture of innovation and providing strategy, talent and resources to high impact ventures.
The Idea Village is a 501(c)(3) economic development organization founded in 2002 by local entrepreneurs who believe that
innovation is the catalyst to creating social and economic change.
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans: www.jewishnola.com The local chapter of the national organization which aims to
ease the transition to New Orleans for Jewish newcomers and to engage them in the community. JFGNO hosts networking events
for newcomers and offers “Buddy Program” to match Jewish newcomers with more established residents. Additionally, it provides
direct financial incentives to Jewish newcomers in the form of interest-free grants for business development, home-ownership,
moving expenses, and rental grants.
Launch Pad: www.launchpadnola.com Launch Pad offers shared workspace for small businesses and entrepreneurs; this idea
results in both decreased individual costs associated with maintaining an office space and increased benefits from the business
development and consulting opportunities within the community. Launch Pad’s four basic products include: various occupancy
private offices, permanent private desks with locked file space, co-working desks, and one off access for clients visiting New
Orleans. The Launch Pad also offers its members guests speakers and networking events on a regular basis.
Make New Orleans Home: www.makeneworleanshome.com A one-stop shop website with everything you could want to know
about making a life in New Orleans. Make New Orleans Home promotes New Orleans as a premier place to settle down, providing
the best information about the unrivaled livability of one of America's greatest cities. All-important facets of life, such as business,
health services and education, are thoroughly analyzed and explained to give those who call (or plan to call) New Orleans home a
substantial source of support.
The National Black MBA Association of New Orleans: www.nonbmbaa.org The National Black MBA Association is a national
network of executives, professionals, and business leaders, which leads in the creation of economic and intellectual wealth for the
Black Community. Although the name may lead you to believe that only MBA are eligible to participate, anyone who has an
advanced degree, an entrepreneur, or student is welcome to participate. The primary goals of the New Orleans chapter are to
successfully operate four major programs and events during the year: the Leaders of Tomorrow High School Mentoring Program,
the Economic Development Initiative, the Annual Scholarship Banquet, and The Annual LOT Golf Tournament.
Neighborhoods Partnership Network: www.npnnola.com Neighborhoods Partnership Network is a local nonprofit dedicated to
improving the lives of New Orleanians through promoting neighborhood collaboration, increasing access to government and
information, and strengthening the voices of both individuals and communities across the city. NPN implements a variety of
programs to spark neighborhood revitalization and encourage collaboration opportunities, such as Neighborhood Liaisons, Adopta-Neighborhood, and The Trumpet. The organization works to make its vision that all New Orleans neighborhoods are great
places to live a reality.
NetSquared New Orleans: www.net2no.com NetSquared’s mission is to “jumpstart the leading edge of online technological
change– and to help nonprofits use that edge to change the world…” By using new online tools, such as blogs and wikis,
relationships can be formed that will make it easier to share information, mobilize support, and collaborate ideas. Net2NO meets
on the first Tuesday of each month at the Bridge Lounge to network, exchange stories and ideas, and encourage utilization of the
Net2NO online community.
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce: www.neworleanschamber.org New Orleans Chamber of Commerce is the public service
dedicated to economic and business development in the Greater New Orleans region.
NOLAYurp: www.nolayurp.com An initiative to build a support and resource network to connect, retain and attract young
professionals from diverse backgrounds for a sustainable New Orleans. NOLA Yurp hosts in-person networking and social events,
including discussion groups, education workshops, and workshops on race and class issues.
playNOLA Sports and Entertainment Group: www.playnola.com playNOLA Sports and Entertainment Group is a provider of
networking opportunities for young professionals through sports, recreation, and specialized events. Leagues will consist of flag
football, kickball, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, basketball, indoor volleyball, softball, dodgeball, and anything else that interests
participants. Fall leagues will launch in September 2009, and there will be opportunities to join as individuals, free agents, or as a
team.
Puentes: www.puentesno.org A local non-profit whose mission is to build up the assets and access of and for the Latino
community of the Greater New Orleans area. Their mission is rooted in a deep aspiration to restore New Orleans' claim as an
international city. Puentes has a series of programs focused on the following issues: civic engagement (LATINOLA), housing,
public safety, public leadership, and advocacy and community organizing.
Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans: www.seno-nola.org Diverse group of energetic talent working together to pinpoint and
solve the challenges facing the city, heavily emphasizing the construction of new relationships amongst participants thus putting
the power for positive change into the hands of smart, local entrepreneurs.
Teach For America: www.teachforamerica.org A national nonprofit with a local chapter in New Orleans that aims to retain their
alumni as a leadership force in the local area, both within the education field and in other sectors. Offers financial incentive of
$4725 towards student loans and education assistance. Also works with alumni corps on individualized basis to assist with job
placements and networking.
Urban League of Greater New Orleans: www.urbanleagueneworleans.org Founded to champion basic human rights for African
Americans back in 1938, the Urban League is dedicated to helping individuals within our community create economic selfsufficiency. It targets youth education and workforce development within the community, while eradicating social barriers sourced
from public policy and discourse.
WorkNOLA: www.worknola.com A collaboration of many local partners, WorkNOLA.com offers those looking to move to New
Orleans, and those already here, a way to explore and apply for local job openings online.
Young Leadership Council: www.youngleadershipcouncil.org Group of young budding leaders who focus on specific project.
YLC hosts frequent networking opportunities, including Wednesdays at the Square and team-based volunteering. Creators of the
“Proud to Call it Home” messaging campaign.