Shapiro Family Foundation commits additional $40,000 to advance hunger relief and educational access in New Orleans

Written By Alicia Vial

Grant applications open May 1 for local nonprofits breaking systematic barriers 

NEW ORLEANS –Building on a legacy of community investment, the Shapiro Family Foundation announced today a $40,000 investment into New Orleans nonprofits working at the intersection of hunger relief and educational access, marking the launch of its second grant cycle. Applications will open May 1.

Individual grants will be awarded to nonprofits that serve low-income and under-resourced populations. The funding is designed to back programs that move beyond short-term assistance and instead address the root causes of inequity through scalable, measurable solutions.

“We are incredibly proud to reinvest in the visionaries moving our city forward,” says Allison Shapiro Dandry, executive director of the Shapiro Family Foundation. “By focusing on hunger and education, we are addressing two of the most critical pillars of a healthy community. These grants ensure that local organizations have the sustained resources to turn their missions into measurable impact.”

The Foundation’s inaugural 2025 grant cycle funded a cohort of high-impact organizations, including unCommon Construction, Early Partners, Raintree Children & Family Services and Lantern Light. The Foundation also recognized Toups Family Meal and Clover as Community Impact Award honorees.

Applications will be accepted from May 1 through June 1. Grant recipients will be announced in late June for a 12-month funding period. For eligibility requirements and application details, visit shapirofamilyfoundation.org.

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About the Shapiro Family Foundation:
Founded in 2025, the Shapiro Family Foundation is committed to fostering a more equitable and thriving community in New Orleans by addressing disparities in hunger relief and championing education access and equity. The foundation partners with local nonprofits with deep connection to the communities they serve to help expand their reach, strengthen their programs and ultimately create lasting positive change throughout New Orleans. To learn more about the Shapiro Family Foundation and upcoming grant cycles visit shapirofamilyfoundation.com.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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