The 504good fellowship
Meet the Inaugural Fellow
Lowrey Crews
Lowrey is the Founder and CEO of The 18th Ward, a New Orleans–based nonprofit he launched in 2019 with a simple but powerful vision: create a place where kids from all 17 wards can play, grow, and lead together.
What began with just 40 kids and four teen leaders has grown into a citywide force for youth development — now creating over 10,000 youth opportunities each year, generating 500+ paid leadership jobs for young people, and supporting a 12-person team with a $2M+ annual budget.
The 504Good Fellowship
A Community Thank You, Made Visible
The 504GOOD Fellowship honors remarkable New Orleanians who are quietly — and powerfully — shaping the future of our city.
This Fellowship is nomination-only.
Fellows do not apply for themselves and are unaware they’ve been nominated.
It is a gift from 504GOOD — a way to say:
We see you. We value you. Keep going.
What Is the 504GOOD Fellowship?
The 504GOOD Fellowship is one of three core giving programs of 504GOOD, the philanthropic arm of the Nieux Society.
The Fellowship exists to honor, support, and elevate individuals whose work strengthens New Orleans — often without formal titles, major funding, or public recognition.
Rather than asking leaders to raise their own hands, the Fellowship invites the community to lift them up.
Each Fellow receives:
Flexible financial support to expand or sustain their work
Public recognition that amplifies their impact and voice
Connection to community, relationships, and shared resources through 504GOOD
This is not a grant application.
It’s an expression of collective appreciation — backed by action.
Who the Fellowship Honors
The 504GOOD Fellowship celebrates individuals who:
Are actively making a meaningful difference in New Orleans
Lead with integrity, creativity, and care for community
Are trusted and respected by the people they serve
May work inside or outside formal institutions or nonprofits
Areas of impact may include (but are not limited to):
Education & youth development
Civic leadership & community organizing
Arts, culture, and creative economy
Social innovation & systems change
Formal credentials are not required.
Real impact is.
How the Nomination Process Works
This Is a Nomination-Only Fellowship
Individuals may not nominate themselves
Nominees are not informed they’ve been nominated during the process
Nominations are submitted by members of Nieux Society - composed of peers, neighbors, collaborators, contributors who believe in someone’s work
The Process
Submit a confidential nomination
Share why this person’s work matters and how they are impacting New Orleans.Community-centered review
Nominations are reviewed with care, discretion, and alignment to 504GOOD’s mission and values.Fellow selection & celebration
Fellowship Parameters
While each Fellowship cycle may vary, Fellows can expect:
Award Amount: Determined annually based on available funding
Use of Funds: Flexible and trust-based, shaped by the Fellow’s real needs
Time Commitment: No burdensome reporting; emphasis on accountability through storytelling and shared learning
Values Alignment: Fellows reflect a commitment to innovation, equity, and a stronger New Orleans
This Fellowship is rooted in trust, dignity, and respect for community leadership
Why This Fellowship Matters
Too often, the people doing the most for our city are the least recognized.
The 504GOOD Fellowship exists to:
Shift resources toward those closest to the work
Celebrate leadership that doesn’t seek the spotlight
Strengthen a culture of collective ownership in New Orleans’ future
When we honor one leader, we reinforce the values we want our city to embody.