Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in New Mexico

New Mexico arts or social service nonprofits can receive US $10,000 for arts-based projects that address social issues and serve specific populations in New Mexico. New Mexico Arts provides support for programs in disciplines including dance that engage people who are incarcerated, homeless, abused, ill, or that foster civic dialogue on critical community issues.

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S., including those creating dance-related environmental projects in New Mexico, can apply for Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants of up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress work. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts support environmentally engaged art with free public components between August 2025 and August 2026.

New Mexico dance and ballet nonprofits offering arts or science programming can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture-focused initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million may receive more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and select general or endowment support that engages youth and nurtures artistic talent.

Health and physical education professionals contributing to measurement, evaluation, or dance-related assessment work in New Mexico and nationwide may be eligible for this recognition award. With a mission to advance professional practice and research, Society of Health and Physical Educators honors SHAPE America members who have significantly advanced the Measurement and Evaluation SIG and its mission.

Health and physical education professionals advancing measurement and evaluation in areas like dance and K–12 education across the U.S., including New Mexico, may be eligible for this lifetime achievement recognition. With a mission to advance professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators honors SHAPE America members demonstrating substantial, career-long scholarly impact in these fields.

Educators and program leaders planning projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sports, physical activity, or dance can apply for the NAGWS Legacy Award, with US $1,000 available for proposals. Society of Health and Physical Educators supports research, professional development, after-school programs, and similar initiatives nationwide, including New Mexico.

U.S.-based dance presenters, curators, residency directors, related staff, and current National Dance Project artist grantees can receive up to US $500 for domestic travel to plan touring of NDP-funded works. New England Foundation for the Arts supports trips that build relationships and assess feasibility for presenting these dance projects, which may benefit New Mexico dance nonprofits and venues.

New Mexico graduate students in dance, physical education, health, or recreation can access funding through the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. This US $1,750 award supports full-time SHAPE America members in master’s or doctoral programs who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and service; it also includes a three-year SHAPE America membership.

Undergraduate students in New Mexico majoring in dance, health, physical education, recreation, or related fields can receive US $1,250 through the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship to support their studies. Focused on academic excellence and leadership, Society of Health and Physical Educators invites qualified SHAPE America members to apply for this national award.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis in California seeking support for horseback riding, dance, swimming, or golf can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, with awards up to US $750. Focused on active lifestyles, BreatheStrong CF pays approved funds directly to the activity provider, which may benefit dance-focused participants connected to New Mexico organizations.

Native-led performing arts organizations and individual Native performing artists in New Mexico can receive US $30,000 to produce live dance, theater, music, or multidisciplinary performances. First Peoples Fund supports U.S.-based Native creators 18+ with active-stage live productions featuring multiple Native artists, including events in Native communities or virtual performances.

Graduating high school seniors in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $5,000 to support post-secondary arts studies through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help students, including those whose work or training involves dance, further their education at accredited institutions or recognized arts programs.

New Mexico dance and ballet organizations should note this is a $1,500 arts scholarship for individual Morris County, New Jersey high school seniors pursuing post-secondary study in dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Eligible students can apply to have tuition support paid directly to their chosen accredited college or arts program through Arts Council of the Morris Area.

Professional dance companies and other performing ensembles in New Mexico can seek general operating or project support for live performances of contemporary American classical concert music. Focused on contemporary classical music, the Alice M. Ditson Fund supports organizations, including those using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, that feature younger and lesser-known living American composers.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time arts or cultural degree programs in the U.S., including those attending schools in New Mexico, can receive US $15,000 for travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council supports disciplines such as dance, theater, music, visual arts, and related cultural fields through its Graduate Fellowship program.

Individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals in New Mexico and across eligible countries can seek funding for self-directed cultural exchange and research projects abroad. Focused on arts and cultural immersion, Asian Cultural Council supports activities like field interviews, institutional visits, workshops, and archival research rather than production residencies or single-event travel.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

Graduate students in psychomotor measurement and evaluation at U.S. colleges and universities can receive support for professional expenses, including those whose work connects to dance education in New Mexico. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides this award to current members who show strong potential in the field.

Individual health, physical education, dance, and sport professionals in the U.S., including those in New Mexico, can receive top professional recognition through the Luther Halsey Gulick Award. Society of Health and Physical Educators honors long-term SHAPE America members who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, research, teaching, or administration in these fields.

Early-career health or physical education researchers with strong curriculum and instruction scholarship, including work related to dance education, can apply for the Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award. Focused on advancing curriculum and instruction research, SHAPE America honors members three to six years post-doctorate who demonstrate impactful, innovative contributions; New Mexico-based scholars may be eligible.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

The SHAPE America: Joy of Effort Award recognizes dedicated individuals who exemplify the spirit of commitment and passion in health and physical education. Awardees are current SHAPE America members with at least three years of membership, demonstrating excellence in teaching, coaching, or leadership. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring others to lead healthy, active lives through their efforts in education and advocacy.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.