Best Grants for International Development in New Mexico

New Mexico museums, cultural institutions, and other 501(c)(3) or university-based art programs can access funding through the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation for exhibitions, convenings, academic research, and exhibition catalogs tied to its art collections. Organizations, especially small and midsize and those in the American Southwest, may be eligible if projects relate to the foundation’s specified collection areas.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents running programs in aging, youth development, education, homelessness, disabilities, addiction, or amateur sports can access funding through Daniels Fund for projects, general operations, or capital campaigns. Competitive grants, typically around Approximately US $75,000, support high-impact efforts that improve lives and strengthen communities in the state.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in New Mexico offering arts, arts education, or science programs can seek more than US $100,000 to support program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes large, well-established U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations engaging youth and nurturing artistic talent, including museums, theaters, symphonies, ballets, and arts schools.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on global health, education, or disaster relief can apply for support from Semnani Family Foundation, which funds marginalized communities in countries worldwide, including the U.S. New Mexico-based groups with international development or humanitarian programs may be eligible for projects such as healthcare access, food security, child welfare, or women’s services.

Nonprofits, individuals, fiscally sponsored groups, and university departments can seek funding for visual arts, media arts, and art history projects in New Mexico that align with the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation’s collection areas. Grants may support exhibitions, scholarly convenings, or academic research, and organizations working on international development through arts and culture may be eligible.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Thomas R. Nickoloff Family Foundation 

Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes

The Nickoloff Family Foundation was founded in 2017 with the singular mission of “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes,” primarily focused on New Mexico.

It is our core belief that a quality education provides a gateway to personal fulfillment, achievement, self-respect and rewarding work, for the betterment of the individual, families and society as a whole. Building stronger individuals, families and community is central to our mission of funding and “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes.”

Grants

Grant support is provided by the Thomas R. Nickoloff Family Foundation (the “Foundation”) at the sole discretion and determination of the Foundation Trustee to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. 

Categories of Support

The following categories may serve as a guideline to applicants in determining whether their programs are consistent with the Foundation’s core mission of “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes”.

1) Proven and Effective Educational Programming/Initiatives

• School Based Programs
• After School Programs

2) Academic and Foundation Research Focused on:

• Policy, Programming and Initiatives to Improve Educational Outcomes
• School Safety Initiatives

3) Arts Education Outreach Programs

Organizations may apply once yearly for grant support. Multi-year grants may also be considered but would be structured as one-year grants renewable annually at the sole discretion of the Foundation. Any and all grant funds, if any, awarded by the Foundation to an Organization shall be used solely for the explicit purposes noted in a grant application as use of funds.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Mexico communities where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for grants supporting local community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, and veteran and military support. Grants from Penn National Gaming help New Mexico organizations address broad resident needs in cities and counties where the company has a business interest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can seek program funding from Ameriprise Financial. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise invites New Mexico and other U.S. nonprofits to apply, with priority for projects that engage Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers and demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability.

Grassroots community-based organizations advancing social justice and systemic change, including those in New Mexico, can seek support for community organizing work through the Peace Development Fund’s Community Organizing Grants Program. With a mission to build just and peaceful communities, Peace Development Fund provides approximately US $5,000, primarily for general operating support, to small groups in the U.S., Mexico, Haiti, and select territories.

International development and climate-focused NGOs in the Americas, including those working from or connected to New Mexico, can seek two-year project support for scalable climate action initiatives. With a mission to strengthen environmental resilience, HCL Technologies provides funding up to US $500,000 for projects advancing Sustainable Development Goals across ten eligible countries.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribes working on civic engagement, economic opportunity, and health and human services in New Mexico can seek general operating support of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Santa Fe Community Foundation supports efforts in Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties that advance workforce development, housing, food security, safety, and community health.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, and tribes supporting Black life, arts, culture, or financial literacy can access funding through Santa Fe Community Foundation’s Empower! Black Futures Community Fund; awards US $5,000 - US $20,000 in general operating support. Eligible groups must serve Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, or San Miguel counties and be at least three years old.

Nonprofit organizations, public educational institutions, and public agencies in New Mexico’s Greater Albuquerque area can seek general operating support for arts, education, health, human services, environment, workforce, and animal welfare programs. Focused on broad community needs, Albuquerque Community Foundation invites eligible applicants to request US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants that may benefit locally based international development efforts.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects improving community health and health equity in New Mexico can seek up to US $30,000 for systems-level initiatives. With a mission to strengthen health for diverse communities, Con Alma Health Foundation provides New Mexico organizations with support for access to care, health promotion, policy, research, and workforce development that may benefit international development-focused work.

Health-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in northern New Mexico can apply for Con Alma Health Foundation’s Northern New Mexico Health Grant; awards up to US $20,000 for community-level health access and equity work. Grants support program staff, operations, research, policy advocacy, health promotion, and workforce development benefiting rural, tribal, and medically underserved residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing youth baseball or softball in New Mexico and nearby states can receive funding for field renovations, equipment, uniforms, and league development. The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, with Globe Life and Bally Sports Southwest, supports programs serving players 18 and under across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong cross-sector community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize and support impactful collaborative work. New Mexico organizations working on international development or other significant social issues may be eligible if their partnerships demonstrate measurable community impact, replication potential, and innovative approaches to solving social challenges.

• Library Collections 
  • Items traditionally available at the library and intended for public use, such as books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, electronic and digital media, licensed databases (e.g., ancestry.com, mango languages), etc.
  • Non-traditional circulating/educational programming items may also be allowable. Contact the Development Bureau for more information prior to making such purchases.
• Library Staff Salaries
  • RLPLE grant funds can be used to pay regular library staff salaries and benefits for their work within the library.
  • Paying a part-time/substitute library staff member/summer intern may also be allowable. 
• Library Staff Professional Development
  • Registration for in-person or online training, travel (including meals & lodging) for attending instate (e.g., NMLA) and out-of-state library conferences (e.g., ALA, MPLA, PLA, ARSL), and trainings/workshops provided to library staff on library related services/issues, which are organized and held at the library, or held at another location, e.g., state library or other library, etc
• Library Equipment and Furnishings
  • Items associated with meeting the information needs of library patrons such as library furniture, public computers, printers, wireless routers, scanners, software, and related peripherals, etc. RLPLE grant funds may also be used for staff furniture, computers, software, and related peripherals, etc. necessary to support library operations.
• Other Operational Expenditures Associated with Delivery of Library Services
• Capital Improvements and Construction

Environmental and conservation organizations in New Mexico’s Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Mora counties can seek general operating support to address climate change, watershed protection, open space, renewable energy, environmental justice, and sustainable food systems. Focused on environmental stewardship, Santa Fe Community Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 based on organizational budget size.