Best Grants for LGBTQ Nonprofits in New Mexico

Nonprofit organizations in New Mexico serving at-risk and underserved LGBTQ+ communities can apply for grants supporting health, safety, and empowerment initiatives. Santa Fe Community Foundation’s Envision Fund backs work on HIV prevention, anti-discrimination efforts, safe school programs, and holistic reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare across the state.

LGBTQ individuals pursuing post–high school education or vocational training that leads to financial stability may be eligible for one-time We Rise LGBTQ Scholarship awards in the San Francisco Bay Area. Funded by the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, this program supports studies from trade certificates through doctoral degrees and welcomes applicants dedicated to advancing LGBTQ rights.

Local or national 501(c)(3) organizations serving LGBTQ communities can apply for Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation’s Tier B grants, awarding US $10,000 for programs in the Greater Bay Area. LGBTQ nonprofits in New Mexico may be eligible if their work reaches or serves this region and aligns with the foundation’s mission.

LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations in Southern New Mexico can receive grants to support programs and services for queer communities. The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico’s Rainbow Fund backs work in arts and humanities, mental and physical health, self-awareness, recreation, and youth and elderly support across twelve southern counties, which may benefit New Mexico LGBTQ nonprofits.

Nonprofit organizations in southern New Mexico that support local LGBTQIA+ groups can receive US $500 - US $2,000 for ongoing social support programs. The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico funds arts, humanities, and social science initiatives, including human rights, public health, sex education, art, theater, music, and literature serving queer communities in Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, and Sierra counties.

Nonprofits and community groups serving transgender, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex people in New Mexico can access funding through the Leonard Litz Foundation’s TransPLUS Resource Grants. Support may cover health care, housing, legal and religious services, community conferences, and other critical supports, alongside connection-building, peer networks, and resource-sharing for TGNCNBI communities nationwide.

Nonprofit organizations advancing LGBTQ+ rights and services in New Mexico can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund to support large-scale, pivotal advocacy projects. The fund backs programs in health and wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, community engagement, and social assistance, with preference for northeastern U.S. groups and those serving communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people.

Nonprofit organizations providing LGBTQ+ advocacy, services, or community programs, including those in New Mexico, can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation grants supporting health, crisis intervention, racial justice, and social assistance initiatives. Preference is given to northeast U.S. organizations and programs serving communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people.

Public and charter schools and registered nonprofits in New Mexico partnering with LGBTQ+ youth leaders (ages 13–18) can access funding from It Gets Better to run youth-led projects improving safety and inclusion. Grants from US $500 - US $10,000 support community-wide initiatives for LGBTQ+ students, with priority for youth of color, trans and nonbinary youth, and youth with disabilities.

LGBTQIA+ and social justice–focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Mexico can apply for the Looking Out Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000 for programs supporting LGBTQIA2S+ communities, displaced people, immigrant communities, and mental health. Organizations serving disadvantaged youth, women, the unhoused, and those facing food insecurity may also be eligible.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in New Mexico can seek project-specific funding for community support, public education, and HIV and health programs serving rural or underserved LGBTQ+ populations. Gamma Mu Foundation supports U.S. groups with up to US $15,000, prioritizing HIV/STD education, prevention, and treatment initiatives that strengthen services and organizational capacity.

LGBTQ-focused health and advocacy organizations in New Mexico may benefit when nominated physicians and medical advocates direct this award’s US $2,500 honorarium to a nonprofit health organization. The American Medical Association Foundation’s Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award recognizes physicians, residents, fellows, and final-year medical students advancing LGBTQ policy, advocacy, care, research, workforce diversity, and health administration nationwide.

The Kadel & Gerhardt Internships, funded by the Point Foundation, aim to enhance the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. These internships support academically talented students pursuing unpaid opportunities in the summer of 2025, addressing the critical need for culturally competent care within the community. By investing in future leaders, the program seeks to combat the stigma surrounding HIV and increase access to essential services for those affected.

Nonprofit organizations using community organizing for gender justice in New Mexico and beyond can apply for grants of US $10,000 to support systemic change work. Bread & Roses Community Fund prioritizes groups led by those most affected by gender oppression, especially serving women, girls, trans, gender nonconforming, and LGBTQI+ communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Mexico advancing LGBTQ equality and broader human rights can seek US $100 - US $15,000 for general operating, projects, advocacy, programs, or capacity building. The B.W. Bastian Foundation prioritizes groups that explicitly affirm equality for all Americans, including the gay and lesbian community, and primarily supports work in the Intermountain West and nationally impactful projects.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Mexico advancing LGBTQ+ causes, human rights, or girls’ and women’s empowerment can seek US $20,000 in capacity-building support, plus pro bono consulting and governance resources. Cause Strategy Partners funds U.S.-based organizations with under $400,000 in revenue to strengthen operations, leadership, fundraising, technology, and advocacy infrastructure.

Third Wave Fund provides New Mexico LGBTQIA+ and gender justice groups with rapid-response funding for unanticipated, time-sensitive organizing needs. Coalitions, informal groups, and nonprofits led by young people of color and low-income communities can request up to US $20,000 for direct actions, mutual aid, healing justice, safety, legal or bail fees, and related movement-building work.

U.S. youth ages 13–23 leading social impact projects, including those serving LGBTQIA+ communities in New Mexico, can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship; awards up to US $5,000 for project expenses. Funding supports youth-led initiatives addressing issues like environmental justice, food insecurity, homelessness, education equity, and community connection.

LGBTQ+ students pursuing post-secondary education who reside in the Northwest may be eligible for scholarships supporting their studies, including those focused on sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights. Pride Foundation provides New Mexico LGBTQ+ community organizations with a potential resource to share with student leaders facing financial need and systemic barriers to education.

Graduating high school students who identify as LGBTQ+ or as active allies seeking college funding, including those from New Mexico, can apply for the Pride in the Hills Scholarship. Connecticut Community Foundation supports sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights through this one-time academic scholarship opportunity for students pursuing higher education.

LGBTQ+ and allied high school or college students pursuing accredited two- or four-year degrees or trade programs can receive US $2,000 for academic expenses through the Betsy Frabotta Educate and Engage Scholarship; awards support Q+ youth leadership and equity work. The Dayton Foundation provides this funding, which may benefit students connected to LGBTQ-focused New Mexico nonprofits.

GCEF Scholarship Fund

Established by the Gay Community Endowment Fund to provide scholarships for LGBTQ+ and allied students.

Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must maintain good academic status and reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Sisters of the Sacred Heartland Dr. Allan French Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to students in Oklahoma who identify as members of the LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify) and a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.

The Great Lakes Bay Pride Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents dedicated to promoting respect and acceptance across diverse backgrounds. This scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students pursuing undergraduate or Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate commitment through volunteer work in the LGBTQ+ community.

The LGBTQIA+ Scholarship by the Charles T. Townley and Victor T. Roberts Fund aims to support queer individuals pursuing higher education in Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Otero, and Sierra counties. The scholarship is open to students at various educational stages, including undergraduate and vocational pursuits, ensuring inclusivity for all. The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico administers this scholarship to enhance educational opportunities and foster diversity in higher education.

The Parsons Family Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies, established by the Parsons family, supports Maine graduating high school seniors of any gender identity or sexual orientation. The scholarship awards $2,000 and is aimed at LGBTQ+ students and their allies pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Recipients will be notified by the selection committee in late May, with funds disbursed in December for the spring semester. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse youth.

Gamma Mu Foundation

The Gamma Mu Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve clients and communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas across the United States. The Foundation awards grants for initiatives focused on community support services, public education and research, and HIV and health programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, the Foundation offers academic scholarships to LGBTQ+ individuals facing financial hardship and the impacts of discrimination. These scholarships are designed for those who actively support their local LGBTQ+ communities and demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing their education or vocational training. The Gamma Mu Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Scholarships

The Gamma Mu Foundation is committed to supporting the academic aspirations of gay men and LGBTQ+ students through our annual scholarship program. Scholarships provide financial assistance for a wide range of educational paths, including vocational training, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate or professional programs.

Scholarships are awarded exclusively for full-time study at accredited institutions or programs chosen by the student.

Students attending community colleges or accredited vocational programs are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must select one scholarship category that reflects both their academic status for the upcoming fall term and identity. Categories include:

• Gay Male First-Year Student – For students entering college or technical school directly from high school.
• Gay Male Undergraduate Student – For current, returning, or adult undergraduate students enrolled in a college or technical school.
• Gay Male Graduate Student – For students pursuing graduate or professional degrees.
• LGBTQ+ Undergraduate Student – Open to undergraduate students of all LGBTQ+ identities.
• LGBTQ+ Graduate Student – Open to graduate and professional students of all LGBTQ+ identities.

Submitting multiple applications or applying in a category that does not align with your academic status or identity may lead to disqualification. 

Use of Scholarship

Scholarships may be used to cover tuition, books, fees, and other college-related expenses at accredited colleges, universities, vocational, or professional schools. All scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the institution and must be applied to the fall or spring term following the award. The scholarship is a one-time grant, and continued financial support beyond the initial award is not implied. Please see FAQ section.

Award Duration

• Scholarships are awarded for one year only.
• Recipients must reapply each year for funding consideration.
• The Foundation does not offer multi-year scholarships.

Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Financial need
• Experience overcoming discrimination or marginalization
• Leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion
• Demonstrated LGBTQ+ community involvement
• Educational and career goals
• Extracurricular activities
• Academic and professional achievements