New Mexico Grants for Nonprofits

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation Grant offers financial assistance to charitable organizations focused on improving the quality of life for children, adults, the elderly, and animals. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities that comply with reporting laws and operate in Colorado, Florida, or New Mexico. The foundation seeks proposals that reflect its humanitarian mission, prioritizing dignity and support through education, medical treatment, and the arts.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Southwestern Branch John Henry Comstock Graduate Student Award promotes graduate-level interest in entomology. It recognizes one graduate student from the Southwestern Branch, who will be honored at the Southwestern Branch Meeting. The recipient receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $200 cash prize, and a certificate. Covered expenses include airfare, hotel arrangements, meeting registration, and per diem allowances, fostering attendance at the fall/winter ESA Annual Meeting.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Wildlife Management and Research

RMEF funds wildlife management and research to keep big game healthy and thriving, including disease surveillance, big game-friendly fencing, road management, and scientific studies that expand our understanding of big game habitat, movement, interactions, and overall herd health.

RMEF’s 2026 priorities include:

• Research on migration + connectivity, critical habitat + nutrition, big game population trajectories, challenges to big game populations, and big game management solutions
• Big Game-Friendly Fencing

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

Community Forestry Assistance Grant Application

Program Overview

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division (Forestry Division) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest Service) is seeking applications (Applications) (Attachment 1) for urban and community forestry projects year-round.

The Forestry Division may award multiple contracts from this Request for Applications (RFA).

Match is not required but it is encouraged to demonstrate project commitment. Any matching funds provided must be non-federal and may include allowable and allocable in-kind contributions (i.e., personnel salary, fringe benefits, and indirect costs; services, materials, supplies, and equipment donations; and volunteer assistance), and private and public (non-federal) monetary contributions.

The purpose of the Community Forestry Assistance Grant is to assist communities in developing and maintaining sustainable stewardship of urban and community forestry resources in New Mexico. Projects that support expanding equitable tree canopy cover and access to nature deprived disadvantaged communities experiencing low tree canopy and environmental justice issues will receive higher priority.

The focus of the grants are on projects that occur within or deliver 100 percent of the projects benefits to communities identified as disadvantaged by the federal government. Applicants must use federal online vulnerability and environmental justice equity data tools to support a disadvantaged community designation (e.g., White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), the EPA Environmental Justice and Screening Mapping Tool, and EPA EnviroAtlas Interactive Map). Projects that occur outside of areas identified as disadvantaged may still be funded but it may be at a lower amount.

Economic Development New Mexico

The mission of the Economic Development New Mexico is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive.

Our programs and initiatives support our mission. The New Mexico Partnership is a statutorily-created public-private organization under contract to the department to market the state globally in order to attract new jobs and investment. Department programs provide direct assistance to New Mexico businesses and communities.

Creative Support Organization Grant

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations with a demonstrated history of impactful work in supporting creative entrepreneurs and advancing creative industry development across New Mexico. This includes organizations that support creative industry companies and workers. Whether building networks, offering technical assistance, providing creative business incubation, or strengthening regional creative ecosystems, this grant supports continued leadership in growing New Mexico’s creative economy. Anticipated awards for up to $62,500.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, MainStreet organizations, Nations, Tribes, Pueblos, councils of governments, educational institutions, and other political subdivisions of the state, excluding local, county, municipal governments, and state agencies.

The Greenwood Fund Grant, managed by The Denver Foundation, offers small grants for the conservation of museum artifacts and collections care in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Targeting small museums with conservation budgets under $1 million, it prioritizes projects focused on the treatment of art and collections care. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) organizations and open to the public. The fund does not support expenses like building expansions or digitizing projects.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The New Mexico Children's Foundation (NMCF) offers annual grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in New Mexico that serve children in underserved communities. This year, NMCF prioritizes programs that promote social-emotional development and enhance educational opportunities. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to programs that address unmet needs for children aged 18 and younger, particularly in rural areas. Operating expenses are also eligible for funding.

The Cheryl L. Wase Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Society for American Archaeology, supports New Mexico women pursuing degrees in archaeology. This renewable scholarship covers tuition and books for undergraduate and graduate students at local universities, promoting ethical archaeological practices and preservation of cultural heritage. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and specialize in anthropology with a focus on archaeology, ensuring a commitment to understanding and protecting the past.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Foundation Grant supports organizations that assist low-income and vulnerable populations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The foundation emphasizes essential needs for children and youth, services for older adults, and enhancements for individuals with disabilities. They prioritize flexible, collaborative funding relationships and aim to improve community health and wellbeing. Please refer to their website for funding examples and additional guidelines.

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.

Delta Dental of New Mexico's 'Smiles Across New Mexico' program supports dental education initiatives aimed at improving oral health among underserved children and at-risk populations. Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 are awarded to programs that enhance awareness and access to quality dental care. The program prioritizes impactful projects with strong community support and requires past recipients to demonstrate the effective use of funds in future applications.

The Arts in Social Service Grants from New Mexico Arts supports organizations focused on arts-based projects that tackle social issues affecting marginalized populations such as the incarcerated, homeless, and ill. With a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, eligible organizations can renew their applications for FY2027. This initiative fosters civic dialogues through artistic activities, encouraging community involvement in vital social discussions.

The Arts Learning in Schools and In Community grant by New Mexico Arts supports arts education for K-12 students in both school and community settings. It invites applications from charter schools, 501(c)(3) private schools, and organizations. This initiative emphasizes creative arts activities, integration into other subjects, and professional development for educators. Eligible organizations can renew applications for subsequent funding cycles, ensuring continued support for impactful arts programs.

New Mexico Arts offers Creative Support Funding to support arts organizations and presenters in various disciplines, including performing, visual, literary, media, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary arts. This funding is aimed at organizations with medium-sized budgets, specifically those with unrestricted income between $100,000 and $749,999. The program has transitioned to a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, allowing successful applicants to submit shorter renewal applications for FY2027.

New Mexico Arts offers Creative Support Funding to colleges, universities, and government entities for arts programming. With a two-year funding cycle beginning in FY2026, successful applicants can apply for renewal in FY2027. This funding supports a variety of artistic disciplines, including performing, visual, literary, and media arts, ensuring that programs are accessible to the community at large. Eligible organizations will be notified when the renewal application process opens.

The Creative Support Funding: Community Arts Grants by New Mexico Arts offers financial assistance to arts organizations for various program activities, including performing, visual, literary, media, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary arts. This funding aims to support small-budget organizations, helping them to continue, strengthen, and expand their programs and engage with the community. Notably, organizations funded in FY2026 can apply for a renewal in FY2027, fostering continuity in arts programming.

The Local Arts Councils and Service Organizations Grants, offered by New Mexico Arts, support tax-exempt organizations and government agencies that serve artists and arts education. With a new two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, eligible applicants will renew their applications for FY2027. Organizations that did not apply in FY2026 must wait until September 2026 to apply. This grant fosters arts programming and services across communities.

The Creative Support Funding for Major Cultural Organizations by New Mexico Arts encourages larger arts organizations with unrestricted income over $750,000 to apply for funding. This program supports various artistic disciplines, allowing organizations to fund single events or entire seasons. With a shift to a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, applicants awarded in FY2026 can submit a renewal for FY2027, ensuring ongoing support for the arts community.

New Mexico Arts offers the Traditional Folk Arts Projects Grants to support entities that showcase and preserve folk and traditional arts in New Mexico. This funding is particularly aimed at organizations, local governments, and universities that promote arts reflecting the cultural heritage of the community. With a shift to a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, successful applicants can submit a shorter renewal application for FY2027, ensuring continuity in supporting these vital cultural expressions.

Destination Forward Grant (NM)

The purpose of the Destination Forward Grant Program is to support the development and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects throughout New Mexico. The Destination Forward Grant (DFG) is a competitive grant that supports the long-term destination development and rejuvenation of community-based, sustainable tourism infrastructure projects across New Mexico. Competitive grant meaning applications are subject to be funded in whole, in part, or not at all. The DFG helps to empower New Mexican communities to become viable, welcoming, and high-quality destinations, as well as to enhance existing destinations, for tourism.

Project Goals and Objectives

• Increase visitation
• Improve or enhance the visitor and resident experience
• Spur economic growth and capacity opportunities for residents
• Increase national and global recognition of New Mexico as a sustainable tourism destination
• Increase positive impacts on the local environment while decreasing negative impacts

Tier III: Signature Projects - $250,000 and above

TIER III projects support large-scale, high impact projects that significantly advance destination development at the regional or statewide level. These projects require enhanced review due to their scope, cost, and long- term implications. In addition to submitting a complete application, applicants requesting $250,000 or more must deliver a virtual presentation to the review committee as a part of the evaluation process. The presentation allows applicants to demonstrate project readiness, clarify scope and budge, and respond to committee questions prior to final scoring and funding recommendations.

TIER III projects must:

• Demonstrate that the proposed work supports tourism.
• Be “shovel ready” – have completed the planning and design phase of the project and can beginconstruction in the near future.
• Project or phase of the project must be completed within 24 months of the start of the fiscal year (“FY”) awarded. This grant cycle is for FY27 starting on July 1, 2026.
• Include a milestone timeline and itemized budget of the project in the application.
• Include recent letters of support and/or commitment from key stakeholders.
• Funding connected with capital outlay/ ICIP project will be given award preference.
• Applications with proof of additional project funders will be given preference.