New Mexico Grants for Nonprofits

The Science Teacher Award, provided by the Native Plant Society of New Mexico, honors dedicated grade 6-12 science teachers who effectively teach about plants and plant science. This one-time award of $500 recognizes the achievements of teachers from the past two years and includes a complimentary native plant guide book. Eligible nominations can come from teachers themselves or others familiar with their work, with all teachers being equally considered, regardless of NPSNM membership.

New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department

CYFD believes that young people and their families are not simply clients. They are powerful catalysts for change – in their own lives and as partners in changing the systems that impact their lives.

This belief is operationalized through our core values about the young people we serve. 

Our Mission

• Nurture the strength and resilience of families
• Partner with children, families and communities based in trust and transparency
• Serve by listening and learn from our diverse cultures to keep children, youth and families healthy, safe and thriving

Children’s Justice Act Grant

PURPOSE:

The New Mexico Children’s Justice Act Advisory Group (CJAAG) provides expert guidance and oversight for the distribution of federal Children’s Justice Act (CJA) funds managed by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Comprised of multidisciplinary leaders, including representatives from the courts, law enforcement, child welfare, and medical fields. CJAAG directs these resources to improve the investigation, prosecution, and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases.

The primary mission of the CJAAG is to foster a system that minimizes additional trauma for child victims, particularly in cases of sexual abuse, exploitation, fatalities, and cases involving children with disabilities. By leveraging these funds, the CJAAG ensures that New Mexico’s response to child maltreatment is coordinated, effective, and centered on the protection of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

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.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

About

The New Mexico Arts Commission is the advisory body for New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The Commission has 15 members appointed by the governor. Commissioners serve three-year terms.

Arts & The Military Mini Grant Program

The Arts and the Military program of New Mexico Arts coordinates and promotes New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs’ (NMDCA) participation in the national Blue Star Museums program offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The Blue Star Museums program is a way for the Department of Cultural Affairs to thank our military families for their service and share with them New Mexico’s cultural treasures.   

Mini Grants Opportunities

The $2,500 Mini Grants program assists organizations creating and expanding arts programming for military connected participants via a streamlined granting process. Mini Grants can also be used to build organizational capacity towards the goal of creating and expanding opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members to engage in the arts. Non-Arts organizations and organizations receiving New Mexico Arts funding in other grant programs can also apply for this New Mexico Arts and the Military Grant opportunity.

The Daniels Fund Grants Program offers support to nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, focusing on areas such as Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, and Youth Development. With no specific deadlines, applications are accepted year-round, and the review process generally takes about 120 days. The fund prioritizes impactful programs that drive meaningful change and foster community growth, honoring the legacy of founder Bill Daniels through strategic philanthropic efforts.

The McCune Charitable Foundation Grant supports community-driven initiatives in New Mexico aligned with nine key priorities focused on enhancing local well-being. Funding is available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal organizations, public schools, and government agencies that foster collaboration across various sectors. The foundation emphasizes community involvement and aims to build sustainable programs addressing economic development, education, health care, and arts engagement, thereby creating lasting impacts in underrepresented communities.

Early Childhood Education and Care Department is seeking applications from eligible providers to renew, expand, or create new PreK slots and classrooms statewide, especially in areas of the state where there is a lack of high-quality PreK for children and families.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

Infrastructure Planning and Development Division

The Infrastructure Planning and Development Division (IPDD) collaborates with state agencies, the legislative and judicial branches, local public bodies, and Tribes to provide comprehensive planning and funding assistance for capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP).

Our mission is to expertly manage the planning and funding process for all capital outlay projects, ensuring that they are fully funded through various appropriations and financing mechanisms, including the Capital Appropriation Bill, the Reauthorization Bill, the GOB Bill, the HB2 Specials, federal grant and loan programs, state grant and loan programs, and any Junior Bill.

Community Development Block Grant

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually on a formula basis. The New Mexico State CDBG program provides funding for infrastructure projects to small cities and non-entitlement communities in New Mexico. The Community Development Council (CDC) selects grantees for funding in annual allocation meetings.

The Forrest Shreve Student Research Fund, awarded by the Ecological Society of America, supports research in North America's hot deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave. This fund aims to enhance our understanding of desert ecology through innovative projects. Eligible applicants include graduate and undergraduate students who are ESA members. Proposals are evaluated based on their significance, feasibility, and design, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, granted annually.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

About PLTW GatewayPLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life.Through this partnership, Intel Foundation has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements

• Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Gateway program. 
  • Example : Expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Gateway unit not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Gateway unit previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in a PLTW Gateway unit for the 2027-2028 academic year.

• Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

The René M. Vandervelde Research Grant, offered by the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, provides $1000 annually to support students and researchers in marine paleontology, geology, or stratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous Pierre and Bearpaw Shales in North America. Established in 2007 with the support of Korite® International, the grant aims to promote scientific research and publications about the unique fauna and flora found in these geological deposits.

The State Bar of New Mexico Access to Justice Fund Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations providing civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans. Applicants must submit a statement of intent to apply, along with contact information. The Commission welcomes applications for both new and ongoing projects in alignment with the State Plan for the Provision of Civil Legal Services. This initiative aims to enhance access to justice for vulnerable populations.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's Share with Wildlife Program, established in 1981, aims to support wildlife species lacking other funding sources through tax-deductible donations. It finances projects focusing on research, habitat enhancement, education, and rehabilitation, primarily funded by state income tax check-offs and donations. This program maximizes support for New Mexico's wildlife by leveraging matching federal funds and promoting awareness through license plate sales.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Sundance Institute's Native Lab Application aims to support emerging filmmakers and episodic creators from U.S.-based Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities, as well as Indigenous Canadian artists. This initiative nurtures independent storytelling and creativity, providing vital resources and opportunities for underrepresented voices in film. Eligible applicants must submit a narrative feature or episodic pilot script. The program will accept three U.S.-based projects and one Canada-based project, with activities held virtually and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

This program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural resources upon which agriculture depends, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated through teaching and educational activities with students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders. 

The Western Division Scholarship Program offers up to $5,000 annually to support masters or doctoral students in fisheries science. Awards are based on academic excellence, potential contributions to the fisheries profession, and progress toward a graduate degree. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Fisheries Society and have completed at least one semester in a relevant graduate program within the Western Division's geographic boundaries.