Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in New Mexico

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

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 Trennert-Iverson Conference Scholarship, offered by the Western History Association, provides two annual awards of $500 each to graduate students pursuing M.A. or Ph.D. degrees. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of attending the annual association conference by covering registration fees and tickets for key events. The scholarship not only supports academic growth but also encourages networking among scholars in the field of western history.

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

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 NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The Michael D. and Cynthia E. Pinholster Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports undergraduate students attending New Mexico State University. This scholarship aims to empower diverse individuals, including those from BiPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, students with disabilities, and those pursuing various educational paths. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship helps enhance the quality of life and educational opportunities in the region.

Introduction

The mission of the Governor’s Commission on Disability (GCD) is to improve “the quality of life of all New Mexicans with disabilities by addressing social integration, economic self-sufficiency, political resolve, physical and program accessibility, and full participation in the benefits of life and rights of all individuals."

Quality of Life Grant Program

As part of its mission, GCD continues the Quality of Life Grant Program (QOL). QOL provides small grants to New Mexico non-profits and other tax-exempt organizations to improve or enhance programs and services that increase the quality of life of all New Mexicans with disabilities.

Applications may be submitted to address one of five categories: Adaptive Movement; Programmatic Access; Emergency Preparedness Outreach and Education; Social Integration; Technology Training and Accessibility.

The goal of the QOL Grant Program is to allow an organization to provide more (quantity) or enhanced (quality) services in one or more of the listed categories. QOL grants are not awarded for routine operating costs (salaries not related to enhanced or increased services, for instance), or costs associated with starting a new program or delivering a new service. 

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Frankie D. & Russell E. Clemons Endowment Fund Scholarships

Healthcare providers (nurses, respiratory therapists, medical technicians, etc.) at DACC and NMSU.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Cloudcroft Community Group Scholarship

Scholarship for students from Cloudcroft planning to attend a New Mexico institution for higher learning.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Catherine Joyce Webb Endowed Scholarship Fund

To make awards to one or more (undergraduate/graduate) students attending NMSU Alamogordo campus

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Alfred P. Corral Endowment Fund

Scholarships for Hispanic students, with a preference for students from Mexico with a preference for students enrolled at DACC

About 

The New Mexico State Library, established in 1929, is committed to providing leadership that promotes effective library services and access to information to all citizens of New Mexico. The State Library provides services that support public libraries as well as delivers direct library services to rural populations, state agencies, the visually impaired and physically disabled, and students and citizens conducting research.

• The library supports public libraries by providing consulting services, offering training and continuing education opportunities, administering the librarian and librarianship certification program, coordinating a state-wide summer reading program and Tribal library program, and administering state and federal grants to public libraries.
• Through special library services for government employees, the State Library serves state agencies. The State Library also provides public distribution of information published by the state government through the State Publications Collection.
• Citizens benefit from State Library services provided directly in Santa Fe and through the state-wide Rural Services program (bookmobile services for those towns without a public library and books by mail services for home bound citizens) and Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program. The State Library also offers access to a state-wide database, Magazines Online, to all New Mexicans.

Rural Libraries Program (RLP) Grant

The Rural Libraries Program Grant is to provide funds to support and expand public library services for New Mexico’s rural libraries and is issued in accordance with 4.5.10 NMAC

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

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.

Arts Learning in Schools and In CommunityNew Mexico Arts offers two grant categories for arts education projects with K-12 school-age children: Arts Learning in Schools and Arts Learning in Community. Charter schools and 501 (c) (3) private schools and 501 (c) (3) organizations may apply for themselves. Public schools must apply through the parent-teacher organization if that organization is a 501 (c) (3) or through the school district.

Arts Learning in Community

Arts Learning in Community supports arts learning for K-12 school-age children outside of a school setting. These programs focus on creative process arts activities or the development of specific artistic skills and take place in 501 (c) 3 arts organizations. (Projects that take place in a K-12 public or a private school should apply in Arts Learning in Schools. Organizations whose primary purpose is the education of K-12 school-age students should apply in this category. Examples of these organizations include youth symphonies, teen performing arts organizations, visual arts education providers, and dance institutes.

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 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.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

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.

Energy Transition Act (ETA) 

Developed over the course of a year with collaboration by community organizations, unions, energy groups and advocates, the Energy Transition Act (ETA) establishes New Mexico as a national leader in clean energy. The ETA sets a statewide renewable energy standard of 50 percent by 2030 for New Mexico investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives and a goal of 80 percent by 2040, in addition to setting zero-carbon resources standards for investor-owned utilities by 2045 and rural electric cooperatives by 2050. The law transitions New Mexico away from coal and toward clean energy, ensuring greater renewable energy production and reducing costs for consumers, and provides tens of millions of dollars of economic and workforce support for communities impacted by coal plant closures, as well as the development of renewable replacement power in San Juan County.

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit sealed proposals to establish a contract, through a competitive bid process, for the procurement of professional services and/or facilities in communities affected by the abandonment or closure of a generating facility and which promotes the welfare of Indian people within those communities by:

• Utilizing a transformative approach to address systemic inequities;
• Providing education and training to community members on new technology and methods that create a modern experience and maintain the value and traditions of Indian people;
• Building capacity to revitalize a diverse economy; and
• Train and employ a localized workforce through educational enrichment that revitalizes cultural and traditional values.