Best Community Development Grants in New Mexico

The Destination Forward Grant - Tier I B: Programming (NM) supports projects aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure in New Mexico. With no matching funds required, grants of up to $50,000 are available to improve visitor experiences through various programming initiatives such as brochures, signage, and digital enhancements. This competitive grant empowers communities to thrive as sustainable tourism destinations, boosting economic growth and environmental stewardship across the state.

Focused on tourism infrastructure, the New Mexico Tourism Department invites New Mexico community development and revitalization projects to seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for Tier II growth initiatives. Funding supports construction or renovation of tourism facilities, implementation of completed designs, and expansion of visitor services that boost visitation, resident experience, and sustainable economic growth.

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.