Best Grants for International Development in New Mexico

New Mexico museums, cultural institutions, and other 501(c)(3) or university-based art programs can access funding through the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation for exhibitions, convenings, academic research, and exhibition catalogs tied to its art collections. Organizations, especially small and midsize and those in the American Southwest, may be eligible if projects relate to the foundation’s specified collection areas.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents running programs in aging, youth development, education, homelessness, disabilities, addiction, or amateur sports can access funding through Daniels Fund for projects, general operations, or capital campaigns. Competitive grants, typically around Approximately US $75,000, support high-impact efforts that improve lives and strengthen communities in the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through health, education, development, or welfare programs in New Mexico and beyond can seek funding for direct services and enrichment initiatives. The Dan Paul Foundation supports child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related youth-focused projects worldwide, with awards up to US $15,000.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, including in New Mexico. Awards up to US $100,000 support innovative, early-stage programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, with potential relevance for international development and climate resilience efforts.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support programs like healthcare access, food pantries, STEM education, and preventative health. New Mexico nonprofits engaged in international development may be eligible if their projects align with these focus areas.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofits, individuals, fiscally sponsored groups, and university departments can seek funding for visual arts, media arts, and art history projects in New Mexico that align with the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation’s collection areas. Grants may support exhibitions, scholarly convenings, or academic research, and organizations working on international development through arts and culture may be eligible.

Environmental and conservation organizations in New Mexico’s Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Mora counties can seek general operating support to address climate change, watershed protection, open space, renewable energy, environmental justice, and sustainable food systems. Focused on environmental stewardship, Santa Fe Community Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 based on organizational budget size.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Mexico communities where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for grants supporting local community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, and veteran and military support. Grants from Penn National Gaming help New Mexico organizations address broad resident needs in cities and counties where the company has a business interest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can seek program funding from Ameriprise Financial. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise invites New Mexico and other U.S. nonprofits to apply, with priority for projects that engage Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers and demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability.

Grassroots community-based organizations advancing social justice and systemic change, including those in New Mexico, can seek support for community organizing work through the Peace Development Fund’s Community Organizing Grants Program. With a mission to build just and peaceful communities, Peace Development Fund provides approximately US $5,000, primarily for general operating support, to small groups in the U.S., Mexico, Haiti, and select territories.

International development and climate-focused NGOs in the Americas, including those working from or connected to New Mexico, can seek two-year project support for scalable climate action initiatives. With a mission to strengthen environmental resilience, HCL Technologies provides funding up to US $500,000 for projects advancing Sustainable Development Goals across ten eligible countries.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Organizations doing international development work that fits these categories may be eligible within the foundation’s primarily U.S.-focused giving.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribes working on civic engagement, economic opportunity, and health and human services in New Mexico can seek general operating support of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Santa Fe Community Foundation supports efforts in Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties that advance workforce development, housing, food security, safety, and community health.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, and tribes supporting Black life, arts, culture, or financial literacy can access funding through Santa Fe Community Foundation’s Empower! Black Futures Community Fund; awards US $5,000 - US $20,000 in general operating support. Eligible groups must serve Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, or San Miguel counties and be at least three years old.

Nonprofit organizations, public educational institutions, and public agencies in New Mexico’s Greater Albuquerque area can seek general operating support for arts, education, health, human services, environment, workforce, and animal welfare programs. Focused on broad community needs, Albuquerque Community Foundation invites eligible applicants to request US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants that may benefit locally based international development efforts.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation to support direct services and capacity-building projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support work primarily benefiting communities served by Union Pacific, with an emphasis on diverse and underrepresented populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects improving community health and health equity in New Mexico can seek up to US $30,000 for systems-level initiatives. With a mission to strengthen health for diverse communities, Con Alma Health Foundation provides New Mexico organizations with support for access to care, health promotion, policy, research, and workforce development that may benefit international development-focused work.

Health-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in northern New Mexico can apply for Con Alma Health Foundation’s Northern New Mexico Health Grant; awards up to US $20,000 for community-level health access and equity work. Grants support program staff, operations, research, policy advocacy, health promotion, and workforce development benefiting rural, tribal, and medically underserved residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing youth baseball or softball in New Mexico and nearby states can receive funding for field renovations, equipment, uniforms, and league development. The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, with Globe Life and Bally Sports Southwest, supports programs serving players 18 and under across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

• Library Collections 
  • Items traditionally available at the library and intended for public use, such as books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, electronic and digital media, licensed databases (e.g., ancestry.com, mango languages), etc.
  • Non-traditional circulating/educational programming items may also be allowable. Contact the Development Bureau for more information prior to making such purchases.
• Library Staff Salaries
  • RLPLE grant funds can be used to pay regular library staff salaries and benefits for their work within the library.
  • Paying a part-time/substitute library staff member/summer intern may also be allowable. 
• Library Staff Professional Development
  • Registration for in-person or online training, travel (including meals & lodging) for attending instate (e.g., NMLA) and out-of-state library conferences (e.g., ALA, MPLA, PLA, ARSL), and trainings/workshops provided to library staff on library related services/issues, which are organized and held at the library, or held at another location, e.g., state library or other library, etc
• Library Equipment and Furnishings
  • Items associated with meeting the information needs of library patrons such as library furniture, public computers, printers, wireless routers, scanners, software, and related peripherals, etc. RLPLE grant funds may also be used for staff furniture, computers, software, and related peripherals, etc. necessary to support library operations.
• Other Operational Expenditures Associated with Delivery of Library Services
• Capital Improvements and Construction