Best Grants for Rural Development in New Mexico

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

Indian Affairs Department

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a Cabinet Level agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico.

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a cabinetlevel agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico, leading change through a variety of programs and administration of funding opportunities. IAD investigates and addresses the health, economy, education and legislative impacts affecting Indian conditions and relations in New Mexico.

IAD collaborates with other state agencies, promotes public participation and serves as the clearinghouse for all state programs impacting Indian communities.

The department may hold hearings, conduct meetings, investigate issues and partner with tribal, local, state and federal entities to promote the welfare of New Mexico’s Indian people.

It also contracts with tribal governments, public agencies or private entities to provide services and facilities for Indian communities.

IAD also focuses on matters such as Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), Environmental Justice, Policy & Legislation and more.

Grant Writing, Engineering and Planning Program (GWEP)

Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE)

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced three new broadband planning grants, bringing the program’s total awards to $3.1 million while $1.9 million in funding remains available for immediate use.

The remaining $1.9 million is for Grant Writing, Engineering and Planning Program (GWEP). OBAE strongly encourages eligible entities to apply now to secure these vital resources for broadband infrastructure development. 

The GWEP program offers significant advantages for eligible applicants:

• No matching funds required
• Non-competitive assistance grants designed to spur broadband infrastructure projects in areas without broadband service
• Multiple awards allowed – entities can receive a second grant
• Broad eligible uses including strategic planning, engineering services, grant writing, and infrastructure analysis

With 31 total awards issued to date – including 14 Tribal communities, 14 local governments, and three rural cooperatives – the program has a strong track record in advancing broadband access across New Mexico’s underserved areas. 

What is Grant Writing, Engineering, and Planning (GWEP Grant)?

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) will award financial assistance grants to aid Tribal governments and local governmental units in procuring grant writing, engineering, and/or planning assistance to help identify community broadband needs and to support applying for other funding sources for broadband-related projects.  

GWEP Timeline:

The GWEP program and funds expire June 30, 2027

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership (SIGP) Scholarship Program, funded by the A.P. Sloan Foundation, aims to support Indigenous graduate students in STEM fields. This program, a collaboration among the Montana University System institutions, offers scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities to enhance the academic journey of Indigenous students. With awards of $20,000 for M.S. and $40,000 for Ph.D. candidates, the SIGP seeks to increase the number of Indigenous scholars earning advanced degrees in science and engineering.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant supports local projects that enhance community well-being and boost local economies through improved outdoor infrastructure. This funding opportunity ranges from $25,000 to $99,999 and encourages projects that promote equitable access to recreation. It requires a match of 1:1 for urban projects and 2:1 for rural or Tribal communities, aiming to connect people with nature while fostering stewardship of New Mexico's landscapes.

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant supports regional projects aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation and community well-being. With funding ranging from $100,000 to $499,999, it encourages projects that promote equitable access to nature and demonstrate economic benefits for the region. Applicants must show a commitment to public access and stewardship of natural landscapes. This grant plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems while fostering economic growth and creating jobs for residents and visitors alike.

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant aims to enhance local economies and community well-being through the development and improvement of trails and related infrastructure. This grant supports projects that connect people with nature, promote equitable access, and ensure long-term stewardship of New Mexico’s landscapes. With funding between $500,000 to $1,000,000, it requires a 1:1 match for urban projects and 2:1 for rural or Tribal projects, encouraging collaborative efforts for regional benefits.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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. 

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 O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

The Con Alma Annual Grant offers funding to nonprofits in New Mexico focused on improving health equity and access to healthcare for underserved populations. Prioritizing community impact over individual services, the grant supports initiatives in culturally appropriate services, health promotion, evaluation, and workforce development. Eligible organizations include those with a 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, aiming to uplift marginalized communities and address health disparities in the region.

The Northern New Mexico Health Grant, funded by Con Alma Health Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities in New Mexico. With grants up to $20,000, it supports initiatives that focus on health equity, culturally appropriate services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to improving health outcomes for marginalized populations, particularly in rural and tribal areas. This grant prioritizes collective benefits over individual services, fostering community-wide health improvements.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

• 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

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.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in New Mexico provides crucial funding for developing essential facilities in rural areas, including health care, public safety, and educational services. This program supports eligible communities, including tribal lands, with populations of up to 20,000 residents. Grants cover a significant portion of project costs, ensuring that local governments and nonprofits can improve community services and infrastructure. Applications are accepted year-round, allowing for continuous community development.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in New Mexico support rural communities in addressing emergencies threatening safe drinking water access. With funding up to $1 million for water source construction and $150,000 for water transmission line repairs, this program empowers eligible entities like local governments, nonprofits, and tribes. It aims to restore access to clean water, enhance community resilience, and promote environmental sustainability following disasters such as droughts, floods, or chemical spills.

The Women's Development Initiatives Grant Program, funded by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, focuses on enhancing education and economic opportunities for women in various communities. This initiative aims to empower women through skills training, small business development, and leadership programs, ultimately fostering their participation in economic growth. Eligible organizations must directly serve women and girls in specified locations, demonstrating measurable impacts and sustainability beyond funding.