Best Head Start Grants in New Mexico

Nonprofits, tribes, public schools, and government agencies in New Mexico can seek funding for community-based initiatives, including early learning and preschool education, that align with nine stated priority areas. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, the McCune Charitable Foundation provides support for efforts like education transformation, rural development, arts engagement, health, and local food systems.

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.

Thomas R. Nickoloff Family Foundation 

Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes

The Nickoloff Family Foundation was founded in 2017 with the singular mission of “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes,” primarily focused on New Mexico.

It is our core belief that a quality education provides a gateway to personal fulfillment, achievement, self-respect and rewarding work, for the betterment of the individual, families and society as a whole. Building stronger individuals, families and community is central to our mission of funding and “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes.”

Grants

Grant support is provided by the Thomas R. Nickoloff Family Foundation (the “Foundation”) at the sole discretion and determination of the Foundation Trustee to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. 

Categories of Support

The following categories may serve as a guideline to applicants in determining whether their programs are consistent with the Foundation’s core mission of “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes”.

1) Proven and Effective Educational Programming/Initiatives

• School Based Programs
• After School Programs

2) Academic and Foundation Research Focused on:

• Policy, Programming and Initiatives to Improve Educational Outcomes
• School Safety Initiatives

3) Arts Education Outreach Programs

Organizations may apply once yearly for grant support. Multi-year grants may also be considered but would be structured as one-year grants renewable annually at the sole discretion of the Foundation. Any and all grant funds, if any, awarded by the Foundation to an Organization shall be used solely for the explicit purposes noted in a grant application as use of funds.

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.

New Mexico early childhood education providers offering or planning PreK classrooms can seek funding to renew, expand, or create new high-quality PreK slots statewide. New Mexico early learning programs can access funding through New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department to increase access for young children and families, especially in underserved areas.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and tribal nonprofits supporting prenatal-to-three early childhood programs in New Mexico can access funding through Brindle Foundation, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants back direct services in select counties and tribal lands, as well as statewide systems work such as advocacy, innovation, coordination, and higher-education efforts that may benefit Head Start and early learning initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents providing early childhood education, youth development, or related services in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming can apply for Daniels Fund support, with awards around Approximately US $75,000. New Mexico programs in preschool or early learning may be eligible if invited and aligned with the fund’s designated areas.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, and public libraries offering family literacy programs in New Mexico can seek up to US $10,000 to support adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports early learning and literacy for all ages within 15 miles of its stores in eligible communities.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) children’s organizations with annual budgets under $400,000 can receive up to US $10,000 for new or existing programs, including operating expenses, that serve unmet needs and support social-emotional development or literacy and education. New Mexico Children's Foundation prioritizes rural programs for children 18 or younger, which may include preschool and early learning initiatives.

Grants from the James M Cox Foundation help New Mexico early childhood education and preschool organizations fund capital projects or special program expansions. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits or qualifying government entities located where Cox does business, including New Mexico, working in early learning, family support, health, or environmental conservation.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Grants support economic mobility for low- and moderate-income residents, including families, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and justice-impacted individuals, which may benefit early childhood and Head Start-related services.

Early learning and education nonprofits in New Mexico can seek large-scale program, scholarship, capital, or limited general support for impactful education initiatives. Focused on education, William Randolph Hearst Foundation invites U.S. 501(c)(3) institutions with audited expenses over $2 million to apply for grants of more than US $100,000, including early childhood and K-12 programs.

U.S. nonprofit professional development providers serving early childhood programs, including Head Start and similar preschool initiatives in New Mexico, can seek multi-year funding to strengthen workforce supports for children birth to five. With a mission to improve early learning access, Stranahan Foundation provides up to US $500,000 for scalable coaching, leadership development, substitute pools, and reinvestment projects.

New Mexico early learning and preschool education organizations, especially 501(c)(3) public charities and public institutions, can access funding through the American Electric Power Foundation for STEM-focused education and related community programs. Eligible applicants must be within AEP’s service territory or have national or regional reach, and may also support basic needs, social justice, housing, hunger, environment, health, and arts initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth can apply for Comis Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $75,000 for pilot programs, proof-of-concept projects, capacity building, and innovation. Organizations with early learning or Head Start-related programming in New Mexico may be eligible if they have national scope and reach.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and tribes in New Mexico’s Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Santa Fe counties can seek $5,000 - $20,000 to support infants, toddlers, their caregivers, and the early childhood workforce. With a mission to strengthen early childhood supports, Santa Fe Community Foundation funds care access, young parents, kinship caregivers, reproductive health, and related advocacy.

Education providers offering early learning or K–12 programs, including those serving Head Start–age children in New Mexico, can apply for the Yass Foundation for Education’s national Yass Prize competition. Awards of US $1,000,000 support organizations delivering Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education models that advance access and equity.

Head Start and early learning providers in New Mexico can apply for Cdv5 Foundation’s grants, which support programs nurturing successful children, stronger families, and healthier communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, and government entities may request general operating, capital, or program/project support, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.

Educators working with pre-K through 9th grade students in New Mexico classrooms can apply for Pets in the Classroom’s grants, awarding up to US $50 to purchase and maintain small classroom animals. Public and private school teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, and other school-based staff may be eligible to support early learning enrichment with pets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting preschool and early learning programs, especially in Sarasota County, can seek project funding from the Harry Sudakoff Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $40,000. New Mexico early childhood education and Head Start providers may be eligible if their work fits the foundation’s interests and geographic preferences.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The On My Way to Kindergarten Program offers essential resources to prepare children aged 3-5 for kindergarten. Developed with input from educators, it includes a bilingual activity book and online access to games, songs, and crafts in both Spanish and English. Funded by The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation, this initiative aims to empower at-risk children and their families, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful transition into school.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship

For High school senior from Saline County, KS, with an intended major of early childhood education.

Applicant must submit an essay that states why they have chosen to major in early childhood education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life of Meghan Lynn Rippeon by providing a scholarship for any senior graduating from a Carroll County, Maryland high school who has shown academic achievement and is pursuing an education in early childhood development and who has been accepted at an accredited College, University, or Technical School. Applications will also be accepted from continuing students, i.e. those that are already in college, who meet the criteria established for this scholarship.