Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in New Mexico

The 2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science will award three $50,000 prizes to exceptional young immigrant scientists in the U.S. This prestigious prize recognizes innovative research contributions in biomedical science. Eligible candidates must be under 38 years old, hold a doctoral degree, and have made significant achievements in their field. The Vilcek Foundation aims to highlight the impact of immigrant scientists on the advancement of biomedical research, fostering diversity and excellence.

The AWWA Scholarship Program offers the GFT Forces of Change Scholarship, providing $5,000 to undergraduate or graduate engineering students passionate about advancing the water industry. This scholarship underscores AWWA's commitment to nurturing future professionals who will tackle critical infrastructure challenges. By investing in education, AWWA aims to empower the next generation to innovate and lead in water supply solutions. This initiative highlights the importance of skilled engineers in shaping a sustainable future.

The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors young leaders aged 13 to 22 in North America who excel in environmental initiatives. Awardees receive a $3,000 cash prize, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact. This prestigious program fosters youth leadership and amplifies diverse voices within the environmental movement, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. Over the past 25 years, the awards have celebrated over 100 emerging leaders dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

About Us

The Youth Climate Justice Fund aims to support climate justice young leaders with trust-based funding, resources, and capacity strengthening, enabling them to amplify their voices and to keep their vision and influence alive.

Collectively, we have the power to ignite meaningful change and build equitable and sustainable futures. Despite the challenges posed by the current crisis, youth climate justice organizers remain determined to address current issues and explore new approaches.

Mission & Purpose

We work to strengthen existing organizing efforts and support emerging youth-led initiatives with a focus on bridging funders and organizers to enable flexible and impactful support. Through capacity strengthening and resource sharing, we empower and support young people to drive change and build a just and sustainable future.

How To Apply

The Youth Climate Justice Fund provides funding to emerging youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups through a participatory decision-making process.

The Dr. Bruce D. J. Batt Fellowship in Waterfowl Conservation honors the legacy of Dr. Bruce Batt, a leading figure in waterfowl research. This fellowship offers up to $5,000 annually to graduate students at North American universities conducting vital research on waterfowl and wetlands. Renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students, the fellowship promotes the integration of sound science in conservation efforts, supporting the next generation of waterfowl professionals.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

The Cheerful Giver Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, offers over $300,000 in financial support to students in the Greater Augusta County area pursuing health care-related education. This need-based scholarship is open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners, with a preference for those entering the nursing profession. The foundation aims to enhance community well-being through educational opportunities.

The W. Wesley Eckenfelder Graduate Research Award, administered by the AEESP Foundation, recognizes outstanding graduate students in environmental engineering and science whose research enhances wastewater management knowledge. This prestigious annual award offers a $1,500 honorarium and a plaque for winners, along with a $500 travel stipend for attending the AAEES awards ceremony. Eligible candidates include both Master’s and Ph.D. students who demonstrate exemplary academic performance and innovative research contributions.

The HIV Prevention and Alcohol R61/R33 funding opportunity aims to advance innovative HIV prevention strategies through a phased research approach. The R61 phase focuses on developing and pilot testing interventions, addressing key implementation questions for diverse populations. Following successful milestones, the R33 phase expands testing of these interventions and explores their effectiveness and sustainability, particularly in relation to alcohol use and related health issues.

This funding opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute aims to enhance health decision-making through comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on critical areas such as cancer, maternal health, and mental health. The initiative encourages robust observational studies that utilize existing data to derive patient-centered insights. Applications must address specific themes approved by PCORI and demonstrate potential benefits to the U.S. healthcare system, thus ensuring relevance and stakeholder engagement in research efforts.

The WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program offers funding to eligible entities for developing local solutions to water management issues. This initiative supports watershed group development, restoration planning, and project design, promoting stakeholder cooperation and improving water reliability. It aligns with key priorities from the Trump administration, addressing complex water challenges and enhancing federal grant oversight. By facilitating these efforts, the program aims to stretch limited water resources and foster collaborative solutions among diverse stakeholders.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5419 - Crossing the Divide – Best Practices for Addressing Local and Privately-Owned Lateral Sewer Issues

Grant Information

To provide water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and collection system operators with an interactive manual of practice for implementing inflow and infiltration (I&I) and obstruction management programs with a focus on municipal and privately owned lateral sewers in complex legal, regulatory, and multi-jurisdictional environments.

The J. F. Maddox Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Lea County, New Mexico, by supporting non-profit organizations and projects that align with its strategic plan. Key areas of focus include accessible social services, economic diversification, community aesthetics, education, and promoting a safe and healthy community. The Foundation encourages projects that leverage additional funding and foster collaboration among agencies, ensuring long-term benefits for the residents of Lea County.

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.

Over our more than 100-year history, we've been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives.

Our Mission

To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Rapid Impact Research Award

Purpose

The American Heart Association continuously seeks innovative ideas to address the most pressing issues impacting cardiovascular and brain health. To that end, the Association is pleased to announce the Rapid Impact Research Award program, which will support early and mid-career investigators proposing innovative research that aligns with the Association’s mission. Novel basic, clinical and/or population health proposals are invited in the following three priority areas of research.

• Sudden cardiac arrest/resuscitation science
• Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome
• Stroke and/or vascular dementia

Applicants will be asked to indicate alignment of their proposal with one or more of the topic areas listed above. 

The Arthur N. Rupe Foundation Grant focuses on promoting positive social change through scholarly studies, education, and public debate. It supports projects related to caregiving, civil debate, and public policy, aiming to enhance the quality of life in America. The foundation prioritizes specific project funding over general operations and does not support individuals or capital campaigns. Grant inquiries are invited through a letter of inquiry process, ensuring alignment with its mission.

The ANR Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship offers financial support to researchers focusing on arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders in the field by providing fellowships that foster innovative research and exceptional training opportunities. Open to various research areas, including osteoarthritis and lupus, the fellowship seeks to empower physicians to advance their work and make impactful contributions to understanding these conditions.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5433 - Optimizing Membrane Biofouling Control in Potable Water Reuse Treatment Trains

Grant Information

Main Objective: Evaluate alternative biofouling control chemicals and operational strategies to optimize performance across the potable reuse treatment train while maintaining treatment performance and finished-water quality. Supporting objectives include:

• Identify and assess alternative biofouling control chemicals and operational strategies that can reduce membrane fouling and differential pressure, reduce cleaning frequencies, minimize degradation of ultraviolet transmittance (UVT), and reduce lifecycle cost.
• Evaluate treatment-train performance impacts, including effects on membrane system performance, membrane lifespan, UVT, and ultraviolet advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOP) performance and energy demand, finished-water quality, and concentrate management.
• Quantify lifecycle benefits and tradeoffs associated with selected strategies, including energy and chemical consumption, membrane replacement and cleaning frequency, monitoring and reporting requirements, operator safety and chemical handling, environmental considerations, and capital/operating and maintenance costs.

The Emergency/Medical Workers Behavioral Health Fund aims to support emergency workers facing trauma and anxiety due to their roles. Established by the HealthWell Foundation, it provides financial assistance for treatment-related costs, including copayments for prescription drugs, counseling, and transportation. In 2024, the Foundation awarded over $1.2 billion to underinsured patients, ensuring no one is denied essential healthcare due to financial barriers. This initiative helps address the critical mental health needs of those who serve on the front lines.

The Ella B. Cleveland Trust Grant supports charitable medical research organizations focusing on leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Established in memory of Ella B. Cleveland, the trust prioritizes 501(c)(3) entities and has no geographic limitations, though it often funds organizations in Georgia. Applications are accepted year-round, with an average grant size of $5,000, and total annual giving ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

The Robert Silman Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes innovative proposals in the preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. Open to professionals in various design fields, the award encourages originality and practical applications that advance preservation in the U.S. With a funding limit of $15,000, it seeks projects that demonstrate a clear plan for dissemination and positive community impact, especially for underrepresented groups.

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.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Highland Orchestra Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) aims to foster the development of dementia-capable community health worker programs within the National Aging Network. This initiative, supported by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living (ACL), seeks to enhance dementia screening, reduce barriers to care, and improve access to essential services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. By integrating community health workers into aging services, the program aspires to elevate the quality of life for those affected.

The Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship offers funding for research on pollinator decline, specifically targeting bees, bats, butterflies, and moths. This fellowship, established in 2013, supports graduate students in U.S. institutions with annual funding typically around $4,000. It aims to enhance knowledge in pollinator science while fostering a new generation of scientists dedicated to conservation. Recipients may reapply for additional funding in subsequent years.

The AAAAI Mentorship Award honors dedicated mentors who significantly impact the careers of trainees and colleagues in the field of allergy and immunology. By supporting and guiding more than one mentee, awardees embody the core values of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. This prestigious recognition highlights the importance of mentorship in fostering professional growth and advancing the specialty, benefiting both individuals and the broader medical community.

The AAAAI Travel Scholarship supports eligible professionals to attend the AAAAI Annual Meeting in Philadelphia from February 27 to March 2, 2026. This event features plenary sessions, workshops, and presentations on current research in allergy and immunology. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees, enhancing their knowledge and experience in the field.