Best Quality of Life Grants in New Mexico

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Arts Learning in Schools and In Community grant by New Mexico Arts supports arts education for K-12 students in both school and community settings. It invites applications from charter schools, 501(c)(3) private schools, and organizations. This initiative emphasizes creative arts activities, integration into other subjects, and professional development for educators. Eligible organizations can renew applications for subsequent funding cycles, ensuring continued support for impactful arts programs.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The Trennert-Iverson Conference Scholarship, offered by the Western History Association, provides two annual awards of $500 each to graduate students pursuing M.A. or Ph.D. degrees. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of attending the annual association conference by covering registration fees and tickets for key events. The scholarship not only supports academic growth but also encourages networking among scholars in the field of western history.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships, specifically the Edwin D. McKee Grant, provides $2,000 for undergraduate and graduate students conducting sedimentological research in the Rocky Mountain region. Sponsored by the Society for Sedimentary Geology, this scholarship aims to support students at universities within the U.S. Preference is given to those studying in states like Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico, promoting a deeper understanding of sedimentology and its applications.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships for Fluvial Sedimentology Research Grant supports Ph.D. or Master’s degree candidates conducting research in fluvial sedimentology. This $2,000 grant is exclusively available to students at U.S. universities, specifically those engaged in studies or research in states like Montana, North Dakota, and Colorado. The Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) offers this opportunity to foster academic growth in sedimentology and related fields.

Arts Learning in Schools and In CommunityNew Mexico Arts offers two grant categories for arts education projects with K-12 school-age children: Arts Learning in Schools and Arts Learning in Community. Charter schools and 501 (c) (3) private schools and 501 (c) (3) organizations may apply for themselves. Public schools must apply through the parent-teacher organization if that organization is a 501 (c) (3) or through the school district.

Arts Learning in Community

Arts Learning in Community supports arts learning for K-12 school-age children outside of a school setting. These programs focus on creative process arts activities or the development of specific artistic skills and take place in 501 (c) 3 arts organizations. (Projects that take place in a K-12 public or a private school should apply in Arts Learning in Schools. Organizations whose primary purpose is the education of K-12 school-age students should apply in this category. Examples of these organizations include youth symphonies, teen performing arts organizations, visual arts education providers, and dance institutes.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Alfred P. Corral Endowment Fund

Scholarships for Hispanic students, with a preference for students from Mexico with a preference for students enrolled at DACC

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Catherine Joyce Webb Endowed Scholarship Fund

To make awards to one or more (undergraduate/graduate) students attending NMSU Alamogordo campus

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Cloudcroft Community Group Scholarship

Scholarship for students from Cloudcroft planning to attend a New Mexico institution for higher learning.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Frankie D. & Russell E. Clemons Endowment Fund Scholarships

Healthcare providers (nurses, respiratory therapists, medical technicians, etc.) at DACC and NMSU.

Delta Dental of New Mexico's 'Smiles Across New Mexico' program supports dental education initiatives aimed at improving oral health among underserved children and at-risk populations. Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 are awarded to programs that enhance awareness and access to quality dental care. The program prioritizes impactful projects with strong community support and requires past recipients to demonstrate the effective use of funds in future applications.

The Michael D. and Cynthia E. Pinholster Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports undergraduate students attending New Mexico State University. This scholarship aims to empower diverse individuals, including those from BiPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, students with disabilities, and those pursuing various educational paths. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship helps enhance the quality of life and educational opportunities in the region.

Introduction

The mission of the Governor’s Commission on Disability (GCD) is to improve “the quality of life of all New Mexicans with disabilities by addressing social integration, economic self-sufficiency, political resolve, physical and program accessibility, and full participation in the benefits of life and rights of all individuals."

Quality of Life Grant Program

As part of its mission, GCD continues the Quality of Life Grant Program (QOL). QOL provides small grants to New Mexico non-profits and other tax-exempt organizations to improve or enhance programs and services that increase the quality of life of all New Mexicans with disabilities.

Applications may be submitted to address one of five categories: Adaptive Movement; Programmatic Access; Emergency Preparedness Outreach and Education; Social Integration; Technology Training and Accessibility.

The goal of the QOL Grant Program is to allow an organization to provide more (quantity) or enhanced (quality) services in one or more of the listed categories. QOL grants are not awarded for routine operating costs (salaries not related to enhanced or increased services, for instance), or costs associated with starting a new program or delivering a new service. 

The Cheryl L. Wase Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Society for American Archaeology, supports New Mexico women pursuing degrees in archaeology. This renewable scholarship covers tuition and books for undergraduate and graduate students at local universities, promoting ethical archaeological practices and preservation of cultural heritage. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and specialize in anthropology with a focus on archaeology, ensuring a commitment to understanding and protecting the past.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

About 

The New Mexico State Library, established in 1929, is committed to providing leadership that promotes effective library services and access to information to all citizens of New Mexico. The State Library provides services that support public libraries as well as delivers direct library services to rural populations, state agencies, the visually impaired and physically disabled, and students and citizens conducting research.

• The library supports public libraries by providing consulting services, offering training and continuing education opportunities, administering the librarian and librarianship certification program, coordinating a state-wide summer reading program and Tribal library program, and administering state and federal grants to public libraries.
• Through special library services for government employees, the State Library serves state agencies. The State Library also provides public distribution of information published by the state government through the State Publications Collection.
• Citizens benefit from State Library services provided directly in Santa Fe and through the state-wide Rural Services program (bookmobile services for those towns without a public library and books by mail services for home bound citizens) and Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program. The State Library also offers access to a state-wide database, Magazines Online, to all New Mexicans.

Rural Libraries Program (RLP) Grant

The Rural Libraries Program Grant is to provide funds to support and expand public library services for New Mexico’s rural libraries and is issued in accordance with 4.5.10 NMAC

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

Early Childhood Education and Care Department is seeking applications from eligible providers to renew, expand, or create new PreK slots and classrooms statewide, especially in areas of the state where there is a lack of high-quality PreK for children and families.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.