Best School Health Grants in New Mexico

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.

New Mexico schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running school-based garden or cooking programs can receive up to US $5,000 for program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Focused on school health and gardening, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation supports programs on school campuses in communities where Sprouts Farmers Market operates stores.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

New Mexico school health and nutrition education nonprofits can seek funding to deliver nutrition education, improve food access, and support culinary arts training programs. Focused on healthy eating and food awareness, Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation invites qualified 501(c)(3) organizations to propose programs that teach seed-to-plate concepts and promote lifelong healthy eating habits for students and families.

K-12 schools in New Mexico participating in the National School Lunch Program can apply for nutrition equipment to expand access to healthy school meals and support school health. Focused on school nutrition and wellness, National Dairy Council offers US $2,000 equipment kits that help increase students’ access to and consumption of dairy products.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing nursing degrees can receive scholarship support for higher education; applicants must reside in Independent School District #813 and show strong academics, activities, and service. Grants from Greater Lake City Community Foundation may benefit students interested in school health or school nursing careers, including those comparable to New Mexico school health contexts.

School food professionals working under the National School Lunch Program in New Mexico can apply for the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship from the Chef Ann Foundation, a 13‑month leadership and school health training program. Fellows receive intensive professional development, national networking, and a capstone project grant to advance healthier, more equitable school meals in their districts.

With a mission to improve school nutrition, Chef Ann Foundation provides New Mexico K-12 school districts with intensive support to shift from heat-and-serve to scratch-cooked meals. Eligible districts run self-operated National School Lunch Program meal services and receive multi-year assessments, strategic planning help, and system improvement grants to enhance school health and nutrition programs.

Schools in New Mexico seeking to start or strengthen in-school food pantries for students may be eligible for support through the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program. Stop & Shop Helping Hands partners directly with pre-K through college campuses to establish or enhance pantries that improve student food security and overall school health.

Clinicians in school-based audiology or speech-language pathology roles can receive recognition and US $2,500 for exemplary services, innovation, or impact in school settings. Focused on school health and communication disorders, the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation also awards $500 to the recipient’s school system to further the honored work, benefiting New Mexico schools as well.

College and university student health centers working on school health and health care access can apply for up to US $3,500 to develop innovative practices improving students’ access to quality care. The American College Health Foundation supports American College Health Association members nationwide, so New Mexico campus health programs may be eligible for projects addressing access, delivery, or technology-enabled care.

School nurses leading or practicing in school health in New Mexico and nationwide can seek research funding to study school nursing and student health. With a mission to advance quality school nursing practice, the National Association of School Nurses provides US $1,000 - US $25,000 for future research projects led by current NASN members.

New Mexico local educational agencies implementing COVID-19 prevention strategies in schools can seek support to protect student health and well-being. With a mission to strengthen school safety, the Office of Elementary & Secondary Education provides U.S. LEAs with Project SAFE funding when they are financially penalized by their state for following CDC-aligned guidance.

School health nonprofits in New Mexico can seek funding to support programs addressing issues like bullying, suicide prevention, drug use disorder, and related student wellness needs. Grants from Levin Family Foundation provide up to US $30,000 for 501(c)(3) projects, with priority generally given to initiatives in its core service areas.

Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports K–8 school health and nutrition education in New Mexico by funding its Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen program. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) K–8 schools or their dedicated foundations with existing school gardens and culinary or experiential education, seeking to integrate gardening, nutrition, and culinary skills into the curriculum for all students.

New Mexico school and education-focused 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits can seek funding for school-based health, wellness, and special needs education programs through McCormick & Company’s charitable contributions. Focus areas also include broader education, environment, culture, and the arts, with priority for organizations in communities where McCormick employees live and work.

New Mexico cultural nonprofits offering arts or science programming for youth can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support impactful arts and STEAM education initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million may receive more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support, with a focus on large constituencies.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can access funding through The Tjx Foundation, provided they are within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Programs that enhance student well-being and success outside of school hours may be eligible.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting women, children, addiction prevention, or animal-assisted therapy, including school-based health and wellness programs in New Mexico, can apply for Scaife Family Foundation grants. Funding is available for general operating or program support, with a national service area that gives historical priority to South Florida and Western Pennsylvania.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Hearst Foundation's Health Grant aims to support nonprofits that enhance healthcare access for underserved populations in the U.S. Focused on improving skills and increasing healthcare practitioners, the grant also emphasizes public health and medical research. With a history of funding significant projects, the foundation prioritizes programs that address the complex needs of low-income, rural, and elderly communities. This commitment ensures a sustainable impact on national health outcomes while supporting innovative healthcare delivery systems.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.