Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New Mexico

The Destination Forward Grant - Tier I B: Programming (NM) supports projects aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure in New Mexico. With no matching funds required, grants of up to $50,000 are available to improve visitor experiences through various programming initiatives such as brochures, signage, and digital enhancements. This competitive grant empowers communities to thrive as sustainable tourism destinations, boosting economic growth and environmental stewardship across the state.

The Destination Forward Grant - Tier II B: Renovate and Modernize (NM) aims to enhance tourism infrastructure in New Mexico by supporting projects focused on renovation and modernization. Eligible projects may receive up to $500,000 to improve competitiveness, renovate historical attractions, and modernize experiences. This competitive grant encourages partnerships that demonstrate public benefit, ensuring sustainable tourism development while fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico offers Blue Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations with sustainable programs that align with five key areas of focus, including Economic Opportunity, Nutrition, and Health Solutions. These grants aim to enhance community health and wellness across New Mexico while adhering to the mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding a 501(c)(3) status and targeting local needs.

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 FY 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program, funded by FEMA, allocates $41 million to enhance flood risk management in Region 8. This initiative empowers local communities to develop flood hazard data and maps, fostering public awareness and informed decision-making. By bolstering flood mapping capacity, CTPs play a crucial role in reducing flood risk and promoting responsible planning across various sectors, ultimately contributing to community resilience against flooding.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Mabee Foundation provides challenge grants for projects in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, primarily focusing on construction, renovation, and major medical equipment purchases. Organizations must raise 40% of project costs from other donors before applying. Grants can reach up to 20% of total costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Applications are considered quarterly, requiring submissions by specific deadlines for review at upcoming board meetings.

The EDA Austin FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to bolster regional economic development by providing grants that assist eligible organizations in creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative seeks to enhance the economic prosperity and resiliency of distressed areas, ultimately fostering job creation for the unemployed and underemployed. It emphasizes partnership planning and supports organizations, including Indian Tribes, in driving effective economic development.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program in Region 6 aims to enhance community flood risk awareness and management through the development of flood hazard data and maps. Funded by FEMA, this initiative supports local decision-making and responsible planning across various sectors, ensuring communities are better equipped to reduce flood risks. The total funding for this program is $41 million, distributed across nine regions, facilitating improved flood information delivery and risk reduction efforts.

The Outdoor Equity Fund (NM) promotes equitable access to the outdoors for underserved youth in New Mexico. Established in 2019, this initiative offers transformative outdoor experiences that foster a connection to nature while promoting stewardship of the state's lands and waters. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 support programs that encourage outdoor recreation and career pathways, ensuring that all young people can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of outdoor activities.

About Us

Housing New Mexico, also known as New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA), is a self-supporting quasi-governmental entity that provides financing to make quality affordable housing and other related services available to low- and moderate-income New Mexicans. Using funding from housing bonds, tax credits and other federal and state agencies, Housing New Mexico provides resources to build affordable rental communities, rehabilitate aging homes, supply down payment assistance and affordable mortgages, offer emergency shelter and administer rental assistance and subsidies. Housing New Mexico partners with lenders, REALTORS, nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribal communities and developers throughout the state to make these programs and services available to all eligible New Mexicans.

Housing Innovation Program

Overview:

The Housing Innovation Program is a resource to address housing needs that are currently not being served through other Housing New Mexico programs and an opportunity for eligible applicants to fund a community tailored housing solution. Through the program, Housing New Mexico looks to assist underserved populations, to cultivate new partnerships, and to fund projects that may be scalable.

Examples of past awards include funding for a roof repair and replacement program, homeless shelter expansion, accessibility improvements for senior homeowners, and scattered sight transitional housing for participants of a workforce integration program. 

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.

Destination Forward Grant (NM)

The purpose of the Destination Forward Grant Program is to support the development and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects throughout New Mexico. The Destination Forward Grant (DFG) is a competitive grant that supports the long-term destination development and rejuvenation of community-based, sustainable tourism infrastructure projects across New Mexico. Competitive grant meaning applications are subject to be funded in whole, in part, or not at all. The DFG helps to empower New Mexican communities to become viable, welcoming, and high-quality destinations, as well as to enhance existing destinations, for tourism.

Project Goals and Objectives

• Increase visitation
• Improve or enhance the visitor and resident experience
• Spur economic growth and capacity opportunities for residents
• Increase national and global recognition of New Mexico as a sustainable tourism destination
• Increase positive impacts on the local environment while decreasing negative impacts

Tier III: Signature Projects - $250,000 and above

TIER III projects support large-scale, high impact projects that significantly advance destination development at the regional or statewide level. These projects require enhanced review due to their scope, cost, and long- term implications. In addition to submitting a complete application, applicants requesting $250,000 or more must deliver a virtual presentation to the review committee as a part of the evaluation process. The presentation allows applicants to demonstrate project readiness, clarify scope and budge, and respond to committee questions prior to final scoring and funding recommendations.

TIER III projects must:

• Demonstrate that the proposed work supports tourism.
• Be “shovel ready” – have completed the planning and design phase of the project and can beginconstruction in the near future.
• Project or phase of the project must be completed within 24 months of the start of the fiscal year (“FY”) awarded. This grant cycle is for FY27 starting on July 1, 2026.
• Include a milestone timeline and itemized budget of the project in the application.
• Include recent letters of support and/or commitment from key stakeholders.
• Funding connected with capital outlay/ ICIP project will be given award preference.
• Applications with proof of additional project funders will be given preference.

The Daniels Fund Grants Program offers support to nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, focusing on areas such as Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, and Youth Development. With no specific deadlines, applications are accepted year-round, and the review process generally takes about 120 days. The fund prioritizes impactful programs that drive meaningful change and foster community growth, honoring the legacy of founder Bill Daniels through strategic philanthropic efforts.

New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Grant

The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission invites tribes, local units of government, non-profits and units of state and federal agencies operating within New Mexico to submit proposals for YCC projects.

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.

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 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 Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

NMDA is a producer-consumer service and regulatory department responsible for various statutes legislated since its inception. NMDA’s mandate has changed over the years in response to changes in population, the needs of agribusiness, and technological advancements. NMDA remains committed to serving its constituents by periodically reviewing statutes and fee structures, as well as offering compliance assistance and education in an effort to maintain a safe and secure food supply, promote a fair marketplace, and secure our natural resources.

Noxious Weed Management Grant

Purpose

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) will award competitive grants to eligible applicants for projects that improve the state’s economy and environment by managing noxious weeds in New Mexico. The grants are funded through New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to achieve the purposes of the New Mexico Noxious Weed Management Act. 

Grant funds will be awarded for the following activities, but must include activities in at least one of the first three bullets bolded below to be considered for funding:

• Surveying & Mapping
• Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)
• Integrated Weed Management (On-the-Ground-Treatments)
• Education/Outreach
• Planning, Capacity Development, & Partnership Building

New Mexico Health Care Authority

The New Mexico Health Care Authority is a new agency that launched on July 1, 2024. This groundbreaking development is the result of merging the New Mexico Human Services Department, the State Employee Benefits team from the General Services Department, and the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division and Division of Health Improvement from the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Health Care Affordability Fund from the Office of Superintendent of Insurance.

This marks a significant milestone for the people of New Mexico as this new agency will work toward our vision of providing health care and safety net services to all New Mexicans.

The New Mexico Health Care Authority will leverage purchasing power, partnerships and data analytics to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive coverage for New Mexicans.

Graduate Medical Expansion Grant

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) will award $1 million in grant funding to establish or expand residency programs and support primary care workforce beginning July 1, 2026. Award amounts will depend upon the number of applications received, overall funding, and availability of funds.

Funding will be awarded to applications that align with three key strategies:

• Establish new or expanding existing primary care GME residency programs by creating new first-year residency positions;
• Sustain existing primary care residency programs that maintain access to care in underserved areas or with underserved populations; and
• Develop new primary care workforce training pathways (nursing, physician assistant, or dental residency programs).

This funding opportunity is supported through the Primary Care Physician Training Expansion as authorized in House Bill 480.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.