Best Volunteer Grants in New Mexico

Eligible organizations in New Mexico can apply for Serve New Mexico Commission’s AmeriCorps Operational Programs grants, awarding up to US $25,000 to establish or operate AmeriCorps service programs. Nonprofits building volunteer-driven initiatives to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation may benefit from this 2026–2027 funding opportunity.

High-achieving students graduating from Chaves County, New Mexico school districts who demonstrate strong volunteerism and are attending a 4-year university can receive support for higher education through the Holloway Irwin Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship from the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico helps volunteer-oriented students in New Mexico continue their undergraduate studies.

Nonprofit organizations and Title I schools addressing basic needs, family stability, or community resilience in New Mexico can receive Dollar Tree gift card grants to distribute directly to individuals and families. Alpenglow Impact provides US $2,500 - US $10,000 in gift cards, which may support volunteer-driven efforts that improve well-being and economic stability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Mexico with at least three years of operation and $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce readiness, youth development, arts access, and community well-being programs. RBC Foundation USA provides support for initiatives building in-demand skills, improving inclusive prosperity, and advancing environmental sustainability in communities where RBC Wealth Management is active.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing youth development, hunger and nutrition, basic needs, social services, or military and veterans can access funding through the Sundt Foundation for specific programs. Eligible organizations have operated at least one year, maintain administrative costs under 30%, and can request US $2,500 - US $25,000 for work in local communities.

Physicians and medical advocates engaged in volunteerism, leadership, and service to underserved communities nationwide can be nominated for an Excellence in Medicine Award, which includes a US $2,500 grant honorarium to a nonprofit health organization. Focused on advancing volunteerism and philanthropy, the American Medical Association Foundation recognizes work that may benefit New Mexico communities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kenneth P. Rutter (Rotary) Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth P. Rutter Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to award a scholarship to a traditional or non-traditional applicant residing in Westmoreland County, who has achieved a high school diploma or equivalent including a GED or Home School certificate. Preference will be given to students who seek to enter the Christian Ministry, and/or who have exhibited a strong interest in Community Service and Humanitarian Service.

• Average Award: $2,500
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

Nonprofit health organizations benefiting from outstanding physician or medical advocate volunteers can receive a US $2,500 grant honorarium directed to their work through this national award program. Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, the American Medical Association Foundation honors individuals whose service strengthens community health, which may include efforts impacting New Mexico communities.

Nonprofit women leaders running community service or volunteer-driven programs in New Mexico and across the U.S. can receive US $25,000 to advance their causes. With a mission to honor service-driven women, L'Oreal Paris provides recognition, mentorship, and a national platform through its Women of Worth Award, which may benefit volunteer-focused initiatives.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

R.K. Mellon Family Scholarship/Ligonier Valley Endowment Fund

The R.K. Mellon Family Scholarship/Ligonier Valley Endowment Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students in the Ligonier Valley School District. 

• Average Award: $5,000
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

New Mexico students who are children of eligible first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel can access funding through The NRA Foundation’s Frontline Heroes Scholarship. This one-time award of up to US $10,000 supports tuition, fees, books, room and board, or certain research materials at accredited nonprofit colleges or universities in the U.S.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing further education and demonstrating strong academics and community service can receive US $1,400 - US $1,600 scholarships through the Robert and Margaret Pulliam Scholarship. With a mission to encourage academic excellence and volunteerism, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington supports students from select Washington high schools, which may interest New Mexico groups guiding youth volunteers toward college.

Nonprofit organizations collaborating on initiatives to build trust in communities can apply for the Trust in Practice Awards, offering US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for work in the U.S., including New Mexico. With a mission to strengthen civic life, Aspen Institute provides support for community development, civic engagement, and volunteerism-focused efforts.

Nonprofits in New Mexico supported by U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $100,000 in volunteerism and philanthropy funding through the Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award. Grants from Invest in Others help charities backed by advisors with at least 20 years of distinguished service and a strong record of community impact and leadership.

U.S. nonprofits partnered with a volunteer financial advisor can receive grant funding to support their community-focused work. Invest in Others provides New Mexico volunteerism and philanthropy organizations with awards up to US $60,000 when their advisor is recognized through the Volunteer of the Year Award. Eligible advisors must be active, U.S.-based financial professionals with at least three years of ongoing volunteer service.

New Mexico nonprofits partnered with a U.S.-based financial advisor can access funding through Invest in Others’ Emerging Impact Award to support volunteerism, philanthropy, and community service initiatives. Eligible nominees are active U.S. financial advisors with at least three years of ongoing volunteer leadership with the nonprofit; awards provide up to US $60,000 for the designated charity.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 AmeriCorps State and National Competitive Grants aim to enhance community service and volunteerism across the nation. By providing funding to organizations that engage AmeriCorps members, these grants support evidence-based interventions addressing pressing community challenges. Members receive living allowances and educational awards upon successful completion of their service, reinforcing the value of civic engagement and promoting positive community outcomes.

Nonprofits nationwide that partner with U.S.-based financial advisors on sustained volunteer leadership can receive up to US $60,000 to advance community service and organizational growth. With a mission to amplify charitable work, Invest in Others provides grants recognizing advisors’ long-term volunteer impact, which may benefit New Mexico organizations engaged in volunteerism and philanthropy.

Nonprofits supported by U.S.-based financial advisors leading long-term volunteer and philanthropic initiatives can receive up to US $60,000 in grant funding for their work. Grants from Invest in Others help New Mexico volunteerism and philanthropy efforts when a local advisor has driven at least three years of transformative leadership with the organization.

Pediatric surgeons providing long-term humanitarian surgical care to underserved children, including those serving New Mexico, can be nominated for the Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award from the American Pediatric Surgical Association. This recognition honors APSA members whose careers center on volunteerism, missionary surgery, or charitable surgical organizations rather than routine surgical practice.

New Mexico volunteerism and youth leadership programs can access funding through Yellowstone Club Community Foundation’s Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, which provides a summer outdoor adventure and service trip for one student. Big Sky high school students in grades 9–11, age 15 by June 1, 2025, who show leadership, volunteerism, and passion for the outdoors may be eligible.

Graduating high school seniors committed to volunteerism and community service can receive up to US $500 toward higher education or trade school, including students from New Mexico. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship supports students of strong moral character, in good academic standing, with demonstrated civic engagement and financial need.

The Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial assistance to Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to pursue higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and leadership. Since its inception in 1985, the fund has awarded over $3.9 million in scholarships, helping countless students achieve their academic goals and overcome obstacles.

The Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Middle Paxton Lions Club, honors the legacy of Mr. Poffenberger by providing annual scholarships to two graduating seniors. Eligible applicants must reside in Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough, demonstrate financial need, and show active community involvement. This one-time scholarship aims to support deserving students in their educational pursuits, reflecting the values of service and commitment to the community.

The John D. Dixon and Louise A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of its namesakes by supporting graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff and Northern York High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to volunteerism or extracurricular activities. It is a one-time award intended to help students pursue higher education at colleges or technical schools.

The PennHOSA Foundation Scholarship promotes healthcare careers by providing scholarships to HOSA student members in Pennsylvania. It aims to enhance compassionate care delivery and community needs. Additionally, the Helen Heidelbaugh Aspire Award is given to one student focusing on community service. Eligible applicants must be HOSA members and enrolled in accredited healthcare programs, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship is a one-time award, reinforcing the commitment to future healthcare professionals.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.