Best Youth Sports Grants in New Mexico

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.

The Indian Affairs Department of New Mexico seeks proposals for culturally relevant commercial tobacco cessation and prevention services targeting Native American communities. With over 263,315 Native Americans representing 12.4% of the state's population, this initiative prioritizes their health needs while respecting traditional tobacco practices. The RFP aims to enhance community well-being through effective cessation strategies and supportive services across New Mexico's diverse tribal landscapes.

The Village at Northrise Endowment Fund Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students in their educational pursuits, including undergraduate and vocational programs. This scholarship is open to diverse student groups, including those from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as individuals with disabilities. By fostering educational opportunities, the fund contributes to the growth and development of individuals and the community in Southern New Mexico.

The NM Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) by the USDA NRCS is a year-round application program aimed at supporting agricultural producers in enhancing conservation efforts. With deadlines for FY 2024 sign-ups and renewals, CSP emphasizes comprehensive resource management, allowing producers to improve crop yields, reduce costs, and meet conservation thresholds. Eligible participants, regardless of operation size, must adhere to USDA requirements. For more details on responsibilities, applicants can refer to the CSP contract appendix.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The NM Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to protect agricultural viability by limiting non-agricultural uses on eligible lands. This program benefits private and tribal landowners by preserving croplands, grasslands, and wetlands, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. The program provides financial assistance for Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), contributing significantly to environmental quality, wildlife habitat, and public benefits. Eligible participants include various landowners and governmental entities committed to conservation.

The You Fund Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports students from single-parent households pursuing careers in medicine or law at New Mexico State University or Doña Ana Community College. This initiative aims to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ students. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community growth, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

Native Arts and Heritage Fund

The Native Arts + Heritage Fund (NAHF) is a community-rooted award program created to support Native American and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners across the Creative West region.

Co-designed with Native-centered artists, advisors, and community leaders, NAHF centers care, cultural continuity, and self-determination. The fund honors Indigenous ways of knowing and values process over product, relationship over compliance, and well-being as a meaningful measure of impact. In addition to unrestricted funding, selected artists will participate in a three-month virtual cohort experience designed for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

NAHF is administered by Creative West, an organization that uplifts artists and culture bearers across the Creative West region by providing funding, mentorship, and culturally rooted support.

This is not a project-based grant.

This is an invitation into funding and relationships.

Applicants must provide a letter of support from an Alaska Native or Native American community member who can speak to their relationship to community and cultural work.

Unrestricted Funds May Be Used For:

• Taking time to create, reflect, or rest
• Purchasing tools, materials, or supplies
• Covering food, rent, childcare, or transportation
• Supporting wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, or cultural
• Participating in cultural exchanges, mentorship, or learning
• Creating space to gather, teach, or share knowledge

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

National Arts Futures Fellowship

The National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF) is a six-month virtual leadership development program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging. It calls on early and mid-career arts and culture professionals from all backgrounds to step into their power as civic leaders and cultural innovators—building the skills, networks, and vision needed to shape a future where creativity drives justice, care, and connection.

Fellows join a national network committed to strengthening public life, nurturing collective wellness, and fostering deep belonging across communities. Together, they learn, experiment, and act—advancing a shared vision of leadership that is sustainable, community-rooted, and future-focused.

Each fellow enters NAFF with a Personal Action Project (PAP)—a concrete idea they will develop and implement with support from peers, coaches, guest experts, and flexible seed funding of $250–$1,000. Projects may include launching a cultural initiative, organizing a community campaign, supporting artist-led advocacy, seeking a public leadership role, or piloting another form of civic or community action. Throughout the fellowship, each project evolves through coaching, peer feedback, strategy sessions, and real-world experimentation. Fellows conclude the program by sharing their project, leadership growth, and next steps at the National Fellows Summit.

What’s New in Cohort Two?

• Cohort Two expands NAFF from six to seven monthly sessions and adds two new elements that support fellows in moving their Personal Action Projects from development into implementation:
• Seed Funding: Fellows may request $250–$1,000 in flexible funding to test, pilot, or implement their projects during the fellowship.
• Artists Thrive Framework: Fellows will use the framework to assess their work, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen artist-led advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Guiding Principles

• Democracy — Use the arts to strengthen civic participation, expand public trust, and make decision-making more accessible and inclusive.
• Wellness — Treat care, rest, and healing as strategic leadership tools for sustaining movements and communities.
• Belonging — Create spaces where leaders can thrive together across differences, build trust, and celebrate shared humanity.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Examples: Running for office, launching cultural programs, organizing campaigns, supporting policies. Projects can be local, regional, or national in scope.

The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program inspires young students to cultivate a love for gardening by providing free oversized cabbage plants to 3rd grade classrooms across the continental U.S. Initiated in 1996, the program encourages hands-on learning about where food comes from. Each year, students compete for a $1,000 prize awarded to the best cabbage grown, fostering excitement and education about agriculture. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also engages students in practical science.

The Southwest Intervention Fund, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports preservation efforts of traditional cultures across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are available for local partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to address emergency threats and promote preservation planning. Eligible projects include archaeological site surveys, public awareness workshops, and legal assistance for cultural resource management, ensuring the protection of vital historic sites.

The Anne Ray Internship at the School for Advanced Research (SAR) offers two nine-month positions for recent college graduates and junior museum professionals. Interns gain hands-on experience in educational programming, research, and collections management, while receiving a salary, housing, and professional development opportunities. One internship is specifically designated for an indigenous individual from the U.S. or Canada, emphasizing diversity and community engagement within the museum field.

The Ron and Susan Dubin Native Artist Fellowship, part of the Indian Arts Research Center, provides support for Native American artists through a three-month residency. Artists receive a monthly stipend, housing, studio space, and access to collections, encouraging exploration and creativity in various disciplines including painting, photography, and performance. Applications are open to indigenous individuals from North America, and the fellowship emphasizes traditional artistry, running from June 15 to August 15.

The Katrin H. Lamon Fellowship, offered by the School for Advanced Research, provides a nine-month residential opportunity for Native scholars in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship includes a stipend of $40,000 for doctoral scholars and $35,000 for PhD candidates, alongside low-cost housing and office space. It aims to support research that contributes to understanding human culture and history, fostering an environment of scholarly exchange and intellectual growth.

The Resident Scholars: Weatherhead Fellowship offers annual support for up to six scholars from the humanities and social sciences to prepare manuscripts or dissertations. Funded by the Weatherhead Foundation, this nine-month fellowship includes a stipend of $40,000 for doctoral scholars and $35,000 for PhD candidates, along with low-cost housing and office space on the SAR campus. Applications open each September, with a deadline in early November, fostering research that enhances understanding of human culture and history.

The Judith Shelton-Gibson Endowment Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds pursuing higher education and professional certifications. This fund supports a wide range of categories, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all. Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as vocational training, fostering educational growth throughout the region.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is committed to enhancing community health and wellness through sponsorships and grants. Our focus areas include economic stability, nutrition, and optimal health outcomes, targeting local nonprofits to address pressing community needs. We invite applications from New Mexico organizations that align with our mission, with a particular emphasis on initiatives that foster healthier living. Please review our funding priorities before applying for sponsorship or grant opportunities.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is committed to enhancing community health through grants and sponsorships. They focus on key areas such as economic opportunity, nutrition, and health outcomes, ensuring alignment with their mission. Organizations eligible for funding must be based in New Mexico and meet specific criteria, while projects that promote discrimination or are unrelated to their mission are ineligible. This initiative highlights their dedication to fostering a healthier community.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

The Anne and Tony Hillerman Scholarship, part of the New Mexico Press Women Scholarship Fund, supports New Mexico students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in journalism or communications. Established in 2023, the fund promotes ethical journalism and offers networking opportunities through the NMPW Annual Conference. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a relevant program, provide a portfolio of work, and submit a personal essay detailing their interests and career goals. This scholarship fosters the next generation of communicators and advocates for First Amendment rights.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Infrastructure Planning and Development Division

The Infrastructure Planning and Development Division (IPDD) collaborates with state agencies, the legislative and judicial branches, local public bodies, and Tribes to provide comprehensive planning and funding assistance for capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP).

Our mission is to expertly manage the planning and funding process for all capital outlay projects, ensuring that they are fully funded through various appropriations and financing mechanisms, including the Capital Appropriation Bill, the Reauthorization Bill, the GOB Bill, the HB2 Specials, federal grant and loan programs, state grant and loan programs, and any Junior Bill.

Community Development Block Grant

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually on a formula basis. The New Mexico State CDBG program provides funding for infrastructure projects to small cities and non-entitlement communities in New Mexico. The Community Development Council (CDC) selects grantees for funding in annual allocation meetings.

The Bill Armstrong Grant, established by the New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists, honors a founding member dedicated to ceramics education. This annual grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions in New Mexico, providing funding for supplies, artist contracts, and promotional activities related to ceramic art. Awards up to $1000 are available, contingent on Board approval based on merit and specific needs. This initiative fosters creativity and excellence in the clay arts community.

The Southwestern Branch John Henry Comstock Graduate Student Award promotes graduate-level interest in entomology. It recognizes one graduate student from the Southwestern Branch, who will be honored at the Southwestern Branch Meeting. The recipient receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $200 cash prize, and a certificate. Covered expenses include airfare, hotel arrangements, meeting registration, and per diem allowances, fostering attendance at the fall/winter ESA Annual Meeting.