Best Youth Sports Grants in New Mexico

2026-2027 AmeriCorps State Request for Applications – AmeriCorps Operational Programs

Funding Overview

The 2026 AmeriCorps Operational Programs competition is to request applications to establish AmeriCorps programs throughout the State of New Mexico to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service. All updates and amendment notifications will be sent out to those organizations that submit a Notice of Intent to Apply on February 9, 2026.

This funding competition is for AmeriCorps Operational Programs. This opportunity combines the former “Competitive” and “Formula" competitions into one Request for Applications (RFA).From this one RFA, the Serve New Mexico Commission will consider, after a review process, which successful applicants will be considered for the Competitive competition and submitted on behalf of the Serve New Mexico Commission to be considered by AmeriCorps for Funding and which applications will be considered for the “Formula” funding which is provided by AmeriCorps and based on a population-based formula to distribute AmeriCorps funding to each state.Those applications that are selected for the “Competitive” opportunity should note that while the Serve New Mexico Commission will review the received application and conduct a review process designed to identify and determine which programs will be represent the Serve New Mexico Commission, the funding decisions will be made by AmeriCorps.All applicants who are selected for the Competitive, will also be considered for Formula in the event they are not selected for funding by AmeriCorps.There will be a separate competition for Planning Grants, and Operational Programs in the first or second year of funding after the Formula allocations are made available to the states. See RFA 26-631-7004-00103 (below) for Program Year 2026–2027 funding priorities.

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.

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.

The Hispanic Scholarship Endowment Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to empower minority students from southern New Mexico by providing scholarships for higher education. This initiative supports students attending New Mexico State University or Dona Ana Community College, promoting inclusivity across various backgrounds, including BIPOC and those with disabilities. The fund emphasizes educational access, catering to diverse paths from vocational training to advanced degrees, fostering a community equipped to thrive.

The Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation's Community Engagement program offers sponsorships and community grants aimed at improving health equity for underserved populations in New Mexico. With a commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy, the foundation prioritizes organizations that promote healthy living and cultural belonging. Eligible applicants must be local nonprofits with a current nonprofit status. This initiative reflects a deep-rooted tradition of service and community support, inspired by the foundation's legacy of caring.

The Holloway Irwin Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports students graduating from Chaves County School Districts. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate community commitment through volunteerism. This scholarship aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds, including those from BiPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, as they pursue their educational and professional goals at four-year universities.

The Josh Scholarship ENMU-R, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, provides financial assistance to residents of Chaves, Lincoln, Otero, or Roosevelt counties pursuing vocational or community college education. Targeting students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, this scholarship supports individuals of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging them to enhance their educational and professional journeys. This initiative aims to empower students in their pursuit of higher education and career development.

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.

From the Heart Endowment Fund

Nursing scholarships for students at NMSU

Dennis Friends Foundation

Our Foundation was set up by Dennis to encourage and promote mutually beneficial relationships between people and dogs. His greatest wish was to do what he could to make sure that all dogs are given a chance to live happy lives. To him, that meant, if at all possible, that they live in a home where they are loved, where they can play, where there is no lack of food or care. He hoped for situations where people and pets provide fulfillment of each others needs whether they are emotional, physical or both. His greatest joy was owning dogs and he abhorred animal neglect. We call the foundation the Dennis Friends Foundation in honor of the friendship we had with Dennis, and the friendships with our dogs.

The founder's devotion to his dogs, and his strong belief in the importance of a proper animal-to-human match, resulted in the generous bequest that forms the corpus of our grant resources. It is to be used, per Dennis’ instructions, for the care and welfare of dogs, cats and horses. 

Dennis Friends Foundation Grant

The mission of the Dennis Friends Foundation is to fund initiatives that promote, support, and provide for the effective, loving, compassionate well-being of dogs, cats and horses. DFF limits grants geographically, and programs must serve New Mexico, Colorado or the District of Columbia.

DFF funds programs that promote a focused goal of keeping animals at home with their loving families. Applications should include program metrics used by the organization to measure success. Programs and/or projects should fit into one of the following four categories:

• Spay and Neuter
• Services for Emergency Veterinary, Food, and Care Services
• Programs that Support Humane Animal and Human Bonds
• Animal Services Organizational Planning and Capacity Building

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Wildlife Management and Research

RMEF funds wildlife management and research to keep big game healthy and thriving, including disease surveillance, big game-friendly fencing, road management, and scientific studies that expand our understanding of big game habitat, movement, interactions, and overall herd health.

RMEF’s 2026 priorities include:

• Research on migration + connectivity, critical habitat + nutrition, big game population trajectories, challenges to big game populations, and big game management solutions
• Big Game-Friendly Fencing

The Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund, managed by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, provides financial aid to New Mexico residents enrolled in higher education. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and demonstrate financial need. Scholarships vary based on educational costs and are renewable for up to four years, supporting both undergraduate and certificate programs. This initiative aims to enhance educational access and career readiness in the local community.

The Jon Wynne Endowment Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students pursuing higher education at Doña Ana Community College. This scholarship is designed for individuals with financial need and is open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, or have disabilities. By facilitating access to educational opportunities, the scholarship contributes to improving the quality of life in Southern New Mexico.

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 Manuel Lujan Excellence in Education Scholarship Fund, established in honor of former U.S. Representative Manuel Lujan Jr., supports graduating seniors from 24 designated high schools in central New Mexico. Each selected student receives a $500 annual award for up to four years to attend a New Mexico four-year college or university. This initiative aims to alleviate college costs and encourage higher education among local youth.

The Greenwood Fund Grant, managed by The Denver Foundation, offers small grants for the conservation of museum artifacts and collections care in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Targeting small museums with conservation budgets under $1 million, it prioritizes projects focused on the treatment of art and collections care. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) organizations and open to the public. The fund does not support expenses like building expansions or digitizing projects.

The Sunstate Equipment Foundation Grants support local charities focused on disadvantaged individuals, medical aid, housing assistance, domestic violence awareness, military and veterans' assistance, and care for abused animals. Founded in 2015, the foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, reinforcing its commitment to community support and engagement. Charities in good standing can apply once every 12 months, fostering impactful initiatives where Sunstate operates.

The Andrews Family Foundation offers Board Grants to public, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Focused on enhancing communities through education, humanitarian work, and the arts, the foundation aims to foster individual growth. Established in 1993 in Chicago, it continues a legacy of community commitment. Grant proposals are reviewed quarterly, with final awards decided by the Board. Eligible organizations must have a budget between $1M and $4M and provide opportunities for board member involvement.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The NM Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) aims to assist landowners in restoring and protecting forestland through voluntary easements and cost-share agreements. It promotes the recovery of endangered species, enhances biodiversity, and improves carbon sequestration. The program provides financial assistance to landowners, incentivizing them to enhance their land's ecological value while ensuring protections under the Endangered Species Act. Enrollment options include various agreements, allowing landowners to receive significant support for conservation practices.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

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 Cooperative Marketing Grant Program (NM) fosters collaboration between the New Mexico Tourism Department and local entities to enhance tourism. By providing a co-funded, co-branded marketing platform, the program allows eligible organizations to achieve greater media buying power, extend the New Mexico True brand, and access tailored marketing strategies. Partners benefit from expert service, performance reporting, and additional digital advertising options, all aimed at optimizing their marketing efforts and boosting tourism in New Mexico.

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 Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

Wireless Communication Device Policy Implementation Grant Program

In accordance with NMSA § 22-1-17, each school district and charter school must adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that adheres to minimum requirements issued by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED).

​Because of the increasing prevalence of wireless communication devices in schools, ensuring that students have access to safe, high-quality education without disruptions from personal wireless communication devices is key.

​Schools across the country have seen success from policies controlling the use of cellphones and other wireless communication devices during instructional hours. In studies conducted nationwide, restricting the use of these devices has been shown to support anti-bullying efforts and promote social emotional health amongst students.

In an effort to support schools implementing their Wireless Communication Device Policy, The Office of Broadband Access & Expansion (OBAE), pursuant to their authority under NMSA §§63-9J-5 – 63 9J-7, may fund projects to control broadband connectivity in school districts and school buildings. School districts and charter schools may apply for grant funding to purchase physical items and/or services necessary to implement their Wireless Communication Device Policy. 

The New Mexico Children's Foundation (NMCF) offers annual grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in New Mexico that serve children in underserved communities. This year, NMCF prioritizes programs that promote social-emotional development and enhance educational opportunities. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to programs that address unmet needs for children aged 18 and younger, particularly in rural areas. Operating expenses are also eligible for funding.

The Invasive/Noxious Plants Grant, administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, aims to combat invasive plant species threatening local ecosystems. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 support projects that utilize integrated management practices and partnerships to eradicate plants on the New Mexico Noxious Weed List. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, municipal entities, and tribes, with a requirement for 1:1 matching funds from non-federal sources.