Best Otero County Grants for Nonprofits in New Mexico

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP) Therapeutic Development Award supports innovative research aimed at advancing therapies for ALS. It focuses on projects that have demonstrated proof-of-concept efficacy and require lead compounds. The award emphasizes the development of mechanism-specific biomarkers to enhance trial design and patient selection, ensuring that therapeutic approaches are effective and efficient. Collaboration with experienced ALS researchers is encouraged for those with limited experience.

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program Therapeutic Idea Award supports innovative ideas for ALS drug discovery. This award encourages high-risk, high-gain research that is hypothesis-driven and aims to generate preliminary data for future therapeutic investigations. Applications should highlight potential impact and innovation, with the possibility of achieving results without prior data. The focus is on a strong approach rather than preliminary findings.

The FY26 DoW Pancreatic Cancer Research Program Focused Pilot Award aims to drive innovative and impactful research in pancreatic cancer, enhancing patient quality of life. This award encourages the development of preliminary data to support future clinical or real-world applications. While allowing for clinical research studies, it does not permit clinical trials or preclinical animal studies, ensuring a strong patient-centered approach in its research focus.

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program's Pilot Clinical Trial Award aims to accelerate clinical trials that can significantly impact ALS treatment and management. Focus areas include biomarker-driven interventions and improvements in clinical care. Trials must begin within 12 months of the award and incorporate community collaboration and a detailed regulatory strategy. This award emphasizes the importance of therapeutic interventions and a transition plan for advancing study outcomes beyond the funded work.

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP) Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers Award (COBA) aims to enhance clinical trials for ALS by developing and validating clinical outcomes and biomarkers. This funding opportunity encourages innovative projects that may focus on specific therapies, ALS subtypes, or digital health measures. Collaboration with the ALS community is essential to ensure that research is relevant and informed by lived experiences.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 4 supports innovative research with the potential for significant breakthroughs in breast cancer. Applications must address key BCRP challenges or justify exceptions, focusing on impactful solutions. This program mandates clinical trials and requires participation from breast cancer consumer advocates. The funding supports single or partnered Principal Investigators, ensuring comprehensive submission processes to avoid administrative withdrawal.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Academy Early-Career Investigator Award supports junior faculty in conducting innovative ovarian cancer research. Established in FY09, this unique virtual academy fosters mentorship, collaboration, and networking among Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) and their mentors. Participants engage in monthly webinars and annual workshops, enhancing their research skills while contributing to impactful studies in ovarian cancer. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of highly productive researchers in this critical field.

The Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy (OCCTA) supports Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) in clinical trial research aimed at effective ovarian cancer treatments. It provides essential mentoring, networking, and skill development needed for executing clinical trials. The FY26 funding will specifically support translational research and early-phase trials, requiring preliminary data and a commitment of at least 25% effort from the ECI. Mentorship is vital, with a focus on experienced clinical trialists guiding ECIs.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to accelerate the implementation of clinical trials that significantly impact ovarian cancer treatment. This award supports diverse trial designs, from early proof-of-concept studies to large-scale efficacy trials, evaluating innovative drugs, biologics, and technologies. By fostering research in this critical area, the program seeks to enhance patient outcomes and advance the understanding of ovarian cancer management.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 3 supports transformative research aimed at significant advancements in breast cancer treatment. Applicants must address key challenges outlined by the program, ensuring their proposals demonstrate potential for impactful breakthroughs. This funding mechanism, which permits small-scale clinical trials, emphasizes collaboration by requiring research teams to include two breast cancer consumer advocates and allows for a single Principal Investigator or two partnering PIs.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award aims to support impactful research addressing critical needs in ovarian cancer and patient care. It requires a robust research plan with preliminary data and allows for studies across all research phases, excluding clinical trials. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option encourages collaboration between two PIs to enhance research outcomes beyond individual efforts, promoting innovation in the field of ovarian cancer.

The Josh Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, is designed to support students who are residents of Chaves, Lincoln, and Otero counties. It encourages applications from single parents demonstrating financial need. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and can attend any higher education institution, including universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. This scholarship aims to empower various individuals on their educational journeys.

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.

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 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 Hazel Hutchcroft Memorial Endowment Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students pursuing higher education in nursing at DACC, Las Cruces. This scholarship is designed for diverse applicants, including those from underrepresented backgrounds and those with disabilities. The foundation manages numerous endowments and scholarships, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in Southern New Mexico and fostering community growth through accessible education.

The Harold Cousland Fund for Young Journalists Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support aspiring journalists pursuing various educational paths. This scholarship is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Southern New Mexico, the fund seeks to empower the next generation of storytellers and media professionals.

The Zachary Adam Giordan-Lascari Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports fathers pursuing physical therapy education at accredited institutes. This scholarship aims to assist students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a focus on community impact, this fund exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a thriving future for recipients in Southern New Mexico.

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.

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 Vescovo Automotive Technology Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students in their second year of the Automotive Technology Program at Doña Ana Community College. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be actively enrolled. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development in Southern New Mexico.

The Sunspot Solar-Mellow & Janet Honek Endowment Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports Native American youth pursuing higher education at NMSU. This scholarship aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and those with disabilities, to achieve their educational goals. With a commitment to enhancing quality of life in the region, the foundation offers various scholarships to cater to different student needs and aspirations.

The Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support young individuals from the Las Cruces area in pursuing higher education. This scholarship is open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those identifying as BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, and students with disabilities. It encompasses various educational paths, including vocational and professional certifications, ensuring accessibility for all committed learners seeking to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

The Leonard R. and Lois I. Sugerman Health Sciences Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students enrolled in the Health Science Department at New Mexico State University. This scholarship is designed to assist individuals pursuing various educational paths, including undergraduate and vocational studies, ensuring access to higher education for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

The Lowell R. Duhrsen II Memorial Endowment Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports students pursuing higher education and professional certifications. The scholarship is open to diverse groups, including BiPOC individuals, those with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ students. It aims to enhance educational opportunities across various fields, reflecting the foundation's mission to improve quality of life in the region through charitable giving and support for meaningful causes.

The Michael D. and Cynthia E. Pinholster Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports undergraduate students attending New Mexico State University. This scholarship aims to empower diverse individuals, including those from BiPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, students with disabilities, and those pursuing various educational paths. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship helps enhance the quality of life and educational opportunities in the region.

Mission & Vision

Mission:

The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Vision:

A community connected to the resources it needs to thrive.

Your Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) serves as a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting impact on quality of life in our region now and in the future. Our organization is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, corporations, and institutions connected by the desire to improve Southern New Mexico. We manage over 300 endowments, including 48 non-profit organizational endowments in Southern New Mexico, and are home to over 40 scholarships and nine annual grant cycles. As a center for charitable giving we support the arts, feed the hungry, expand literacy, improve health, and support countless other meaningful causes in the twelve counties including: Catron, Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra & Socorro. 

Apply for a Scholarship

Your CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys. 

With a wide range of categories, your CFSNM offers scholarships for everyone including, but not limited to:

• BiPOC
• Students with disabilities
• LGBTQIA+
• Healthcare
• Volunteerism
• CTE, Trade, Vocational
• In-state and out-of-state
• All degree paths for undergraduate to post-grad
• Students returning to school

Myra Covarrubias Special Needs Scholarship

To support a college junior or senior at New Mexico State University majoring in Special Education