Best Grants for After School Programs in New Mexico

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents running youth development, K–12 education, or related after-school programs can access funding through Daniels Fund for programs, operating support, or capital projects. Grants of approximately US $75,000 support initiatives in areas like youth development, education reform, amateur sports, and addiction prevention that improve lives and strengthen communities.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, university departments, and individual artists can seek funding for arts exhibitions, scholarly projects, and education initiatives, including after-school-related work, in New Mexico and nationwide. Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation supports projects tied to its collection areas and artists, with particular interest in rural and nonmetro communities in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

New Mexico arts education nonprofits serving K-12 youth outside school settings in New Mexico can receive US $10,000 to support creative process and skill-based arts learning programs. New Mexico Arts funding may cover program costs, artistic and administrative salaries, or general operating support, and projects must culminate in a public, accessible performance or presentation.

New Mexico K-12 charter and 501(c)(3) private schools, school districts, and 501(c)(3) organizations can receive up to US $10,000 for arts learning programs during or after school. Focused on arts education, New Mexico Arts invites New Mexico after-school and in-school programs to support creative process activities, arts integration, art history, residencies, and professional development.

New Mexico K-12 schools, charter schools, 501(c)(3) private schools, school districts, and 501(c)(3) organizations can receive $10,000 from New Mexico Arts for in-school and after-school arts learning programs. Funding supports creative process activities, arts-integrated curriculum, art history, professional development, and artist residencies that meet state standards and culminate in a public presentation.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Thomas R. Nickoloff Family Foundation 

Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes

The Nickoloff Family Foundation was founded in 2017 with the singular mission of “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes,” primarily focused on New Mexico.

It is our core belief that a quality education provides a gateway to personal fulfillment, achievement, self-respect and rewarding work, for the betterment of the individual, families and society as a whole. Building stronger individuals, families and community is central to our mission of funding and “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes.”

Grants

Grant support is provided by the Thomas R. Nickoloff Family Foundation (the “Foundation”) at the sole discretion and determination of the Foundation Trustee to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. 

Categories of Support

The following categories may serve as a guideline to applicants in determining whether their programs are consistent with the Foundation’s core mission of “Promoting Excellence in Educational Outcomes”.

1) Proven and Effective Educational Programming/Initiatives

• School Based Programs
• After School Programs

2) Academic and Foundation Research Focused on:

• Policy, Programming and Initiatives to Improve Educational Outcomes
• School Safety Initiatives

3) Arts Education Outreach Programs

Organizations may apply once yearly for grant support. Multi-year grants may also be considered but would be structured as one-year grants renewable annually at the sole discretion of the Foundation. Any and all grant funds, if any, awarded by the Foundation to an Organization shall be used solely for the explicit purposes noted in a grant application as use of funds.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - New Mexico

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofit, government, and state-recognized organizations in New Mexico can seek funding for firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship programs, including youth education. Grants from The NRA Foundation help support charitable 501(c)(3)-purpose activities and training needs, with awards of US $3,000 - US $5,000 that may benefit after-school or out-of-school shooting sports education efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering youth, education, or human services programs in New Mexico communities where Penn National Gaming operates may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Penn National Gaming help support community development, K–12 and special education, after-school style youth services, health initiatives, and veteran and military support programs tied to local needs.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, schools, and government entities in New Mexico can apply for Freeport-McMoRan Foundation’s Community Investment Fund, with awards up to US $90,250 for education, workforce development, economic opportunity, and capacity-building projects in Grant County. After-school and out-of-school programs that boost PK-12 achievement or remove learning barriers may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribes improving civic engagement, economic opportunity, or health and human services in New Mexico, especially Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Santa Fe counties, can seek general operating support. Santa Fe Community Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 grants, which may benefit after school and out-of-school educational programs that fit these priorities.

Nonprofit health and human service agencies in central New Mexico can apply for United Way of Central New Mexico’s Community Grants; awards Up to US $50,000 for education, housing stability, safety, health, basic needs, and capacity building. After-school and out-of-school programs serving families and children in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, or Valencia counties may be eligible.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit organizations, public educational institutions, and public agencies in the Greater Albuquerque area offering after-school or out-of-school educational, arts, or youth programs can seek general operating support through this annual cycle. Focused on broad community needs, Albuquerque Community Foundation awards US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants across multiple fields, including after-school and summer educational programs in New Mexico.

New Mexico nonprofits, tribes, and educational institutions that run college and career readiness programs for Native American students can receive support to boost college preparation and success. New Mexico Community Foundation’s Native American Preparatory Scholars Fund backs efforts like after-school or out-of-school programs that help Native students gain college acceptance, increase matriculation, and build career readiness.

New Mexico after-school and education-focused organizations developing advanced manufacturing or industry technician training can access funding through Caterpillar for bold, tech-forward workforce solutions. Eligible lead applicants include nonprofits, schools, colleges, universities, and certain for-profits, with awards of US $1,000,000 to design, test, and scale programs that build interest, prepare new entrants, or upskill current workers.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Santa Fe Community Foundation provides New Mexico nonprofits promoting LGBTQ+ health, safety, and empowerment with competitive Envision Fund grants. Organizations running after-school or youth programs that support at-risk LGBTQ+ students, combat discrimination, or advance inclusive health education across the state may be eligible.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools running education or youth-focused after-school programs can apply for Nusenda Foundation’s Community Rewards grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $20,000 for program support. Focus areas include education, healthcare, environment and wildlife, the arts, and community services across eligible northern, central, and southern New Mexico counties.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribes, public schools, and government agencies running community-based education, youth, or enrichment initiatives can seek funding for programs and capacity-building work. The McCune Charitable Foundation supports efforts such as education transformation, after-school learning, arts engagement, and community development that advance equity and long-term community well-being across the state.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural New Mexico can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites applicants serving areas under 20,000 residents, which may include after-school or youth-oriented community spaces.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities in New Mexico and other Freeport-McMoRan operating communities can apply for the Women’s Development Grants to expand education and economic opportunities for women and girls. Funding supports college and career readiness, small business development, and workforce or financial skills training, which may include after-school or out-of-school programs.