The New Mexico Foundation (NMF) awards grants for program or general operating support, prioritizing organizations that serve rural communities. The foundation's core mission is to strengthen New Mexico communities by promoting social equity and supporting self-sufficiency, ultimately improving the quality of life for all New Mexicans. This grant program directly aligns with NMF's strategic priorities, which include fostering community resilience, expanding educational opportunities, enhancing environmental adaptability, promoting healthy communities, and developing rural infrastructure. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, they can create a more equitable and thriving New Mexico.
The grant program targets organizations actively working in specific focus areas that include nutrition, healthcare, recreation, animal welfare, and traditional social connections. Beneficiaries include communities gaining access to healthy food options (through food pantries, soup kitchens, and community-supported agricultural systems), individuals receiving primary health, mental health, and health education programs, and people of all ages engaging in healthy recreational activities. Additionally, the program supports animal welfare initiatives focused on spay, neuter, and vaccine programs, and organizations that connect communities, such as rural libraries, senior centers, farmers markets, acequia associations, and cultural and community centers.
The expected outcomes of this grant program are diverse and aim for measurable results across the various focus areas. In nutrition, outcomes include increased access to healthy food and improved community food security. In healthcare, the goal is enhanced access to essential health services and better health outcomes for New Mexicans. For recreation, the expected outcome is increased participation in healthy activities and improved well-being. Animal welfare efforts aim to reduce overpopulation and improve animal health. Finally, by supporting traditional social connections, the program seeks to strengthen community bonds and cultural preservation.
Funding is available up to $10,000 per grant, with a project period from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing with the IRS (or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3)) and be located in New Mexico. Applicants must also have an operating budget of under $1 million. The emphasis on supporting organizations in rural communities and those aligning with the specified focus areas underscores the foundation's commitment to addressing critical needs and fostering sustainable development across New Mexico.
