Zimmer Community Fund Program
This funding opportunity supports grassroots and small-to-medium-sized nonprofits in New Mexico that enhance community quality of life, culture, and environment through impactful initiatives.
The Edw. F. Zimmer Community Fund, a donor-advised fund hosted by Vanguard Charitable, supports grassroots organizations working to enhance the quality of life, environment, and cultural fabric of New Mexico. Designed for small-to-medium nonprofits, this fund prioritizes locally engaged efforts and provides support through three distinct grant types: Unrestricted, Targeted, and Token of Appreciation grants. Each type caters to different organizational capacities and financial contexts. Unrestricted Grants are the primary funding stream, enabling public charities operating in New Mexico with at least three years of filed US-990 long forms to determine their own best use of funds. Funding is generally limited to no more than 5% of direct program expenses, adjusted for specific revenue factors. Targeted Grants cover unique, often one-time expenses, and require pre-submission communication with the funder for approval and potentially additional documentation. Token of Appreciation Grants, capped at $500 annually, are awarded to nonprofits with limited eligibility—such as those filing 990N postcards, new long-form filers, or fiscally sponsored organizations. In the latter case, the fiscal sponsor must submit the application and include a signed sponsorship agreement. The fund restricts support for research, faith-based initiatives, political activity, scholarships, travel, capital expenses, or debt repayment. Organizations with gross annual income exceeding $10 million or net assets over $20 million are generally excluded unless financials are specifically for New Mexico operations. Both New Mexico-based nonprofits and out-of-state organizations serving New Mexico (with two years of NM-specific financials and annual NM COROS registration) are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted on a quarterly cycle, with deadlines falling on the 15th of March, June, September, and December. Grants are awarded at the end of each quarter, and successful applications enter a selection pool for consideration six months later. Submissions must be completed by an authorized employee listed on the COROS report; others may apply with written confirmation from an executive director. Required materials include an online form, program photographs, and additional documentation based on the grant type. Approved grants are subject to final approval by Vanguard Charitable and are typically deposited via PayPal. Communication post-submission is applicant-driven—the fund expects applicants to follow up after one
Award Range
$500 - $25,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Standard unrestricted awards tied to 5% of direct program cost minus revenue; cap of $25,000 for larger nonprofits; $500 for Token of Appreciation.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants must be public charities based in New Mexico. Out-of-state nonprofits can apply if registered with NM COROS and provide NM-specific financials. Token grants are available for those with fiscal sponsors or lacking long-form 990 history. Organizations with over $10 million in income or $20 million in net worth (based on NM operations) are excluded.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Applicants must follow up a week after submission; no status updates are sent otherwise.
Application Opens
November 1, 2025
Application Closes
December 15, 2025
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