Women Give Taos Impact Grant

The Women Give Taos Impact Grant is an annual philanthropic initiative managed by the Taos Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting and strengthening communities in Taos and western Colfax counties, New Mexico. Women Give Taos (WGT), the giving circle behind this grant, was founded with the mission of empowering women as leaders and agents of change, uniting their resources and voices to address the specific needs of women and children in their region. Since its inception in 2004, the fund has operated with a dual structure—maintaining both endowment and intermediate funds to provide immediate impact while ensuring long-term sustainability. Through collective giving and strategic focus, Women Give Taos enhances the well-being of families, while also creating meaningful engagement for its members. The 2026 Women Give Taos Impact Grant will provide a single $20,000 award to a nonprofit or eligible organization proposing a project or service enhancement that aligns with WGT’s funding priorities. These priorities include life skills and employment preparation, access to educational opportunity, emotional and physical health (including addiction and teen pregnancy), healthy development and personal agency of young children, and addressing societal and domestic violence. Funds must be fully expended within 12 months of the award date, emphasizing immediate, tangible impact in the community. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS and the State of New Mexico, federally recognized Indian tribes, public schools, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Individuals are not eligible. Applicants must serve the geographic region of Taos and western Colfax counties. The foundation explicitly states that prior recipients of this grant are eligible to reapply in the following year, and participation in this funding round does not limit access to other Taos Community Foundation grants. The application process for the 2026 cycle opens on December 19, 2025, with a firm submission deadline of January 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST. Late applications will not be considered. There is no mention of pre-application steps such as a letter of intent or concept paper, indicating a straightforward submission process. The application must clearly demonstrate alignment with one of the outlined priority areas, and the grant selection will be based on the potential for the proposal to create transformative or enhanced service outcomes. Evaluation criteria are not fully detailed in the public materials, but the emphasis on transformative and impactful services, alignment with strategic priorities, and community benefit is evident. Application instructions and a full grant process summary are accessible via the Taos Community Foundation website. Questions can be directed to TCF staff at 575-737-9300 or via email at [email protected]. The WGT program is facilitated with administrative and fund management support from the Taos Community Foundation, ensuring transparency and community-led governance. Women Give Taos also highlights past recipients to showcase the types of initiatives supported. For example, the 2025 award went to the Lions Club of Taos for their KidSight Eye Van Program, a mobile initiative that brings eye exams and glasses directly to school-aged children, removing access and cost barriers. This example reflects the foundation’s focus on addressing systemic challenges through practical, local solutions. The program’s recurring nature and historical funding patterns confirm its annual structure, making it a stable opportunity for local organizations seeking to support women, children, and families.