Applying for Grants – 2024 cycle

The Los Alamos Community Foundation is pleased to offer a variety of opportunities for community grants.

Application Process

LACF’s competitive grantmaking cycle takes place each spring. This year, applications are available starting Monday, April 1 with a due date of 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 30. LACF staff will be available during the month of April to answer questions: info@losalamoscf.org.

During May, proposals are reviewed by a committee of community members and members of the LACF board. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by the end of May with funds available within 1-2 weeks after award notice.

Applicant Eligibility and Grant Requirements

  • Applicants must be an active 501(c)(3) organization located and providing services in Los Alamos County. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted (by an eligible entity). The organization or its fiscal sponsor must be current will all state and federal reporting requirements including being in good standing with the IRS, NM Secretary of State and NM Attorney General.
  • Eligible projects and activities are described under each funding opportunity listed below. Grants may not be utilized to reimburse for expenditures already made.
  • Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • Awarded funds must be utilized within one year and submit a written report within 13 months.
  • LACF does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. Applicants must hold similar standards.

Current Funding Opportunities and Application Forms

LACF Capacity Building Grants

Nonprofits may request up to $5,000 to fund initiatives that increase an organization’s capacity to improve its financial health. Grants should support efforts with measurable results that strengthen financial sustainability; operations and program support are not eligible. This funding is intended to facilitate capacity building that would not be practical without grant support. Eligible activities include but are not limited to: initiatives to diversify or expand funding sources; building technological capacity to increase efficiency; investing in board development to strengthen governance and fiduciary oversight; completing a non-routine/required performance or financial review; establishing and implementing development, marketing or strategic plans. Grants are funded in part through the Enterprise Bank & Trust Community Endowment.

The 2024 application will be available here on April 1.

Youth Sports

Up to $2,400 is available to fund competitive youth sports activities, specifically projects that build leadership skills in youth through achievement in competitive team sports. Youth served by the project or program must live in Los Alamos County and/or attend Los Alamos schools and be between the ages of 5-18. Eligible activities include but are not limited to tournament and travel expenses, team fees, and equipment purchase. Grants are funded through the Los Alamos Community Youth Sports Endowment.

The 2024 application will be available here on April 1.

Music Organizations

Up to $750 is available in unrestricted operating support to nonprofits whose work expands knowledge and appreciation of genres such as classical, orchestral and band music, light opera, marching band, and choral performances for adult populations. Grants are funded through the Judy Dudziak Endowment for Community Music Organizations.

The 2024 application will be available here on April 1.

Preserving History (new for 2024)

Up to $600 is available to support activities focused on preserving the heritage of the Homestead Era on the Pajarito Plateau. Eligible projects include historic building assessments, preservation plans, and appropriate actions to stabilize, maintain and/or preserve Homestead Era properties and features (e.g., trails and roads). Grants are funded through the Pajarito Plateau Heritage Preservation Endowment.

The 2024 application will be available here on April 1.