“Society is facing so many problems today – a shrinking job market, low wages, poor healthcare, gross inequities of wealth… Isn’t it time to confront the root causes of these inequities?”
- Ed Zimmer
A Land of Enchantment for Everyone
New Mexico’s reputation as the Land of Enchantment goes far beyond its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions. Central to its unique charm is the presence of more than 11,000 nonprofit organizations, each playing an essential role in shaping and strengthening communities across the state.
Nonprofits really keep New Mexico running—they’re there for families when things get tough and help new businesses get off the ground. But that’s not all they do. They also inspire kids, celebrate the state’s unique culture, and look after everything from local wildlife to pets. Nonprofits step in where people or government can’t always help, making New Mexico a friendlier and more special place to call home. Honestly, without them, New Mexico would be just another state in the union.
Seed Money for New Mexico’s Grass Roots
We give a helping hand to small and mid-sized nonprofits, right where the action happens across New Mexico. These groups work hard to make life better for people and keep our state’s environment in good shape.
Since we began in late 2023, we’ve handed out $2.5 million to 200 nonprofit organizations. Most of our grants are unrestricted—so groups can use the funds for what matters most to them. We may also give special grants when someone needs extra support for a one-time project
We support a diverse range of organizations, from large groups such as the National Forest Foundation—whose New Mexico work includes maintaining forests, repairing watersheds, planting trees, and restoring habitats—to smaller groups focusing on specific needs, such as June’s Senior Cat Care in Albuquerque and the Carrizozo Heritage Museum. And we help many mid-range groups too including Three Sisters Kitchen, The Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Explora Science Center.
Dig Into Our Pockets to Grow Your Dreams
We understand—nonprofits are busy and time is precious. That’s why our application process is about as simple as it gets. You only need to fill out one annual form, and that’s good for up to two grants spaced six months apart. Instead of asking you to provide financial info, we use the data publically available on the New Mexico COROS site. Less paperwork, more doing what matters most.
And that’s why we do not require end-of-grant reports—our approach is built on trust. We’re confident that you will use the funding appropriately to further your organization’s goals. The only follow-up we request is included in your next grant application, where you’ll answer a simple question about how the previous funding was used. This streamlined process is designed to keep things easy and efficient for everyone involved.
You can apply online at any time of year. Just remember: the deadline for each quarterly grant cycle is the 10th of the last month of each quarter. Grants can be anywhere from $500 up to $50,000 a year, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or growing bigger. Learn more.
Our Roots: From Cat Care to Community Care
We started in New Mexico in 2010, with a mission to help cats. Through the former Zimmer Feline Foundation, we teamed up with vet clinics all over the state to provide more than 40,000 local cats with free spay and neuter surgeries. It was a big win for pet health and keeping populations in check.
After seeing how much good we could do for cats, we thought—why stop there? So, we decided to broaden our focus and help with all kinds of needs in New Mexico. Instead of running our own micro-focused program, we shifted to working with all sorts of nonprofits, supporting their efforts in all different areas.
But our commitment to community support stretches back well before 2010, originating from our founder’s dedication to the Ann Arbor, Michigan community. Ed Zimmer devoted much of his life to helping others, and it is in honor of his lasting impact that our fund bears his name. His legacy guides our ongoing efforts to help nonprofits throughout New Mexico and provides the values that shape our mission today. Learn more.
Testimonials
“Your support strengthens the hands-on food education programs that help children discover confidence, curiosity, and joy in the kitchen and cooking. Because of your commitment, more young people will have access to healthy, empowering learning experiences that nourish both body and mind!”
“Your commitment is helping us bring lasting shade, beauty and life to communities across the state. All told your support is increasing New Mexico’s tree canopy. Over 3,381 trees were planted during the first and second planting seasons of 2025."
"We deeply appreciate your ongoing support to our work to empower the next generation of Earth stewards in Northern New Mexico."