The LANL Foundation’s invitational grants process is designed to ensure that funding resources are invested strategically, transparently, and in alignment with the Foundation’s mission, geographic priorities, and long-term community impact goals.
Our work is grounded in five key areas:
- Expanding Childcare
- Championing Family Leadership
- Elevating the Education Profession
- Investing in Middle School
- Advancing Youth Internships & Work-Based Learning
We primarily serve communities in:
Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos Counties.
Our goal is to ensure that our investments reflect the strength, diversity, and potential of the communities we serve.
Our Process
The LANL Foundation uses an invitational grants process to ensure our funding is strategic, responsive, and aligned with the needs of Northern New Mexico’s communities. This approach allows us to stay closely connected to regional priorities, build on trusted relationships, and make thoughtful investments where we can have the greatest impact. We identify organizations for funding based on:
- Alignment with our strategic priorities
- Ongoing relationships and community engagement
- Recommendations from Foundation leadership and staff
- Conversations and insights gathered across the region
We also create opportunities for organizations to share information about their work so we can continue learning about emerging efforts across our communities. This helps us stay informed, deepen our understanding of local needs and opportunities, and ensure our investments remain responsive, aligned, and impactful.
How are funding decisions made?
Organizations are considered based on:
- Alignment with one or more of our five strategies
- Service to communities within our seven-county region
- Potential to create meaningful impact
- Organizational readiness and capacity to implement the grant
- Overall balance across communities and priorities
Our leadership team reviews nominations collectively to ensure that our investments reflect both community needs and our mission.
When does the grant cycle take place?
Our grants process generally follows an annual cycle:
- Winter-Spring:
Leadership reviews and identifies organizations for consideration through the invitational process. - Spring-Summer:
Final decisions are made, and selected organizations are invited to apply
Following Approval, grant agreements are finalized and funding is distributed.
Grant terms may be one- or two-year awards, depending on the scope of the work and leadership recommendations.
How do Invited Organizations Apply?
Selected organizations are invited to submit a grant application using our online portal. This process includes:
- A focused application aligned with the proposed work
- Review and approval by Foundation leadership and the LANL Foundation Board
- Completion of grant agreements
This approach helps reduce administrative burden while maintaining accountability and clarity.
How can organizations connect with the LANL Foundation?
While not all organizations will be invited to apply for funding, community connections help us better understand the work happening across Northern New Mexico and inform future opportunities.
We welcome organizations to connect with us by reaching out via email at grants@lanlfoundation.org