Grants for Women in New Mexico

Are you a woman living in New Mexico who is in need of some assistance? If so, you are not alone. Many find themselves wanting to get an education or start a business but lacking the financial means to do it. Others hit a rough patch and need help affording their costs of living such as food, electricity, rent, and daycare. Luckily, there are grants and programs in the state that are designed to help. Not sure where to find them? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

New Mexico Student Incentive Grant Program

This program can help you if you can prove you have a substantial financial need and if you are attending a New Mexico university, tribal college, or public college. Additionally, you must be a NW resident with a high school diploma, or high school equivalency credential. If you qualify, you can be awarded anywhere from $200 to $2,500 each year until you graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the eligible institution. To apply, contact the financial aid office at your school and fill out the FAFSA.

New Mexico College Affordability Grant

New Mexico also offers a college affordability grant to students in the state who need financial help. It is designed to help students who don’t qualify for other scholarships and state grants to be able to complete their college education.  Students can be awarded up to $1,000 per semester. However, the amount given will depend on the student’s level of need. The duration of the grant is one year but it can be renewed until the student graduates with a bachelor’s degree. To apply, you will need to fill out the FAFSA and turn it in to the financial aid office at your school.

Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

New Mexico has funds set aside for helping the homeless and helping to prevent homelessness. If you are struggling to pay your rent and are at risk for eviction, you may qualify. The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority provides financing to help ensure that quality, affordable housing is available to low- and moderate-income residents of the state. You can gain access to the help through RAP program providers found in counties across NM. Here’s a quick guide:

• Catholic Charities: (505) 724-4604 (Sandoval and Bernalillo Counties)
• CLNKids, Inc: (505) 843-6899-Serving (Sandoval and Bernalillo Counties)-
• Crisis Center of Northern NM: (505)753-1656- (Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties)
• Enlace Communitario: (505) 246-8972- ( Bernalillo, Valencia, and Sandoval Counties)
• The Life Link: (505) 438-0010- (Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Taos, and Rio Arriba Counties)
• Mesilla Valley Community of Hope: (575) 523-2219- (Doña Ana County)
• Samaritan House: (505) 454-1390-(Guadalupe, San Miguel and Mora Counties)
• Southwestern Regional Housing & Community Development Corporation:(575) 546-4181-(Hidalgo, Dona Ana, Otero, and Luna Counties)
• St. Martin’s Hospitality Center: (505) 242-4399 ext. 262- (Bernalillo County)
• San Juan County Partnership:(505) 566-5866-(Serving San Juan County)
• Western Regional Housing Authority:(575) 388-1974 ext. 12-(Luna, Grant, Torrance, Socorro, and Valencia Counties)
• Valencia Shelter Services: (505) 565-3100-(Serving Valencia County)

To qualify, your family’s income must be below 30% of the median family income in your area. Learn more here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Are you having trouble paying your electric bill? LIHEAP may be your saving grace. It assists eligible people and their families with the costs of heating and cooling their home. To see if you qualify, fill out this application. Once received and processed, you will be asked to go in to your local office with a collection of documents for an interview. Within 45 days of the interview, you will find out if you qualify for asssistance or not. Learn more about LIHEAP.

Lifeline Phone Bill Assistance

This New Mexico program can help you to afford phone service. There are several service providers for wireless and landline phone lines in the state. Browse them here to learn more about what is available and if you can qualify.

New Mexico Amber Grant by WomensNet

The Amber Grant is a grant exclsively awarded to women who are pursuing business ventures. It costs $15 to apply and you will need to share why you think you should win. However, if you are chosen, you will get $1,000. Plus, you’ll be in the running against the 11 other winners of the year, for a grand prize of $10,000. Learn more about the Amber Grant.

There you have it, several grants and programs that can help women in New Mexico make ends meet and take their education or career to the next level. If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out.