The Albuquerque Community Foundation administers an Annual Grant Cycle to support organizations providing services to residents in the Greater Albuquerque Metropolitan Area, which includes Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties. This grant cycle is supported by over 90 endowment funds that are pooled to address the specific needs of the community. The Foundation is dedicated to equitable grantmaking and increasing support for traditionally under-resourced communities. It also prioritizes breaking down power dynamics in philanthropy, enhancing transparency in the selection process, and aligning funding with the Foundation’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

To make the grant process more accessible and equitable, the Foundation has implemented key changes. These include a single application process for all funding areas, a two-month application window, and reduced eligibility requirements for organizations, which now only need to have been in existence for three years instead of five. Additionally, applicants can access a scoring rubric to understand how proposals will be evaluated. The Foundation also offers Coffee Chat hours via Zoom, where Community Impact staff provide support and answer questions about the application process.

The Annual Grant Cycle covers seven priority funding areas, allowing the Foundation to address a wide range of community needs. However, organizations may only apply under one field of interest per cycle. The grant review process follows a single application round, and funding decisions are based on the scoring rubric. To ensure accessibility, the Foundation maintains an online Grants Portal where applications can be submitted.

The Foundation’s commitment to values-aligned and trust-based philanthropy means that grantees are expected to align with its Anti-Hate Policy Statement and funding principles. The 2025 Coffee Chat Series provides opportunities for applicants to seek guidance and receive feedback from grant staff before submitting their applications.

Organizations interested in applying should review the full grant guidelines and application details on the Foundation’s website via the Grants Portal. Specific deadlines and important dates will be communicated through the portal and other Foundation channels.