The James N Cost Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial support primarily for general operating expenses of various nonprofit organizations. Its mission reflects a commitment to health initiatives, community development, and addressing food insecurity, as evidenced by its funding of health charities, food banks, and mental health organizations. The foundation supports a diverse range of causes, including women's empowerment and domestic violence shelters, thereby serving vulnerable populations in need. While it operates primarily in New Mexico and California, its funding extends to organizations across multiple states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize nonprofit providing health or community services (especially in New Mexico), seeking modest general operating support and either already known to the trustees or introduced via an existing grantee or contact.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in New Mexico or has an existing relationship with the foundation or its recurring grantees.
- • Work focuses on health, women's health, food security, crisis/mental-health services, or community centers.
- • Seeking modest general operating grants in the $2K–$5K range.
- • Has an existing or potential connection to one of the foundation’s recurring recipients or to a trustee.
Geography
Observed grants span three states but are concentrated in the home state, with roughly half of dollars going to New Mexico in the latest year.
Recipient Variety
Each year the foundation funded multiple independent nonprofits (11 in 2022, 8 in 2023, 6 in 2024) but a core set of recurring grantees appears across years, producing a moderate breadth.
New Applicants
The foundation indicates it only funds preselected applicants and observed new entrants are rare (only one new recipient in the latest year), so unfamiliar organizations are unlikely to gain entry absent an introduction or invitation.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
