The Sustaining New Mexico Fund is now accepting applications!
Deadline to apply: June 7, 2023 at 12:00pm
The New Mexico Foundation (NMF) staff and board of directors created the Sustaining New Mexico Fund in 2022 to support sustainability of nonprofits throughout the state. This fund will award grants to organizations that align with NMF’s priority fields of interest: community resilience, educational opportunities, environmental adaptability, healthy communities, and rural infrastructure. The mission of the fund is to strengthen New Mexico communities by promoting social equity and supporting self-sufficiency to improve the quality of life for all New Mexicans.
Each year, the Sustaining New Mexico Fund awards program or general operating grants to New Mexico nonprofit or fiscally-sponsored organizations with demonstrated long-term impact.
Timeline & Instructions
In 2023, organizations that do work in any of the above priority fields of interest can request grants for project or general operating support, with preference given to rural New Mexico organizations. Grant applications will be evaluated by a committee of community and board members.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing with the IRS, or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) located in New Mexico. Grants cannot be made to individuals.
Grant range: up to $10,000
• Application Opens: May 11, 2023
• Application Deadline: noon, June 7, 2023
• Grants Announced: mid-July 2023
• Grant Year: August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024
To apply for a 2023 grant, click on the link below.
Please note that you cannot save and come back to the online application.
Save and fill out this Word document first (link), then paste your responses in the online application and submit using the link below. If you do not get a confirmation email after online submission, email jwalker@newmexicofoundation.org.
In 2022, New Mexico Foundation awarded
$121,600 in funds to the following 15 organizations:
Anthony Youth Farm (Doña Ana County) $3,000
To support and train a youth agriculturalist in leadership and farming. Anthony Youth Farm uses an integrated approach to farm on its 25-acre site and works collaboratively with the community to build a racially, culturally and economically just food system that provides healthy produce to low-income, indigenous and Latino communities in the community of Anthony.
Center of Southwest Culture (Bernalillo County) $10,000
For general operations to support its programs, including economic development projects that target rural New Mexico communities, the Sembrando Salud! Program, a backyard gardening project designed to address nutrition access for underserved food desert communities, and Story Riders, a bicycle program that empowers youth of color to reconnect with their natural and cultural heritage with guided cycling experiences and bicycle safety/maintenance workshops.
Embudo Valley Tutoring Association (Rio Arriba County) $10,000
For general operations, to support its tutoring and mentoring program in rural areas of Rio Arriba County. The organization aims to curb the dropout rate by helping students become proficient readers and acquire foundational math skills in the early years.
Four Bridges Traveling Permaculture Institute (Rio Arriba County) $5,000
For general operations, to support educational farm programs primarily in the Eight Northern Pueblos and Española Valley. The organization supports the community through various initiatives, including its virtual learning program, “Koda’s Closet” food/clothing pantry, and the “Seed to Table” program, which teaches seed saving, meal preparation and medicinal practices.
Girls on the Run Santa Fe (Santa Fe County) $3,000
To support its after-school program for girls in Santa Fe Public Schools. The 10- week program takes place in primarily Title 1 schools and uses a curriculum that integrates physical activity with lessons that teach personal and social skills. The program culminates in a 5K race intended to build girls’ sense of achievement while increasing physical activity.
Guadalupe Community Development Corporation (Guadalupe County) $10,000
For general operating support for a variety of programs aimed at driving the community and economic development in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. The organization provides support for small businesses, has been involved in COVID-relief efforts throughout the pandemic, supports up-and-coming entrepreneurs, provides workforce development training and partners with the local school district to support the community.
La Casa, Inc. (Doña Ana County) $10,000
For medical equipment and supplies necessary for women, men and children who are victims of domestic violence in Doña Ana County. The organization has been serving the community for 40 years through its 90-bed facility, crisis hotline, counseling financial literacy and other support programs.
Laguna Rainbow Corporation (Cibola County) $10,000
To support the health of Laguna Native elders through an agricultural and culture-based community integrated project. The project, at the Pueblo of Laguna Nursing Home and Senior Center, integrates mental health, exercise and nutritional meal planning in coordination with an area nonprofit agency and indigenous community farmers.
Little Castle Learning and Development Center (Eddy County) $10,000
To support the center’s early childhood education and care for children beginning at six weeks of age. The center is located in an area where few early childhood education opportunities exist. The center provides sliding scale tuition, meals and its curriculum aims to prepare young children to enter school ready to meet or exceed standards.
MoGro Mobile Grocery (Santa Fe County) $10,000
To support the organization’s outreach and purchasing from new farmers. The organization purchases locally produced food and delivers to communities where access is difficult and not affordable. Funds will allow the organization to set up delivery routes in areas such as San Ildefonso and Santa Clara Pueblos.
Ojo Sarco Community Center (Rio Arriba and Taos County) $10,000
For general operating support to continue the center’s programs. The center has been supporting the community since 1988 and offers early childhood literacy programs, summer camps, youth leader program, a food pantry, a pop-up gallery during the High Road Art Tour and many other services to the community of Ojo Sarco, along with neighboring villages of Las Trampas, Chamisal and Peñasco.
San Juan Medical Foundation (San Juan County) $3,600
To purchase bed and bath lines for the Connelly Hospitality House in Farmington, which serves cancer patients and caregivers. The house serves San Juan County, including the Navajo Nation and other reservations in the Four Corners Area. Patients often have to travel long distances to seek care in Farmington, and the stay at Connelly is offered free of charge.
Southern New Mexico Project (Doña Ana County) $7,000
For general operating support to continue the organization’s programs in southern Doña Ana County. Programs include workforce readiness, remedial education services, computer literacy, and a food pantry. The organization has made a commitment to address inequality by emphasizing services for women and youth.
Truchas Services Center (Rio Arriba County) $10,000
For general operating support for all the center’s programs, which include food distribution, a preschool, library, adult education classes, and summer program for elementary school-age children. The center has served the surrounding community for nearly 50 years and offers most of its services free of charge.
Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (McKinley County) $10,000
To provide general support for its programs promoting resilience among Zuni youth. Nearly half of the 10,000 residents of Zuni Pueblo are under the age of 25, and the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project aims to support young people while keeping them connected to Zuni traditions. Programs include physical fitness, food sovereignty, art, connection to land and youth leadership training.