UWCNM: Community Grants

The UWCNM Community Grants aim to support agencies that tackle systemic issues affecting families and children in central New Mexico. By prioritizing education, housing stability, and health, the grants enhance community stability and educational outcomes. Eligible agencies must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing and demonstrate financial sustainability. The program encourages collaborative efforts and capacity building to foster deeper impact across various sectors, ultimately leading to a stronger, thriving community.

We rally community support, provide comprehensive resources and raise funds to increase family stability and educational attainment.
UWNCNM prioritizes funding for agencies whose goals align with the following funding priorities.
Education
Early Childhood focus on access to high-quality early childhood learning and carePre-K through 12 focus on promoting school attendance and the importance of graduating from high schoolAdult education focus on post-high school skill building and degree/certificate attainment
Housing Stability
Increasing access to affordable housing, including permanent supportive or transitional housing
Safety and Well-Being/Health
Improving the safety of communitiesIncreasing access to health-related services
Food bank services
Hunger relief services; both pantry and prepared meal services
Emergency and basic, rather than ongoing and comprehensive, healthcare, dental care, and prescriptions
Emergency assistance programs that provide materials or financial assistance
Short-term housing and/or shelter for those experiencing homelessness
Emergency or short-term shelter for survivors of domestic violence
Utility Assistance
Birth certificate and driver’s licenses/state ID cards programs
Capacity Building Category
Capacity Building Grants help agencies whose work aligns with Impact and Basic Needs funding priorities to develop the capacity and capabilities necessary to achieve deeper impact with the populations they serve. Activities outlined in Capacity Building proposals must improve the program or agency’s effectiveness to carry out its mission more effectively.
Examples of permitted activities for Capacity Building Grants are:
Staff development and professional training – activities that help agency program staff develop skills and knowledge to better serve clients and/or deliver services.
Data systems – agencies can apply for funding for data systems, data collection and evaluation, that will help them assess, deliver, or improve their programs to better serve clients.
Convening and/or collaboration support- Collaborative effort takes time and resources; agencies can apply for funding for staff time, resources or space used to collaborate, develop, strategize or plan to better serve clients.
Community organizing – focus groups, convening stakeholders, trainings, collaborations, and professional development.

Eligibility

Agency Eligibility RequirementsCertified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Provide health and human services in one or more of the four central New Mexico counties: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia.Be in good standing with the Attorney General’s office and the New Mexico Secretary of StateDemonstrate financial sustainability through UWNCNM Financial Standards Review Agencies may apply for Impact OR Basic NeedsAgencies may apply for Capacity alone or in addition to Impact or Basic NeedsAgencies must wait 1 grant cycle (1 year) after the three-year award period to re-apply for ImpactAgencies may re-apply each year for Basic NeedsAgencies must wait 2 grant cycles (2 years) to re-apply after Capacity Building award