Community Grants

Community Grants is sponsored by United Way of Central New Mexico. Nonprofit health and human service agencies in central New Mexico can apply for United Way of Central New Mexico's Community Grants. Awards are for education, housing stability, safety, health, basic needs, and capacity building.

Community Investment Grants | United Way of North Central New Mexico Investing in Our Neighborhood Cycle open February 9th, 2026- March 20 th , 2026 United Way of North Central New Mexico tackles systemic problems affecting families and children in our five-county community. We rally community support, provide comprehensive resources and raise funds to increase family stability and educational attainment.

When every family and every child has the chance to thrive, our community has a stronger, brighter future.

2024-25 Community Investment Grantees Upcoming Events & Opportunities Feb 12- Data for Impact: Navigating United For ALICE Feb 13- Data for Impact: Navigating United For ALICE Navigating Changes to Healthcare & Immigrants’ Rights Slides Visit our YouTube channel to watch more videos Informing a New Mexico Child and Family Services System Blueprint ALICE in New Mexico Report Highlighted Grants : The Grant Plant, Inc. New Mexico Government Shutdown Resources In the 2025 grant cycle, UWNCNM has awarded $1,905,000 in grants to 50 nonprofit agencies as part of its annual Community Investment process, to foster stronger communities and focus on collective impact as an approach to improve family stability and educational attainment.

In addition, $125,000 was awarded to 12 nonprofit organizations in Santa Fe County and UWNCNM’s donor groups awarded $275,000 to 12 community agencies. Cycle open February 9th, 2026- March 20 th , 2026 For current awardees who have questions, and for all who have questions about our journey and this year’s cycle, please contact Sarah Ehrhart. UWNCNM partners with community agencies to address systemic inequities.

Trust-based philanthropy is a tangible way to put this intention into action. UWNCNM is excited to continually evaluate and improve our grant-making process as we learn and embrace this model. As we continue to grow in our trust-based philanthropy practices, we appreciate patience as we evolve and value the feedback of our partner agencies.

For more information about trust-based philanthropy, please visit trustbasedphilanthropy. org . Agency Eligibility Requirements Certified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Provide health and human services in one or more of these five north central New Mexico counties: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance and Valencia.

Be in good standing with the Attorney General’s office and the New Mexico Secretary of State If recommended for award, demonstrate financial sustainability through UWNCNM Financial Standards Review United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. We help neighbors strengthen their resilience by advancing health, youth opportunities and financial security.

The Impact Areas of United Way Worldwide help inform the local priorities of UWNCNM. United Way Worldwide Impact Areas Click here to learn more about the global priories of United Way: Our Impact | United Way Worldwide Overview of Application Process and Timeline Grant applications will be submitted online through the platform Submittable. Agencies will be required to create a free Submittable account in order to apply.

For technical support, please contact Submittable. Phase 1: Grant Application Applicant information sessions UWNCNM Grants Applicant Information Session 1 UWNCNM Grants Applicant Information Session 2 Phase 2: Application Review UWNCNM staff and Grant Panels review and score applications. Grant panels are made up of Community Investment Council, donors, volunteers, and members of the community connected to services provided.

Panels will engage with agencies during review to follow up on any questions about the application. Community Investment Council recommends grant awards. Using the scoring from Grant Review Panels, the Community Investment Council makes final allocation recommendations to the UWNCNM Board of Directors.

UWNCNM Board approves allocation recommendation, pending successful completion of FSR. Phase 4: Financial Standards Review (FSR) Agencies selected to proceed are notified and complete the Financial Standards Review (FSR) process. Award is dependent on successful completion of the FSR.

Agencies not selected for award will also be notified at this time. Grant payments for new grantees begin August 2026 for July and August, and then monthly thereafter through June 2027. All grant funds should be expended within the fiscal grant year.

Agencies recommended to progress to the Financial Standards Review (FSR) phase of the grant cycle will be notified in June 2026. Agencies must successfully complete the FSR to be eligible for award. The first payment for Impact and Basic Needs grants is made in August 2026 for July and August, and then monthly thereafter through June 2027.

Payments will be made via ACH. UWNCNM is committed to creating authentic partnerships with agencies across central New Mexico. Our efforts include funding through multiple grant opportunities, marketing and promotions, referrals to external grant opportunities, advocacy on issues that affect children and families, invitations to participate in high-visibility events.

Click here to view the UWNCNM Press Kit 2026 Grant Applications and Rubrics Impact and Basic Needs Application and Rubric