McCune Charitable Foundation Grants (Economic Development & Family Asset Building Priority) is sponsored by McCune Charitable Foundation. The McCune Charitable Foundation prioritizes creating and expanding New Mexico's economic base, supporting entrepreneurship across sectors, and fostering growth in family assets.

Grant Eligibility Ernesto Sandbox | McCune Charitable Foundation The McCune Charitable Foundation supports community-based work in the State of New Mexico that aligns with our nine Foundation Priorities and their corresponding Leverage Points.

The best fit for our funding are organizations that work collaboratively across our priority areas to support community well-being and create long term impact, and whose leadership and expertise come from those who are closest to and most affected by the organization's work. The McCune Charitable Foundation is dedicated to enriching the health, education, environment, cultural and spiritual lives of New Mexicans.

Details of the various open application grant opportunities are detailed below. All grants will be unrestricted, general operating grants and must benefit New Mexicans. Organizations can apply for only one grant per year, regardless of category.

The Marshall L. and Perrine D. McCune Charitable Foundation is dedicated to enriching the health, education, environment, cultural, and spiritual life of New Mexicans.

The Foundation memorializes its benefactors through proactive grantmaking that seeks to foster positive social change. The McCune Charitable Foundation accepts online applications for community-based projects in the State of New Mexico related to our nine Foundation Priorities . Grants can be awarded to qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, federally-recognized Native American tribes, public schools, and governmental agencies.

Grants cannot be made to individuals. The McCune Charitable Foundation is currently funding a portfolio of work structured around nine (9) Foundation Priorities. Incoming requests that are in alignment with those priorities will be considered.

While we recognize the value of the broad range of work being done by organizations in the non-profit sector, the McCune Charitable Foundation is not currently awarding grants for the following: Direct donations or grants to individuals Direct grants to for-profit institutions Projects in the area of health addressing and/or providing medical research related to particular diseases or conditions Projects that exclusively serve religious purposes Grants to political campaigns, to support political activities or to lobby for or against particular pieces of legislation Programs related to domestic animals Grants for organizations "in crisis" or for debt repayment Development positions within individual organizations Projects that should primarily be funded by local, state or federal government Establishment of endowed Chairs or other permanent academic posts Capacity building for individual organizations Historical preservation efforts Community and school teaching gardens Adoption services or support Ongoing operating support for well-established charter schools Parochial and private schools Indirect costs for Institutions of Higher Education Resources for Determining Eligibility McCune Charitable Foundation Leverage Point Overview for Grantseekers Download the McCune Foundation's Grantmaking Overview If you need assistance, please call the McCune Offices at 505.

983. 8300. General Operating Support Grants (Annual Open Application Cycle, generally mid-August to mid-September) Discretionary Grants (on a rolling basis during the calendar year) You can get more information about General Operating Support Grants by scrolling up to Resources for Determining Eligibility in the Eligibility Guide section of this page.

Here, you can download the “McCune Foundation's Grantmaking Overview. ” For information about Discretionary Grants, click on the FAQ tab that precedes the Eligibility Guide section of this page. Then click on “How can I apply for a discretionary grant?

” While the mandate described by the Mission of the Foundation is broad, the Board of Directors has adopted certain Priorities to focus resource allocation. Priorities are based on 1) a real ability to influence positive change in the near term and 2) the probability that change in these specific areas will lead to broader system change in the longer term.

These priorities will guide decisions in grant making and other programmatic activities. Download the Foundation Priorities Frameworks Capacity Building in the Non-Profit Sector Scarce philanthropic and other resources in New Mexico contribute to a challenging environment for the state’s non-profit sector.

The Foundation supports initiatives that build operational capacities for the sector, developing expertise in communications, finance, leadership, organizational development and other areas.

Click here for more information on this priority area Economic Development & Family Asset Building A Foundation priority is to create and expand the economic base in New Mexico and to view its grant making through an economic development lens whenever possible, in particular supporting programs and organizations that seek to foster entrepreneurship across sectors.

The Foundation also supports programs and initiatives that support and help drive growth in family assets across the diverse communities of the state, enabling a broader base of economic stability for our families. Click here for more information on this priority area Education Transformation & Early Childhood Development With among the poorest- performing schools in the nation, New Mexico needs innovation in its education sector.

The Foundation has identified a) school leadership development, b) supporting and scaling locally designed approaches, c) multilingual educational opportunities, and d) a more robust reform infrastructure as key leverage points in transforming education in the long term.

The Foundation also recognizes the wide body of research that confirms that interventions in the first 4-5 years of a child’s life present the most dramatic opportunity for influencing later success. The Foundation supports programs and organizations that advocate for policy reforms, provide direct interventions, and build statewide investments in early childhood education and development.

Click here for more information on this priority area Leveraging Opportunities In Health Care The passage and on-going implementation of the Affordable Care Act introduces meaningful changes to the health care environment nationwide. Because of New Mexico’s socioeconomic circumstances, the people of the state are positioned to benefit significantly from some of these changes.

Two key barriers to these opportunities being realized are a) lack of education about the availability of these opportunities and b) lack of health care practitioners to meet the growing needs. To take advantage of this structural opportunity to improve the health of New Mexicans, the Foundation supports programs and groups seeking to mitigate these barriers.

Click here for more information on this priority area Local Food Industry Development The dynamics of the existing food system in New Mexico produce poor outcomes for the people of the state.

In particular, the system yields poor nutritional outcomes, especially for low-income communities (producing among the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the nation) and it contributes little to the state economy (as much as 80% of all money spent on food and nutrition leaves the state).

The Foundation supports development of market-based alternatives that produce better health outcomes and contribute more directly to New Mexico’s economic well-being.

Click here for more information on this priority area Building Links Between Arts and Community Engagement The arts have traditionally played a significant role in the culture and history of New Mexico and continue to contribute substantially to the state’s economy and civic life.

The Foundation supports efforts to build and diversify audiences for arts and culture, particularly programs and organizations that seek to leverage arts, creative expression and aesthetic experiences for the purpose of inspiring and driving higher levels of community and civic engagement.

Click here for more information on this priority area Stewardship of Natural Resources As a primarily arid state and one in which meaningful portions of revenue are derived from outdoor and adventure tourism, New Mexico relies heavily upon its natural resources to support its economy and quality of life.

Key natural resources (including water, air, wildlife, pristine landscapes and well- managed rangeland, among others) should be protected, managed and utilized in ways that support their viability in perpetuity. The Foundation supports organizations and initiatives focused on these objectives.

Click here for more information on this priority area Influencing Urban Planning & Built Environments "Built environment” refers to the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, ranging in scale from buildings and parks or green space to neighborhoods and cities that can often include their supporting infrastructure, such as water supply, or energy networks.

The Foundation has made meaningful investments in the development of downtown Albuquerque and continues to support the development of built environments across the state. The Foundation will continue to view such developments as critical, supporting strategies that encourage energy efficiency, build civic engagement and support economic development.

Click here for more information on this priority area Strategies for Rural Development New Mexico is the 5 th largest state in the nation from an area perspective and has the 36 th largest population, making it a largely rural state with 26 out of 33 counties designated “frontier counties” with six or fewer people per square mile. Strategies and approaches that work in the state’s urban areas often fail in other parts of the state.

The Foundation supports strategies and approaches that drive effective economic development, educational advancements and other initiatives benefiting rural areas. Click here for more information on this priority area ▸ Who is eligible for a grant from the Foundation? The McCune Charitable Foundation accepts online applications for community-based projects in the state of New Mexico related to our nine Foundation Priorities .

The Foundation makes grants for general operating expenses to qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, federally-recognized Native American tribes, public schools, and governmental agencies. No grants are made to individuals. ▸ What is the dollar amount of the average grant awarded through the Annual Open Application Cycle?

The Foundation has a grantmaking structure comprised of categories. Please refer to the “Grantmaking Overview” document located on this page that outlines the categories and range of awards available. ( see Eligibility Guide, Resources for Determining Eligibility, “Download the McCune Foundation’s Grantmaking Overview” ) ▸ What is the range of grant awards?

Grants generally run between $10,000 and $100,000. See the “Grantmaking Overview” document for more information regarding the range and eligibility requirements for each category. Discretionary grants are up to a maximum of $5,000 per year; however, due to budget considerations, the average grant size is generally closer to $1,000.

▸ What kinds of grants are available? The Foundation awards smaller discretionary grants on a rolling basis ( however, because of the substantial number of requests received as of mid-May 2020, discretionary grant requests will not be considered until 2021 ) and larger grant awards during the open application process.

In rare instances, the Foundation will invite an applicant from an organization to submit an application for a specific purpose. Generally, all open application grants are awarded for General Operating Support. Beginning in 2018, in partnership with other funders, the Foundation introduced a new grant structure, the NM Collaborative Zone Grant.

The Zone Grant awards support collaborative projects with planning, technical support and implementation funding. The Request for Proposal process occurs in a timeframe separate from that of the open application cycle. Currently, for an overview, please refer to the Zone Grant page on our website.

▸ How can I apply for a discretionary grant? NOTE: Because of the substantial number of requests received as of mid-May 2020, discretionary grant requests will not be considered until 2021. A brief request stating the name of the organization, purpose of the grant, the requested amount (up to $5,000) and the expected outcome should be emailed to Ernesto Torres, Grants Manager, at discretionary@nmmccune.

org . Note that discretionary grants are typically awarded in the range of $1,000 to $1,500 and larger discretionary grants are awarded to work more highly aligned with the Foundation's Priority areas. ▸ When can I apply for a larger grant?

For this year, we modified the McCune Foundation's annual application cycle that took place August 15 - September 15, 2020 (5 p. m. MT).

Unlike previous application cycles that were open to requests from any eligible organization, the application cycle for 2021 funding requests was open only to grantees whose 2020 funding was approved at this year's February Board meeting (February 29, 2020). These awards were based on an application submitted during last year's open cycle.

While these grantees were eligible to apply, final funding decisions will be made by the Foundation's Board at its February 2021 meeting. We anticipate that next year we'll return to the Foundation's longstanding tradition of its open application cycle. ▸ Can I apply for more than one grant per year?

The Foundation generally awards only one grant per year to an organization. If the organization has multiple projects that need support, it is best for the group to prioritize their projects and apply for only one in their application. ▸ How long is the grant period?

Most grants are awarded for a one-year period. So, if the grant is awarded in late February, the grant funds should be spent out by the end of the following February. The award letter will explicitly state the start and end date of the grant period.

▸ If my project does not align with the Foundation Priorities, can I still apply? Applications outside the Foundation Priorities will be considered, but preference will be given to those applications that are most competitive and in alignment with one or more Foundation Priorities. ▸ Are the Foundation Priorities ranked in order of importance?

The priorities do not have a ranking based on order of importance. All priorities are of equal importance and will be given equal consideration. ▸ Will the Foundation’s Grant Budget for the year be split up into 9 parts to accommodate each Foundation Priority?

Funding allocations will be based on the merit of the applications received. Funding will not be divided equally among the different Priorities. ▸ Can multiple organizations apply for a grant together?

Multiple organizations can choose to submit a joint application rather than applying individually. However, one organization will need to serve as the “lead” organization to fill out the application. ▸ The Foundation has indicated that collaboration among groups is highly desirable.

What kind of support is available for bringing groups together and getting them to work toward a common outcome? Discretionary and open cycle applications are welcomed for this purpose. However, due to our small staff, we cannot provide staff support or direct technical assistance for these efforts.

Check with your local Community Foundation for support they may offer. ▸ Will Social Services applications still be considered? Applicants for direct social services will still be considered; however, applications that outline a holistic or family-centered approach that align with the Foundation Priorities will be given preference.

▸ Is multi-year funding available? Generally, grants are awarded for a one-year period. ▸ What if I have a fiscal sponsor?

If you have a fiscal sponsor, you will need to coordinate filling out the application form with a representative from the sponsoring organization. ▸ I cannot remember my password. Is it possible to retrieve it through your system?

The sign-in page will ask you to enter your email address and password. (Please note that the email address and password must be the same used when you submitted your application.) If you cannot remember your password, click on "forgot your password?"

▸ I would like to submit additional materials with my application. How can I do that? We are unable to accept supplementary materials.

Please submit only what is required in the application form, thus providing the requested information. ▸ Can I edit my application once I have submitted it to the Foundation? Once an applicant has hit the “submit” button, the application cannot be edited.

However, you can still get into your account and view your application after it has been submitted by logging in with your email and password. ▸ When will I hear whether or not I have received a grant from my application submitted during the open application cycle? A letter will be sent to each applicant after the Board of Directors’ first meeting of the year (typically in late-February).

If you do not receive a letter by mid- to late-March, please email Ernesto Torres at ernesto@nmmccune. org with your inquiry. ▸ If my application is not funded, how can I receive feedback on my application?

Due to limited staff and the high volume of applications, it is not feasible for the Foundation staff to discuss with all applicants the reasons for declining a request or to provide individual critiques of proposals declined. Because the Foundation has limited financial resources, we are able to fund only a small percentage of qualified applicants.

This means that many excellent projects, even ones that fall within the Foundation Priorities, may not be funded. Please understand that the decline of a proposal does not mean that the project lacks merit. ▸ I would like to make an appointment with the Foundation staff.

What is the best way to go about doing this? Due to limited staff resources and the large volume of requests we receive, the Foundation conducts very few pre-proposal meetings. However, all meeting requests should be routed to mccune@nmmccune.

org These are reviewed on a regular basis by program staff. New and/or Updated Information McCune Charitable Foundation Leverage Point Overview for Grantseekers New Mexico Collaborative Zone Grant Webinar, Spring 2018: A webinar designed to discuss updates and the launch of the New Mexico Collaborative Zone Grant.

McCune Charitable Foundation's Summer Webinar McCune Charitable Foundation's Fall Webinar A webinar designed to discuss collective responses from grantee workshops held in June 2016 This webinar provides the grantee community and other funders with a clearer understanding of McCune’s priorities as a foundation.

Grantee Workshops Evaluation Summary A summary of findings from 5 workshops in June 2016 held to better understand if and how grantee organizations see themselves as interconnected change agents within the system of nonprofits in New Mexico.

Building on the Past, Facing the Future: Renewing the Creative Economy A commissioned report by The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs Now's The Time: How the Housing Crisis Has Created An Unprecedented Opportunity for Working Families to Achieve Financial Security A study by Homewise, Inc. with the support of The McCune Charitable Foundation More Information on the Foundation’s Grantmaking More Information on the Foundation’s Grantmaking