Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Priority will be given to non-profit organizations, Tribal entities and middle and high schools but local governments and higher education institutions may also apply for funding.
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After careful consideration, the Strategy Table has decided to prioritize funding organizations based in the seven-county region of Northern New Mexico, at least during the first year of this three-year pilot, as a way to build capacity of organizations located within Northern New Mexico. With 73 eligible LOIs submitted and available funding for 8-15 grants, this approach ensures that funding directly supports initiatives rooted in Northern New Mexico that can create sustainable opportunities for young people.
Grants will be made only to support work focused on underserved youth and young adults age 13 through 29, prioritizing Opportunity Youth, Native American youth and young adults and young parents / caregivers of young children (ages 0 - 3).
Eligibility
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​Organizational Status:
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EIN number (if applicable) and proof of eligibility (e.g., 501(c)(3), educational institution, government agency, or tribal government).
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Fiscal Sponsorship (if applicable):
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Current fiscal sponsorship agreement and confirmation of the sponsor’s 501(c)(3) status.
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Financial Documentation:
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Most recent audit (required for fiscal sponsors and regional resource hub applicants), including an explanation of any material weaknesses.
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Unaudited financials and organizational budget for the current year.​
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Form 990, if required to file.
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Project Location:
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Confirmation that the proposed project will take place entirely within the designated geography.​
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Geographic Focus: Grants will be made only to support work being done exclusively in one or more of the following counties and/or the 18 Pueblos, Tribes and Nations located wholly or partially in these counties:
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San Miguel County
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Mora County
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Taos County
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Rio Arriba County
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Santa Fe County
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Los Alamos County
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Sandoval County
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Selection Criteria
Each submission will be scored by the grants committee across several criteria on a 5-point scale:
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Clarity: How clearly you describe your project goals, activities, and milestones (using SMART goals).
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Alignment: How well your project advances the Youth Fund’s purpose and focus on underserved youth.
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Feasibility: Your organization's readiness and capacity to successfully implement this project.
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Impact of Grant Funds: How clearly the budget and budget narrative show how stated needs will be met.
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Equity Focus: How well you address barriers faced by underserved youth in Northern New Mexico.
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Evaluation and Learning: How you will measure success and gather learnings.
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Collaboration: Strength and depth of partnerships with young people, community organizations, and/or schools.
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CTE and WBL submissions can receive up to 2 additional bonus points each for:
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Priority Populations and Entities: Projects serving priority groups (Native youth, Opportunity Youth, young parents) and/or led by priority entities (nonprofits, Tribal governments, middle/high schools).
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Proven Practices: Projects implementing the proven practices listed under “funding priorities” on the website.