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
Letter of Inquiry (Phase I) Selection Criteria
Eligible entities must demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria. The scoring rubric will provide a numeric scale (1-5) for the following criteria:
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Clarity: To what extent does the letter of inquiry clearly explain the proposed project and whether it will implement a CTE project, a Work-Based Learning project, or serve as the regional resource hub?
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Alignment (for CTE and WBL projects): To what extent is the proposed project aligned with the intent of the Youth Fund, particularly its stated focus on underserved youth and young adults, and relevant definitions?
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Alignment (for the Regional Resource Hub): To what extent is the proposed project aligned with the purpose of the Resource Hub grant, particularly its role in supporting the Youth Fund grantee cohort through capacity-building, collaboration, shared learning, and securing public funding?
Complete Application (Phase II) Selection Criteria
The scoring rubric will provide a numeric scale (1-5) for the following criteria:
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Clarity: To what extent does the application provide clear goals, activities, and milestones that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART)?
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Alignment: To what extent does the project advance the intent of the Youth Fund and reflect the relevant definitions of Career & Technical Education (CTE) or Work-Based Learning (WBL), Youth Leadership Development and Transition Supports?
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Collaboration: How well does the proposal demonstrate strong partnerships and collaborative efforts with community organizations, schools, young people, and/or families?
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Feasibility: How well does the proposal demonstrate the organization’s capacity to implement the program, including evidence of financial readiness through its current operating budget?
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Impact of Grant Funds: How well does the budget and budget narrative clearly describe how the funding will be used to address the stated needs, complete the project and improve existing capacity?
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Equity: How well does the project focus on addressing disparities faced by underserved youth and young adults in Northern New Mexico?
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Evaluation and Learning: How well does the proposal describe how success will be measured and evaluated?
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Priority Populations: How well does the proposal demonstrate an emphasis on serving Native American youth, Opportunity Youth, and/or young parents/caregivers of young children (ages 0-3)?
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Priority Entities: Is the applicant a nonprofit organization, Tribal governmental entity, or a middle or high school?