Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) and the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance (NMRA), in partnership with the McCune Charitable Foundation, have awarded Resilient Communities Fund grants to economic development projects in eleven NMMS communities. Grant funding leverages local resources and engages volunteers to complete an impactful project by the end of the calendar year. Projects aim to enhance local economic vitality and improve the quality of life for residents.
“Congratulations to the Resilient Communities Fund grantees – community projects that strengthen local partnerships and support small businesses will make a positive impact on NM’s economic health,” Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said.
The NMRAawards seed grants to community economic development projects in New Mexico’s rural and underserved communities. Since 2014, the NMRA has granted more than $467,000 and logged more than 13,557 volunteer hours for economic development projects. Additionally, investments were matched locally with more than $1.8 million in cash and in-kind contributions, and NMMS’s technical assistance.
“Thank you to the McCune Charitable Foundation and the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance for their continued partnership and support. These projects will make a positive impact in communities and support revitalization efforts across the state,” New Mexico MainStreet Director Daniel J. Gutierrez said.
“Once again, we received applications for a wide range of projects from organizations around the state that we anticipate will make a great impact in each community. The NMRA looks forward to seeing the impact of these creative projects and how they will enhance the vitality and resilience of each community,” New Mexico Resiliency Alliance Board President Amy Barnhart said.
2023 Resilient Communities Fund grantees and projects:
“Creating a vibrant nightlife community through pop-up structures and artistic experiences.”
2. Albuquerque Downtown Art & Cultural District – a NM MainStreet
“DowntownABQ Gift Card program.”
3. Belen MainStreet Partnership
“Artisan and food vendor pop-up kits for rent.”
“Mural restoration and preservation.”
5. Deming Luna County MainStreet
“Mimbres mural and courthouse park gazebo.”
6. Downtown Las Cruces Partnership
“ACD Icons program.”
7. Los Alamos MainStreet & Creative District
“Pop-up Los Alamos project.”
“Local Innovators Institute food truck.”
9. Mora MainStreet and Arts & Cultural Compound
“Mora volunteer management program.”
10. MainStreet Truth or Consequences
“Here’s Your Sign! project.”
“Hands-On Tucumcari art incubator pilot program.”
Grants require a 1-to-1 match with at least 50 percent in cash and the remaining amount from in-kind sources. This year’s Resilient Communities funding priorities include community economic and entrepreneur development, placemaking, cultural and creative economy development, marketing, outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, local food systems, and organizational capacity building.
About the McCune Charitable Foundation:
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. Learn more at nmmccune.org.
About the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance:
The New Mexico Resiliency Alliance is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen the capacity of communities to adapt and thrive in a changing economy. The Alliance partners with philanthropy and community-minded donors to mobilize resources for locally driven, community economic development activities throughout New Mexico. Learn more at nmresiliencyalliance.org.
About New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS):
NMMS develops local capacity to engage people, rebuild places and grow the entrepreneurial, creative & business environment resulting in economically thriving downtowns, greater business & employment opportunities, and a higher quality of life. NMMS was founded in 1984 and currently serves 30 MainStreet Districts and 12 Arts & Cultural Districts. Additionally, NMMS has supported 45 Frontier & Native American Community projects, 4 Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor projects and 11 Historic Theaters. Learn more at nmmainstreet.org.
NMMS is a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
