Press Social Sponsorships

Introducing Nusenda Foundation's Financial Education Innovator Award

Nominate an Innovator

Community Rewards® Giving

Our primary giving program, Community Rewards®, represents our values, supports our objectives, and strengthens the well-being of the communities across New Mexico. Community Rewards beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations that make a measurable, positive impact in the communities they serve.

To be considered, your organization must provide services in one of our five focus areas:

Education
Healthcare
Environment & Wildlife
The Arts
Community Services


Nusenda Foundation's goal is to partner with organizations that share in our work to help New Mexicans thrive in the communities they call home. Applications for Community Rewards must demonstrate how the requested resources are being invested and leveraged.

Applicants are evaluated based on:

  • Alignment to Nusenda Credit Union and the Nusenda Foundation’s values and focus areas
  • Organization history and financials
  • Successful program implementation
  • Overall organizational impact and performance

Successful recipients will be notified of the award before distribution.

Community Rewards Grant Application

The application period for Community Rewards is currently closed, please check back regularly for updates or sign up to receive notifications above.

For the latest news from the Foundation, sign up to receive notifications.

How to Apply

  1. Review the application guidelines below.
  2. Submit an online application.
  3. Email questions regarding Community Rewards grants directly to [email protected].
  4. Expect to hear from us in December.

Community Rewards Eligibility

  1. Your organization serves in one of our service areas:
              a. Northern New Mexico (includes Santa Fe, San Miguel, Mora, Taos, Rio Arriba, and San Juan Counties)
              b. Central New Mexico (includes Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, and Torrance Counties)
              c. Southern New Mexico (includes Dona Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero, Sierra, and Socorro Counties)
  2. Your organization is a 501(c)(3) or public school, and in good standing with the Attorney General’s office and the Secretary of State’s office.
  3. Your organization fits within one or more of our five focus areas:
              a. The Arts
              b. Community Services & Support
              c. Education
              d. Environment & Wildlife
              e. Healthcare
  4. Your organization would like to apply for funding through one of our support categories:
              a. Operational support
              b. Program support
  5. Your organization can provide the following proper documentation (size limit per file: 25MB):
              a. If funded, a completed Patriot Act compliance form
              b. A copy of your W-9
              c. A copy of your audit or financial statement
              d. A copy of your annual report (optional)
              e. A copy of your IRS letter of determination

Request Amount

Community Rewards grant sizes vary from organization to organization based on need. Typically, grants are no smaller than $2,500 and do not exceed $15,000 for any given program. Nusenda Foundation is often unable to fund grant requests in full; if awarded, applicants should expect to receive no less than 30% of their total ask. Nusenda Foundation receives more requests for funds than we can fulfill. Applicants are encouraged to be mindful of these constraints when requesting resources.

Community Rewards FAQ’s

Why do I need to supply Patriot Act paperwork?

Patriot Act paperwork is used to help the government prevent or identify terrorism funding and money laundering activities. Federal law requires that all financial institutions obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account.

What is the difference between Community Rewards beneficiary support and sponsorship support?

Groups who request funding through Community Rewards must be charitable 501(c)(3)-eligible nonprofit organizations or public schools who have applied through our process. Sponsorship requests do not require 501(c)(3) status, but must show how the request fits Nusenda Credit Union’s focus areas of support.

Are all funding requests approved?

Only requests that qualify will be considered for approval. All requests are evaluated on a per-case basis, and all applicants will be notified regardless of the funding decision. We receive many more qualified applications than we have available funding.

What is the application process timing?

2022 applications for Community Rewards will open June 1 and close August 1, 2022. Community Rewards distributions are made annually. Recipients will be notified in the winter prior to distribution.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nusenda Foundation does not fund individuals, political organizations, for-profit organizations, organizations not providing services in our geographic focus areas, or organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or religion. Nusenda Credit Union and the Nusenda Foundation reserve the right to deny any request. All decisions are at the discretion of the organization. Features of the program are subject to change, and the program may be withdrawn at any time.


What is the registration number in my application?

The registration number is the same as your organization’s EIN or Tax ID number.

What is the difference between a Program or Operational Support Grant?

Program grants support a specific project or activity of your organization, and are tied to specific, project-based outcomes. General operating grants support an organization’s overall activities, including operating expenses and overhead. The application is the SAME for both program and operational grants. If your organization is applying for operational support please answer questions as they relate to the whole of your organization.

Is one type of grant preferred over the other?

No. Nusenda Foundation does not give preference to either type of application. Selection is for data collection and understanding the needs of our community partners.

Who should I contact if I have a technical problem with my grant application?

For technical assistance on the application, please contact [email protected].

Who should I contact if I have a question about my application?

For questions about your Community Rewards grant application or Nusenda sponsorship request, please carefully review the FAQ's listed on this page. If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected] for guidance.