Rural Community Grants support New Mexico nonprofits working to reduce health disparities by improving access, promoting culturally sensitive care, and strengthening local health resources in rural areas.
Santa Fe, NM – The Con Alma Health Foundation has awarded 16 Rural Community Grants to nonprofits in Southern and Northeastern New Mexico, focusing on addressing health disparities in underserved areas. These grants support organizations enhancing access, culturally appropriate services, workforce development, health promotion, and policy advocacy. Organizations in Catron, Chaves, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Mescalero, Navajo Nation, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, San Juan, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, Union, and McKinley counties will receive funding to support programs.
Grant Priorities and Focus Areas
The Foundation prioritized organizations committed to improving access to health services, ensuring that care is culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of local communities. Key areas of focus also included health promotion initiatives that encourage preventive care, as well as policy and advocacy efforts aimed at driving systemic change for long-term impact. Additionally, workforce development was a priority, supporting programs that train and retain health workers in underserved areas to strengthen community health infrastructure.
2024 Grant Recipients
- CARC, Inc. (Region 4) – Capacity building for services for individuals with disabilities in Eddy County.
- Chaves County Health Council (Region 4) – Expansion of 2-1-1 service in Chaves County.
- Children’s Reading Alliance (Region 5) – Early childhood literacy support in Doña Ana County.
- Community Drug Coalition of Lea County (Region 4) – Enhancing substance abuse prevention programs.
- El Calvario United Methodist Church (Region 5) – Support for migrant community resiliency in Doña Ana County.
- El Corazon de Columbus (Region 5) – Community development initiatives in Luna County.
- Fort Sumner Public Library (Region 4) – Health resource improvements in De Baca County.
- Lincoln County Community Health Council (Region 5) – Expanding food security programs in Lincoln County.
- Ogallala Commons, Inc. (Region 4) – Expanding local food access to fresh nutrient rich food in multiple counties.
- Silver City Gospel Mission (Region 5) – Capacity support for operational needs in Grant County.
- The LAB (Region 5) – Youth programs in Silver City.
- United Way of Eddy County (Region 4) – Enhanced 2-1-1 services for Spanish-speaking residents.
- United Way of Eastern NM (Region 4) – Expanding 2-1-1 across nine counties.
- Ben Initiative (Region 1) – Promoting Indigenous food access in Navajo Nation.
- 100% San Juan (Region 1) – Connecting underserved populations to essential services in San Juan County.
- My Power, Inc. (Region 4) – Expanding youth empowerment programs in Eddy County.
A Lasting Impact
These Rural Community Grants mark Con Alma’s continued dedication to building a healthier New Mexico by empowering local nonprofits to address critical health needs in rural communities. “Having been born and raised in rural New Mexico, I’m well aware of the health equity challenges these communities face. My primary goal in my first year was to ensure that Con Alma’s focus on rural and tribal areas was strongly emphasized. These grants reflect that commitment.” said Executive Director Linda Candelaria.
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