The educate2elevate (e2e) Grant is a collaborative funding opportunity that brings together funds from across New Mexico to pool resources and engage in high impact grantmaking. This grant is a collaborative investment from funders in various sectors and we encourage organizations to demonstrate similar collaborative thinking when submitting applications. In 2018, after the passing of one of our founding members, Jennifer Riordan, e2e was temporarily named in her honor in celebration of her passion for education. Today, the fund continues to celebrate the legacy of Jennifer and others who have dedicated their lives to community service.
This year’s RFP will fund programs that are rooted in education and resource sharing supporting either unhoused youth and/or newcomer youth, pre-K through 12th grade. Ideally, programming will meet youth where they are, ensuring that those facing systemic barriers have equitable access to education, resources, and the opportunity to thrive. While we are not experts in this field, we are committed to doing our best and learning as we go. We hope to demonstrate our dedication to supporting diverse community needs, beyond funding solely education programs, and hope you’ll agree this shows a broader and more responsive scope.
2026 APPLICATION OPENS: June 17, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 29, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. MT
Proposals may only be submitted online through the Albuquerque Community Foundation’s online grant portal.
What You Need to Know:
Organizations that have received funding from the NM Funders Collaborative are not eligible to apply for three (3) years following the award.
The 2026 e2e grant is focused on funding programs rooted in education and resource sharing that supports unhoused and/or newcomer youth, pre-K through12th grade.
While funding amounts vary based on contributions throughout the year, past grants have been awarded to one or two organizations, ranging from $25,000 - $50,000.
Applicants must be serving students and their families in Central New Mexico: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia and/or Torrance counties.
Applicants may only submit one proposal.
Applicants from nonprofit organizations and public education institutions are preferred.
A complete list of FAQs can be found here.
Eligible Organizations must be…
exempt from U.S. federal income tax pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and classified as a public charity under section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2) of the Code; and/or an educational institution or governmental entity;
located anywhere in the United States, however a local partner supporting Central New Mexico is required.
Requirements:
Proposal narrative/application responses
Current year operating budget
Most recent financial statements
Financial statements are required if your organization has an operating budget of $750,000 or more
Funding Areas:
This grant opportunity is intended to support organizations serving in education and resource sharing supporting either unhoused youth and/or newcomer youth, pre-K through 12th. Applicants are encouraged to speak to the gaps experienced in these communities and how their work supports and ensures equitable access to education and resources. Applicants must meet at least one of the funding areas listed below.
Interest areas for this opportunity include programs that provide support to:
Children and Youth Experiencing Housing Insecurity: Housing instability is a significant barrier to educational success. Programs and services offered would provide stable, supportive pathways that help unhoused youth and their families access education and achieve long-term well-being.
Children and Youth Experiencing Food Insecurity: Food insecurity directly impacts a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Programs and services offered would support consistent access to nutritious food, helping children and youth succeed in school and in their overall well-being.
Children and Youth from Newcomer Families: All children deserve access to the resources, education, and the support they need to thrive. Program and services offered would empower youth and children through their education journey and connecting them to culturally relevant community resources.
Narrative:
While the e2e grant application will be online via Albuquerque Community Foundation’s online grant portal starting Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the following bullets indicate information which will be required in various questions in the online application:
Include a description of the population served, how that population has been impacted by the challenges they face, and the approximate number of people the program will serve.
Describe how your program fits into one or more of the funding areas outlined in this RFP.
Describe how your program directly supports positive educational outcomes for the children and youth that you serve, beyond just access to direct services.
If you are collaborating with other organizations, describe how you share talent and resources within the community, and how these partnerships help increase your impact.
Applicants whose organizations/programs do not meet the requirements or who submit an application that fails to address every one of items listed above will not be considered.
Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. MT on Wednesday, July 29, 2026
No exceptions can be made for late proposals.
Timeline:
June 17 — RFP opens
July 29 — RFP closes at 5 p.m. MT
August 26 — Grant review panel convenes
August 28 — Grantee Notification
October 14 — Grantee Luncheon/Site visit
Review and Awarding:
A review panel will be composed of representatives from all funders who have contributed to this funding opportunity.
Applicants may not contact reviewers and reviewers may not contact applicants during the open application and/or review period.
Grant announcement will be made on August 28, 2026.