United Way of North Central New Mexico

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $11,893,750 (2023); $1,981,587 (2024 grant cycle)
• Success Rate: Approximately 61 organizations funded in 2024 (specific success rate not publicly available)
• Decision Time: 4-5 months (February application opening to June/July funding)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $200,000
• Geographic Focus: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance, and Valencia Counties (North Central New Mexico)

Contact Details

Main Office
United Way of North Central New Mexico
2340 Alamo Ave. SE, 2nd Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Phone: 505-247-3671
Fax: 505-242-3576
Website: https://uwncnm.org
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Grant Inquiries: Applications submitted through Submittable platform; information sessions held in January/February each year

Overview

United Way of North Central New Mexico (UWNCNM), formerly United Way of Central New Mexico, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to strengthen communities across five counties in north central New Mexico. With total assets of $22.5 million and annual revenue of $15.2 million (fiscal year 2024), the organization distributes approximately $12 million in grants annually to health and human service nonprofits.

The organization operates under a trust-based philanthropy model, transitioning from traditional one-year grants to multi-year funding commitments with fewer restrictions. In 2024, UWNCNM awarded $1,981,587 to 61 nonprofit agencies through their Community Investment process, plus an additional $125,000 to 10 organizations in Santa Fe County and $315,400 through donor-advised groups. The organization's strategic focus centers on two major initiatives: Mission: Graduate (education and youth development) and Mission: Families (family stability), recently rebranded as "Rising Together." Their approach emphasizes collective impact, with goals to achieve 60,000 additional degrees and certificates and support 20,000 resilient families in the region.

UWNCNM maintains a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator and operates additional community services including the 211 Information and Referral Hotline and Ride United transportation program.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Impact Grants (Outcome-based)

• Mission: Graduate: $626,429 awarded in recent cycle

  • School readiness programs
  • High school graduation initiatives
  • Post-high school certificate/degree attainment
  • Career readiness and exploration
  • Grant range: $1,000 - $200,000 (average $1,000 - $100,000)

• Mission: Families: $982,155 awarded in recent cycle

  • Early childhood support and development
  • Safety and well-being programs
  • Housing stability initiatives
  • Financial security programs
  • Grant range: $1,000 - $200,000 (average $1,000 - $100,000)

Basic Needs Grants (Output-based): $412,744 awarded in recent cycle

• Food assistance programs
• Utility and rental assistance
• Emergency shelter services
• Other emergent basic needs
• Grant amounts vary based on need

Capacity Building Grants: $73,671 awarded in recent cycle

• Staff development and professional training
• Data systems implementation
• Collaboration support
• Organizational development
• Grant range: Up to $15,000

Special Initiatives

• Resilient Communities: Three-year grants totaling $1.8 million for Santa Fe County projects

Donor Group Funding: $315,400 awarded to 9 agencies

• Women United
• Hispano Philanthropic Society
• Young Leaders Society
• Guys Give

Priority Areas

UWNCNM focuses on advancing three core areas:

• Health: Supporting programs that improve community wellness and access to health services
• Youth Opportunities: Educational attainment, career readiness, and youth development
• Financial Security: Stability programs for families and individuals, including housing and employment

The organization particularly values programs that demonstrate collective impact and align with their equity-focused, trust-based philanthropy approach. Local advisory councils made up of community members review applications to ensure funding supports solutions created and led by the communities themselves.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not explicitly published, eligibility requirements limit funding to:

• Organizations outside Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance, and Valencia Counties
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Organizations not in good standing with New Mexico Attorney General and Secretary of State
• Programs that do not align with Mission: Graduate or Mission: Families focus areas
• Organizations that cannot demonstrate financial sustainability through Financial Standards Review

Governance and Leadership

Senior Leadership Team

Rodney Prunty - President and CEO
Prunty leads the organization's strategic vision and community partnerships. On the organization's expanded service area, he stated: "Our new name demonstrates our commitment to the region and all the people we serve." Regarding the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population—working families who struggle to afford basic needs—Prunty noted: "It's going to take a collective effort across sectors for us to really solve for supporting ALICE... We need ALICE," emphasizing that these workers are a "mainstay of the economy." He has also emphasized that "by supporting agencies with aligned purposes, we're able to make a greater impact."

Abby Bordner - Santa Fe Area Director
Oversees UWNCNM's operations and partnerships in Santa Fe County and surrounding areas.

Pamela Gallegos - Chief Operations Officer
Manages organizational operations and infrastructure.

Valerie Ingram - Chief Impact Officer
Leads the organization's community impact strategy and grant-making programs.

Jody McKelvey - Chief Financial and Human Resources Officer
Oversees financial management, compliance, and human resources.

Board of Directors

UWNCNM is governed by a local Board of Directors, with an Executive Committee and Board Member Emeritus positions. The Board approves all grant allocations recommended by the Community Investment Council.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Submittable platform. Organizations must create a free Submittable account to access the application portal at https://unitedwayofcentralnewmexico.submittable.com/submit

Pre-Application Requirements:

1. Valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
2. Provide health and human services in one or more of five counties (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance, Valencia)
3. Good standing with New Mexico Attorney General's office
4. Good standing with New Mexico Secretary of State
5. Demonstrated financial sustainability

Applicant Information Sessions:
UWNCNM offers two information sessions each grant cycle (typically held in late January/early February). These sessions are highly recommended for first-time applicants and provide guidance on the application process, scoring criteria, and requirements. Registration links are provided on the Community Investment Grants page.

Decision Timeline

Annual Grant Cycle:

• Late January/Early February: Applicant Information Sessions (two sessions offered)
• Early February: Grant Applications Open
• Mid-March: Application Deadline (typically around March 14th, 4:00 PM)
• April: Staff and Grant Panels Review and Score Applications
• May: Community Investment Council Reviews Recommendations
• June: UWNCNM Board of Directors Approves Allocations (typically mid-June)
• June: Selected agencies notified; Financial Standards Review (FSR) process begins
• July/August: Grant Payments Begin (for agencies that successfully complete FSR)

Total Timeline: Approximately 4-5 months from application opening to funding distribution

Notification Method: Selected agencies are notified following Board approval in June. All grant awards are contingent on successful completion of the Financial Standards Review (FSR).

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, UWNCNM awarded grants to 61 nonprofit agencies in the 2024 grant cycle through their main Community Investment process. The organization maintains an ongoing relationship with many partner agencies through multi-year funding commitments as part of their trust-based philanthropy model.

Reapplication Policy

UWNCNM's reapplication policy is not explicitly published on their website. However, their shift to trust-based philanthropy and multi-year grants suggests they value long-term partnerships with effective organizations. The Resilient Communities initiative provides three-year grant commitments, indicating preference for sustained funding relationships rather than annual reapplication cycles.

Organizations interested in reapplying after an unsuccessful application or at the end of a grant period should attend applicant information sessions or contact UWNCNM staff directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Trust-Based Philanthropy Alignment

UWNCNM is actively transitioning to trust-based philanthropy practices and values feedback from partner agencies as they evolve their grant-making process. Successful applicants demonstrate:

• Alignment with community-identified needs and solutions
• Capacity for self-direction with fewer funder restrictions
• Commitment to equity and community-led approaches
• Strong financial management and organizational sustainability

Demonstration of Impact

Applications are reviewed and scored by UWNCNM staff and Grant Panels. Successful applications should:

• Clearly articulate alignment with either Mission: Graduate or Mission: Families focus areas
• Provide specific, measurable outcomes (for Impact Grants) or outputs (for Basic Needs Grants)
• Demonstrate understanding of collective impact approaches
• Show how the organization advances health, youth opportunities, or financial security

Financial Standards Review (FSR) Preparation

Award of funding is contingent on successful completion of FSR. Organizations should:

• Maintain current financial records and audits
• Demonstrate financial sustainability and sound fiscal management
• Be prepared to provide detailed financial documentation
• Ensure compliance with all state reporting requirements

Community Connection

CEO Rodney Prunty emphasized that "supporting agencies with aligned purposes" enables greater impact. Successful applicants:

• Demonstrate deep understanding of local community needs
• Show evidence of community partnerships and collaboration
• Reflect the populations they serve in their leadership and approach
• Participate in collective impact initiatives where applicable

Use of Terminology

Applications should reflect UWNCNM's language and priorities:

• Reference "Mission: Graduate" and "Mission: Families" (or "Rising Together")
• Emphasize equity, trust-based approaches, and community-led solutions
• Align with specific focus areas (school readiness, housing stability, financial security, etc.)
• Demonstrate understanding of ALICE population and other vulnerable groups

Relationship Building

Attend applicant information sessions offered in January/February—these provide critical insights into scoring criteria and expectations. UWNCNM values partnership and ongoing dialogue with funded agencies, viewing grant-making as a collaborative relationship rather than a transactional process.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Attend information sessions: UWNCNM offers two applicant information sessions each grant cycle (January/February)—these are invaluable for understanding scoring criteria and building relationships with staff
• Align precisely with Mission focus areas: Applications must fit clearly within Mission: Graduate (education/youth) or Mission: Families (stability/security) to be competitive
• Prepare for Financial Standards Review: Award is contingent on FSR completion—ensure financial documentation is current and demonstrates organizational sustainability
• Emphasize trust-based values: UWNCNM is actively shifting to trust-based philanthropy; demonstrate capacity for accountability with fewer restrictions and community-led decision-making
• Think multi-year: The organization increasingly favors sustained partnerships over one-time grants—show potential for long-term impact and relationship
• Demonstrate collective impact: UWNCNM values collaboration; show how your work connects with other agencies and community partners to achieve systems-level change
• Geographic eligibility matters: Must serve one or more of five counties (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance, Valencia)—clearly document service area in application

References

• United Way of North Central New Mexico Community Investment Grants page: https://uwncnm.org/community-investment-grants/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• United Way of North Central New Mexico Leadership & Staff: https://uwncnm.org/leadership-staff/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• United Way of North Central New Mexico Contact Page: https://uwncnm.org/contact-us/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• United Way of North Central New Mexico Donor Groups: https://uwncnm.org/uwncnm-donor-groups/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - United Way of Central New Mexico (EIN 85-0277138): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/850277138 (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• Charity Navigator Rating - United Way of North Central New Mexico: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/850277138 (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• Groundworks New Mexico Grantmakers Directory: https://www.groundworksnm.org/grantmakers-directory/united-way-central-new-mexico (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• The Grant Plant, Inc. New Mexico - United Way Profile: https://www.thegrantplantnm.com/grant-detail/united-way-of-central-new-mexico-6/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• United Way of North Central New Mexico, "United Way funds programs that support education and family stability": https://uwncnm.org/united-way-funds-programs-that-support-education-and-family-stability/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• United Way of North Central New Mexico, "United Way of Central New Mexico is now United Way of North Central New Mexico": https://uwncnm.org/uwncnm-announcement/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• Santa Fe New Mexican, "Go ask ALICE: New study shows nearly a third of New Mexico households live above poverty but lack basic necessities" (Rodney Prunty quotes): https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/go-ask-alice-new-study-shows-nearly-a-third-of-new-mexico-households-live-above/article_cda7a6d9-00ba-4014-927d-42e1b1f0889a.html (Accessed February 4, 2025)
• Santa Fe.com, "United Way of North Central NM Builds Resilient Communities": https://santafe.com/united-way-of-north-central-nm-builds-resilient-communities/ (Accessed February 4, 2025)