SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Resiliency Alliance, in partnership with the New Mexico MainStreet Program and the McCune Charitable Foundation, awarded seed grants and matching funds for MainStreet community economic development projects in response to COVID-19 economic recovery efforts.
The Resilient Communities Fund is the Alliance’s flagship program, providing project support to locally-driven economic revitalization activities in New Mexico’s rural and underserved communities. The Alliance has awarded more than $300,000 in small grants since 2014. Investments have been matched by nearly $1,000,000 in cash/in-kind contributions and technical assistance from the Economic Development Department’s New Mexico MainStreet Program.
“Businesses in New Mexico’s downtown districts need our support now more than ever. These grants support the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s mission of investing in innovative economic recovery strategies,” Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said.
“We’re elated to work with the New Mexico MainStreet Program and the McCune Charitable Foundation again in 2020 through the Resilient Communities Fund,” President of the Alliance Erick Aune said. “Such multi-sector collaborations are critical in creating an environment in New Mexico in which communities can prosper despite changing economic conditions.”
2020 Resilient Communities Fund grants are awarded to the following NM MainStreet affiliates:
- Alamogordo: Fund Local project
- Barelas: Barelas Growers Hub
- Clovis: Economic Vitality Initiative
- Gallup: Entrepreneur Resource Center
- Laguna Pueblo: Main Street Outdoor Market
- Lovington: Stay Local/Stay Strong project
- Raton: Small Business Sustainability Program
- Silver City: Downtown Recovery project Historic Bridge
- South Valley: Growing Economic Resilience project
- Truth or Consequences: MainStreet Business Marketing and Sustainability
- Tucumcari: COVID Economic Relief project
- Zuni Pueblo: Zuni Artisan Commerce project
“New Mexico MainStreet districts are working diligently to help businesses and their communities survive and recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis,” New Mexico MainStreet Director Daniel Gutierrez said. “These New Mexico Resiliency Alliance grants will help twelve of our affiliate communities implement innovative economic vitality projects. I’m proud of the dedication and creativity from all of our districts during this difficult time.”
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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 communityminded donors to mobilize resources for locally-driven, community economic development activities throughout New Mexico. For more information, visit: www.nmresiliencyalliance.org.
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: https://nmmccune.org.
About New Mexico MainStreet: New Mexico MainStreet 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. Learn more about New Mexico MainStreet’s programs and initiatives at www.nmmainstreet.org. New Mexico MainStreet is a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, gonm.biz.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2020
Contact: Jessica Mraz
JessicaL.Mraz@state.nm.us
(505) 365-3998