Chamiza Foundation Grant Opportunity

The Chamiza Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1989 to support the preservation and continuity of Pueblo Indian culture and traditions. Founded by Gifford and Joann Phillips in collaboration with Pueblo leadership, the foundation has maintained a long-standing commitment to funding culturally grounded initiatives that reflect the priorities and values of Pueblo communities. Its mission emphasizes sustaining traditional lifeways, languages, and cultural knowledge systems across Pueblo communities, particularly within New Mexico and affiliated tribal groups. The foundation’s grant program is designed to support projects that directly contribute to the preservation and continuation of Pueblo culture. Funding is available for programs focused on language preservation and revitalization, traditional arts and crafts, sustainable agriculture practices rooted in traditional foodways, tribal history and oral storytelling, youth education, and intercultural exchange. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that integrate cultural education with intergenerational engagement, particularly those that include language components or support youth leadership development. While funding may support certain building-related efforts, these must include traditional architectural elements and a strong cultural or educational component. Grant awards typically range from approximately 3000 to 15000 dollars, and projects must be completed within a one-year performance period unless an extension is granted due to unforeseen circumstances. The foundation imposes a cap on indirect costs at 7 percent of the total program budget. Applicants are expected to provide a detailed and itemized budget, including personnel costs, materials, transportation, and any in-kind contributions. For expenses such as printing or equipment, at least two bids or cost estimates must be documented. The foundation generally does not fund projects related to economic development, entrepreneurship, or health-focused initiatives. Eligibility is restricted to Pueblo Indian tribal communities and organizations serving these communities. Specifically, eligible applicants include New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo tribes, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in Texas, Pueblo leadership entities, and nonprofit organizations that partner directly with Pueblo communities. Non-Pueblo organizations must demonstrate collaboration with a Pueblo entity and provide a letter of support from the Governor of the respective Pueblo. This letter is a mandatory component of every application, and updated letters are required for each new submission, including cases involving multiple Pueblos. The application process is structured around two annual funding cycles. For the 2026 cycle, the first round opened on January 9 with a submission deadline of February 6, and the second round opens on April 10 with a final deadline of May 8. Applications must be submitted as a complete PDF package via email, including all required forms, budget documentation, and supporting attachments such as staff resumes or bios. While emailed submissions are preferred, mailed applications are also accepted. The foundation strongly recommends contacting the Executive Director in advance to discuss project ideas or clarify requirements. Applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors, which meets after each deadline to determine grant awards. For the 2026 cycle, review meetings are scheduled for March 13 and June 11 corresponding to each funding round. Evaluation is based on alignment with the foundation’s mission, cultural relevance, community support, and the quality and completeness of the proposal materials. Applicants may contact the Executive Director, Dr. Amanda J. Montoya, via email or phone for assistance during the application process. The program operates on an annual recurring basis with two defined submission windows each year.

Ensure strong alignment with Pueblo cultural preservation priorities and include detailed, itemized budgets with required supporting documentation