Sponsorship Program - Partner With Us - NM 1776

Sponsorship Program - Partner With Us - NM 1776
Sponsorship Program
Partners
Sponsorship Program
Elevate 1776 Sponsorship Program
A funding program to support related events and experiences
The Elevate 1776 Sponsorship Program aims to support initiatives that explore, educate, and reflect on the
commemoration’s themes
by fostering collaboration among New Mexico communities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and local and Tribal governments.
Elevate 1776 aims to support projects leading up to the commemoration date, July 4, 2026 and those which continue through the 2026/2027 academic year. All eligible applications for projects within this time period will be reviewed. All awarded projects must conclude by June 30, 2027.
Sponsorship Categories
Sponsorship is available for programs that align with the commemoration’s themes. Applicants may only submit one application and that application must include at least one of the following categories, depending on their project’s scope:
Events and Convenings
Supports community-driven public events such as festivals, performances, public readings, and creative workshops. It also includes scholarly convenings like roundtables, lectures, and symposia that explore the historical and philosophical aspects of the commemoration’s themes.
Education Resources and Activities
Supports educational projects that help learners of all ages explore New Mexico’s many stories of independence, identity, and community. Applicants may propose their own educational activities; however, priority consideration will be given to proposals that incorporate activities from the
Discovering Our Independence, An NM Spirit Learning Initiative
Cultural and Historical Exhibits
Provides sponsorship for physical and traveling exhibitions at museums, historical sites, libraries, and cultural centers. It can also support biographical and documentary projects that explore the lives of individuals who played pivotal roles in New Mexico’s history during 1776, particularly those whose stories have been marginalized in traditional narratives.
Program Guidelines
The following guidelines outline eligibility, funding requirements, selection criteria, and post-award responsibilities. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the criteria to ensure their proposals meet eligibility requirements and align with the themes and priorities established by the New Mexico 250 Commission and the NM Spirit brand.
Eligibility & Funding
Eligible Applicants:
Applicants must be based in and manage events within New Mexico. The organization’s W9 must have a New Mexico address and be signed within nine months of application submission.
Nonprofit organizations
Municipalities
Counties
Tribal governments
School districts
Other state entities
Ineligible Applicants:
Individuals
Guided tours and tourism product development
For-profit applicants, unless they partner with a government entity to serve as their fiscal agent
General Requirements:
Eligible applicants must have a minimum of six (6) months of continuous public programming prior to the application deadline.
Sponsorship Amounts:
Awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000, based on a competitive application and selection process. Final award amounts will be determined by the selection committee based on the established selection criteria.
Total sponsorship program budget is up to $250,000.
Funding Restrictions:
Sponsorship funds cannot be used for:
Projects that have already occurred. Recurring, annual events are eligible.
Capital improvements, new construction, renovation, or conservation.
Parties, receptions, fund-raising events, and other social functions.
Direct aid to individuals, including fellowships, scholarships, cash prizes, incentives or awards.
Deficit reduction.
The purchase of permanent acquisitions like buildings or land.
Grant writing or lobbying.
Operational costs or organizational overhead.
Match Requirement:
A match is not required, but projects with co-funding and partnerships will be highly valued during the selection process.
Disbursement of Funds:
Successful applicants will receive a notice of award and then an agreement for review. Once the agreement has been signed by both parties, the sponsorship is in full-effect. The applicant will be notified that they may begin work.
At this time, a payment equal to ninety percent (90%) of the award amount will be processed. The remaining ten percent (10%) of the award amount will be held until the final report is submitted and approved.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed and scored on a maximum of 100 points, with a minimum score of 65 points required for funding consideration.
Relevance to Commemoration Themes (40 points):
Reviewers will consider how well the project aligns with at least one of the four key themes:
Common Ground and Historical Identity
Histories of Independence
New Mexico’s Contribution
Historical Reflection and Progress
Community Engagement and Benefit (35 points):
Reviewers will consider the project’s contribution to the enrichment and education of the community it serves. Sponsorship applications must include:
A detailed explanation of the project’s anticipated community benefits
The roles of any participating partners or organizations
The geographic area the project will serve. Applicants are encouraged to highlight collaborative efforts that strengthen community engagement and ensure meaningful local impact.
Organizational Capacity and Feasibility (25 points):
Reviewers will consider the quality of the organization’s project and budget management. This includes the feasibility of the project budget and timelines, the capability of key individuals/volunteers to fulfill the program, and the accuracy and completeness of the application.
Post-Award Requirements
Upon receiving an award, sponsored organizations and their projects must adhere to the following requirements:
Project Timeline:
Adhere to the project timeline in the originally submitted application. This timeline demonstrates how the funded project will be completed on or before June 30, 2027.
Note:
Funded projects (or funded elements of a larger project) cannot begin work before the sponsorship is in full effect. Successful applicants will be notified when their sponsorship is in full-effect and they may begin work.
Branding and Marketing:
All sponsored projects must utilize the official New Mexico Semi-Quincentennial brand – New Mexico Spirit. Co-branding guidance will be provided to successful applicants. All creative materials must be reviewed and approved by the Elevate 1776 team in the design phase, before they are approved for purchase, creation, implementation or distribution.
Interim Reporting:
During the term of the agreement, successful applicants may be asked give a short presentation to the Commission to inform them of the project and it’s status.
Final Report:
A required final report is due within 30 days of the completion of the project or within 30 days of the completion of the funded portion of a larger project. Reporting is essential. Data collected will be compiled and summarized into a larger report that is reflective of the overall impact of the Commission.
The report template is provided
HERE
to allow successful applicants to plan and be prepared to collect required data while developing their program. The report asks for applicants to provide accurate and precise measurement data. Including but not limited to participation numbers, community impact and other relevant metrics.
Project Changes:
Awardees must inform the Elevate 1776 team of any major changes to the project and its progress.
Join Us – Partner with NM Spirit to Commemorate New Mexico’s Journey
NM Spirit was established by the Semi-Quincentennial Commission to commemorate this significant moment in our nation’s history. Our mission extends beyond marking an anniversary; we aim to bring New Mexicans together to reflect on our shared past and envision the...
Application and Award Process
Online Application:
Applications must be submitted online. Applications submitted by other methods will not be accepted or considered.
Timeline:
Sponsorship program announced December 3, 2025
Sponsorship program application due by January 15, 2026
Sponsorship applications for Elevate 1776 are now closed. We’re grateful for the incredible interest and support, and we encourage you to check back for future sponsorship opportunities.
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