Sponsorship Program

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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.
- nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, tribal governments, other state entities

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

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Section 1: Applicant Information

Legal Name of Organization*

Fiscal Agent (if applicable)

Contact Person*

Title*

Email*

Phone Number*

Website*

Proof of good standing with NM Secretary of State for organizations*

Max. file size: 512 MB.

Proof of good standing with the NM Department of Justice*

Max. file size: 512 MB.

W-9*

Please complete this DFA Substitute W-9 form. Upload the completed form here.

Max. file size: 512 MB.

Section 2: Project Information

Project Title*

Project Date(s)*

Project Description*

Briefly describe your project and its activities.

Project Budget*

Budget for the entire project. Some projects may be large and multifaceted. One individual portion of a larger project may be identified for specific sponsorship. Only one individual sponsorship application may be submitted per project.

Are you requesting for specific sponsorship for a portion of a larger project?*

Yes

If yes, describe the larger project and how the individual portion fits into the larger project.*

Note: Throughout this application, answer questions related to the project as in relation to the larger project, not just the funded portion.

Requested Sponsorship Amount*

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 evaluation criteria.

Describe what the sponsorship funds will be used for*

Describe the motivation for applying for this sponsorship. What will be missing in the community if this project is not funded?*

Sponsorship Category*

Select one or more categories that align with your project.

Events and Convenings: Community events, festivals, performances, lectures, symposia.

Education Resources and Activities: Implement the NM Spirit Educational Activity program materials, or other activities that provide opportunities to engage with the commemorative themes.

Cultural and Historical Exhibits: Physical or traveling exhibitions, biographical or documentary projects.

Section 3: Project Narrative & Selection

Relevance to Commemoration Themes (40 points)*

Please provide a narrative (maximum 500 words/3,000 characters) detailing how your project aligns with at least one of the commemoration's four key themes. Full descriptions may be found HERE.

Common Ground and Historical Identity
Histories of Independence
New Mexico’s Contribution
Historical Reflection and Progress

Community Engagement and Benefit (35 points)*

Please provide a narrative (maximum 500 words/3,000 characters) detailing how the project will benefit the community. Please include:

Identify the geographic area the project will directly impact.
Describe how the project will strengthen community engagement.
Describe how the project will contribute to community enrichment and education.
Describe how the project will serve populations historically underserved due to ethnicity, economics, geography, or disability.
Describe the role of anticipated partners (individuals and/or organizations) and/or sponsors (in kind, monetary, etc.) you have identified for this project. Letters of support are encouraged but not required.

Organizational Capacity and Feasibility (25 points)*

Please provide a narrative (maximum 500 words/3,000 characters) detailing your organization's capacity to fulfill the program.

Demonstrate that the organization has the capability to fulfill the program.
Demonstrate that your organization has been providing programs to the public for a minimum of six months prior to the application deadline. Letters of support are encouraged but not required.

Upload one PDF of the professional bios of key individuals involved in the project and outline their relevant experience and roles.*

Max. file size: 512 MB.

Section 4: Project Budget Form

Budget Information*

Applicant Notes: Type may refer to Service, Product, Personnel, or Other. The Line Total equals Quantity × Cost per Item. Round all amounts to the nearest dollar. Ensure costs align with allowable uses of funds as outlined in the Sponsorship Program Guidelines.

Description

Type

Quantity

Cost per Item

Line Total

Budget Narrative*

Provide a brief explanation of your proposed budget. Describe how the requested funds will be used, how costs were determined, and how each expense supports the success of your project. If applicable, note any matching funds or in-kind contributions.

Section 5: Project Timeline

Detailed Timeline*

Fill in timeline to demonstrate the project milestones that will be met to ensure the project will be completed on or before June 30, 2027.

Note: Funded portions of projects cannot begin before the sponsorship is officially awarded.

Section 6: Required Post-Award Commitments

By submitting this application, you agree to the following post-award requirements if your project is selected for sponsorship:

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 plan and be prepared to collect required data while executing their program.

Withheld Funds: Upon approval of the final report by the sponsorship program manager the remaining ten percent (10%) of the award amount will be processed for final payment.
Branding: The official New Mexico Semi-Quincentennial brand - New Mexico Spirit - must be utilized on all creative materials. Co-branding guidance will be provided. All creative materials must be reviewed and approved by the Elevate 1776 team before use.
Project Changes: Awardees must inform the Elevate 1776 team of any major changes to the project and its progress.

Certification*

I certify that the information in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I also certify that I am authorized to submit this application on behalf of this organization.

Digital Signature*

Title*

Date*

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