Community Empowerment

The NB3 Foundation’s Community Empowerment (national grantmaking) is designed to provide Native American communities, tribes and Native-led organizations with resources, tools, information and inspiration needed to create measurable impact and sustainable change in their own communities that benefit their children’s health. NB3 Foundation approaches its grantmaking by recognizing that Native American communities have the inherent knowledge, assets and values to address Native children’s health. By employing a variety of funding pathways, communities are able to focus their efforts at the levels they believe would have the most impact.

Water First! II RFA

Applications are now open for the Water First! II Community Action Grant, supporting Native-led organizations and tribal communities working to advance healthy hydration and improve water access for Native youth and families.

The application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI) due April 17, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Learn more about the funding and application process – register for the informational meeting on March 24, 2026

View Full RFA Submit Letter of Intent

Youth Council Applications Open

Calling all Native youth ages 14 to 24 living in New Mexico. This is your opportunity to take action, build leadership skills and create positive change in your community. NB3 Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 to 2027 NB3 Foundation Youth Council.

The NB3 Foundation Youth Council brings together young leaders from Native communities across New Mexico who are passionate about improving the health and well being of Native youth. Youth members serve as ambassadors for the NB3 Foundation, provide guidance on youth focused initiatives and lead service projects that support their communities.

Through the youth council, participants gain leadership development opportunities, hands on service experience and connections with peers from across the state. Members also have opportunities to represent the organization at local and national events, including youth leadership conferences and community gatherings.

Apply by April 30, 2026

Questions email Jared Lesansee at jared@nb3f.org or Simone Duran at simone@nb3f.org

Apply!

Our department focuses on three areas: Grantmaking, Youth Council and Community Engagement.

Youth Council

Grantmaking

Community Engagement

NB3 Foundation Youth Council

The NB3 Foundation Youth Council was established in August 2023 with eight youth and four advisors to help the NB3 Foundation better understand the issues impacting Native youth health in New Mexico. Youth council members will build skills through youth leadership development opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship to build and implement community projects developed by Youth Council members. Youth Council members will be equipped with the tools they need to inspire their peers, families, and communities to be mindful of their health in order to support the NB3 Foundation’s mission of ensuring Native youth achieve their full potential by advancing cultures of Native American community health.

Corey Bird
Kewa Pueblo, Hopi
Co-President

Abby Mariano
Acoma and Laguna Pueblos
Co-President

Antone Quiver
San Felipe Pueblo
Secretary

Pharrah Clark
Diné and Laguna Pueblo
Historian

Ashima Burns
Diné
Vice President of Scholarships

Leandra Baca
Santa Clara Pueblo

Quinton Begay
Dine, Pueblos of San Felipe, Jemez, Isleta

Ezekial Bird
Kewa Pueblo, Hopi

Kanaan Hoffman
Diné

Harley Martin
Diné

Summerlynn McReeves
Diné

Hannah Najohih
Diné, Kiowa

Desinayah Pacheco
Kewa Pueblo

Gionni Quiver
San Felipe Pueblo

JayLana Montoya
Santa Ana Pueblo

WynterRose Sheka
Diné, Zuni, Ho-Chunk

“They are much more flexible, allowing grantees to focus on a community-driven process. Budgets and work plans can be iterative and reflect this evolving process. They provide thoughtful resources for capacity building and TA, connecting grantees with other consultants or experts with expertise working with Native communities. I have observed their own efforts to develop their strategy and approach in a way that is intentional, uniquely indigenous, and evidence based. I consider them deep content experts and inspiring colleagues and often reach out to them for advice or help.”

– Community Partner (grantee)

Youth Council:

Established in 2023, the Youth Council focuses on building youth leadership and empowering Native youth to drive health initiatives in their communities. The first year focused on establishing the youth council and providing resources needed to enhance their personal leadership development.

Grantmaking:

We support Native-led initiatives by providing funding and resources to Native-led organizations and tribal communities. Projects include Water First! Cohorts through Policy, Systems, and Environmental change, Capacity building, promising program, Strengthening Community Knowledge, known as Technical Assistance, and projects focused on the four core areas of Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, Youth Leadership, and Cultural Connections.

Community Engagement:

We foster relationships and facilitate collaborative efforts to increase awareness and inspire action on issues impacting Native children’s health.