The Native American Prep Scholars Fund is now accepting applications.
Deadline to apply: May 22, 2026
See instructions below to apply.
The Native American Preparatory Scholars (NAPS) Fund was established in 2012 from the remaining assets of the former Native American Preparatory School located in Rowe, NM. The purpose of the fund is to support programs that increase the number of New Mexico Native American students who shall aspire to, be prepared for, and graduate from colleges and universities.
To accomplish this mission, New Mexico Community Foundation is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through our NAPS Fund.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing with the IRS (or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3)), federally recognized tribe in New Mexico, and/or an educational institution. Grants cannot be made to individuals.
Grant Focus Areas
- Programs that assist Native students with college acceptance.
- Programs whose goal is to increase college matriculation of Native students.
- Programs that support Native students for career readiness.
Timeline
- Application Opens: April 7, 2026
- Application Deadline: EXTENDED to 5 pm, May 22, 2026
- Grants Announced: End of June, 2026
- Grant year: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
Application Review Process Applications will be evaluated in a two-step process involving NMCF staff and a separate advisory committee comprising Native American Preparatory School alumni and board members.
To apply for a 2026 grant, click on the “Apply Here” button, below. Please note that you cannot save and come back to the online application. We recommend that you review questions first, then write responses in a separate document, before cutting and pasting. If you do not get a confirmation email after online submission, email jwalker@newmexicofoundation.org
Questions? Email jwalker@newmexicofoundation.org or edavila@newmexicofoundation.org
NMCF’s 2025 NAPS Fund Grant Awards:
College Horizons – $15,000 (Sandoval County)
Funds will go towards developing and sharing a guide in response to ongoing changes to the admission/financial aid process and DEI initiatives that impact Native student college attainment.
College and Career Plaza – $15,000 (Santa Fe County)
Funds will support Empowered Futures: College and Career Readiness for Native Youth program at Santa Fe Indian School. This program provides for a full-time, on-campus College and Career Advisor, to ensure that students receive individualized guidance, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities designed to increase college access, persistence, and career pathway success.
R4 Creating – $15,000 (Sandoval County)
Funds will support Mescalero Apache Schools STEM Leadership Program. This program provides training for educators to integrate 3D printing, robotics, and coding into their classrooms while mentoring students as peer leaders. Ongoing support includes monthly coaching, resource sharing, and networking opportunities to ensure long-term impact.
Bridges Project for Education – $6,000 (Taos County)
Funds will support BRIDGES Ahead and BRIDGES Forward programs for Native American students. BRIDGES Ahead provides free, one-on-one counseling to students through every stage of the postsecondary education application process and presentations and workshops at local schools and partner organizations. BRIDGES Forward ensures continued support for students in their first two years of college or career training, helping them navigate financial aid, course registration, housing, and other critical milestones.