New Mexico Foundation | www.newmexicofoundation.org | 505.820.6860

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2020

Native American Relief Fund Provides $575,000 to Pueblos, Tribes and Nations in New Mexico for COVID-19 Response

Santa Fe, NM – May 28, 2020 – The Native American Relief Fund distributed $575,000 on Friday, May 22, 2020 to support COVID-19 response and relief efforts in tribal communities in New Mexico. These funds were distributed equally among the twenty-three Pueblos, Tribes and Nations located wholly or partially in the state. Each Pueblo, Tribe or Nation can use these resources as it determines to prevent, mitigate or respond to threats from the COVID-19 pandemic including: food, medical supplies and personal items; water; community and individual relief and recovery needs; internet access and connectivity and other needs and expenses directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribal governments can also count these funds toward the non-federal match requirements needed to secure Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“It is a tragedy that Native Americans comprise over 58% of COVID-19 cases in New Mexico,” said President & CEO JoAnn Melchor. “We are grateful to all the foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals who are contributing to the Native American Relief Fund – your generosity is making a significant difference for tribal communities and families in this time of great challenge and suffering.”

Governor Charles D. Naranjo of Cochiti Pueblo and Joannie Romero. Photo courtesy Joannie Romero

The New Mexico Foundation launched the Native American Relief Fund on April 20, 2020 to prevent, mitigate or respond to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on New Mexico Tribes, Nations and Pueblos and Native Americans who live off-reservation. While the fundraising toward the original $3 million goal is ongoing, the New Mexico Foundation recognized the urgency to begin distributing the funds as financial needs continue to rise in tribal communities.

“We are extremely grateful for all the support that has made its way to Cochiti. We are thankful that our community does not have any cases of COVID-19 and realize the incredible sacrifices everyone is doing to safeguard our people and our way of life,” said Cochiti Pueblo Governor Charles D. Naranjo, “Lieutenant Governor Pecos and I can’t express how much we appreciation we have for all of those involved who are supporting the Native American Relief Fund.”

“On behalf of the Navajo Nation Donation Branch, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the grant award from the Native American Relief Fund of the New Mexico Foundation. This was a very generous donation. Thank you for your support of the Navajo Nation COVID-19 relief effort and for your solidarity with the Navajo People during this crisis.” Mel M. Rodis, Principal Attorney, Navajo Nation Department of Justice.

The next distribution of funds from the Native American Relief Fund will be done through an open application process. Any federally-recognized tribe wholly or partly located in New Mexico as well as non-profit organizations that provide the majority of their services to Native Americans residing on the lands of one or more of these tribes or residing off-reservation in New Mexico will be eligible to apply for these funds.

Photo courtesy Joannie Romero

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About the New Mexico Foundation

The mission of the New Mexico Foundation is to steward resources, build partnerships, and create opportunities that transform lives and communities throughout New Mexico. The Foundation pools resources to support New Mexico’s most underserved communities, strengthens New Mexico’s nonprofits and grow philanthropy, especially in rural New Mexico. It also connects donors to valuable projects and vulnerable communities, as well as work to be responsive to current, and often urgent, community needs.

For more information visit: https://nmcf.org/