NTEC Community Benefit Fund

$2.3 million invested in Navajo communities

NTEC CBF at a Glance

NTEC’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is an annual micro grant fund designed to help Navajo communities and people improve their quality of life. NTEC donates up to $300,000 annually to CBF projects. In 2024, NTEC CBF funded 37 projects from throughout the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.

Since NTEC created the Community Benefit Fund in 2016, NTEC has given more than $2.3 million to Navajo Chapters and non-profits with projects that support the Navajo people and communities.

The Community Benefit Fund is another way NTEC keeps an eye on the future to ensure that emerging social, economic, and environmental needs are addressed in a self-sustaining manner.

Each year, NTEC opens the application period with an informative workshop. The workshop helps applicants understand the goals of the Fund and how to apply.

The applications are reviewed by a committee that reviews projects based on a number of different scopes. Once selected, the winners are announced and celebrated with a luncheon.

The application period for 2025 open in August 2025.

NTEC CBF at a Glance

NTEC’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is an annual micro grant fund designed to help Navajo communities and people improve their quality of life. NTEC donates up to $300,000 annually to CBF projects. In 2024, NTEC CBF funded 37 projects from throughout the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.

Since NTEC created the Community Benefit Fund in 2016, NTEC has given more than $2.3 million to Navajo Chapters and non-profits with projects that support the Navajo people and communities.

The Community Benefit Fund is another way NTEC keeps an eye on the future to ensure that emerging social, economic, and environmental needs are addressed in a self-sustaining manner.

Each year, NTEC opens the application period with an informative workshop. The workshop helps applicants understand the goals of the Fund and how to apply.

The applications are reviewed by a committee that reviews projects based on a number of different scopes. Once selected, the winners are announced and celebrated with a luncheon.

The application period for 2025 open in August 2025.

CBF Eligibility

The applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
  • 501(c)(3) non-profit organization tax-exempt letter
  • Educational entity
  • Navajo Nation Chapter with an existing operational budget

All project selection and awards are made at the discretion of NTEC.  Application submission will not in any way create a right, entitlement, or contract to any program submitting a project proposal.

All eligible entities and organizations may submit only one project application per funding year.

Applicants must meet NTEC Community Benefit Fund guidelines for determination and award. All funding must be used in the calendar year it is awarded.

CBF Eligibility

The applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
  • 501(c)(3) non-profit organization tax-exempt letter
  • Educational entity
  • Navajo Nation Chapter with an existing operational budget

All project selection and awards are made at the discretion of NTEC.  Application submission will not in any way create a right, entitlement, or contract to any program submitting a project proposal.

All eligible entities and organizations may submit only one project application per funding year.

Applicants must meet NTEC Community Benefit Fund guidelines for determination and award. All funding must be used in the calendar year it is awarded.

How to Apply

All funding requests are made through a formal application which is posted when the application period opens in August each year.

The application and supporting documents must be submitted electronically, mailed or hand delivered to NTEC’s Farmington office. School programs must provide documentation of project approval from the school administration. Navajo Nation Chapter applications must include a chapter resolution supporting the request of funds for the selected project.

The following are not considered for funding:

  • Applications from political organizations and/or campaigns of elected officials
  • Applications from religious organizations for religious purposes
  • Applications from government agencies for projects that do not directly benefit the community
  • Applications from groups or affiliates to fund lawsuits or operational expenses
  • Recurring expenses caused by shortfalls in government funding
  • Travel costs/ travel-related expenses including but not limited to: air fare, bus tickets, meals, accommodation, mileage and car rentals, entertainment costs
  • Requests that benefit an individual or small group of individuals
  • Organization operating/administrative cost such as salary, stipends, wages or consultant fees, office and maintenance fees
  • Incomplete or late applications
For more information, email nteccbf@navenergy.com.

How to Apply

All funding requests are made through a formal application which is posted when the application period opens in August each year.

The application and supporting documents must be submitted electronically, mailed or hand delivered to NTEC’s Farmington office. School programs must provide documentation of project approval from the school administration. Navajo Nation Chapter applications must include a chapter resolution supporting the request of funds for the selected project.

The following are not considered for funding:

  • Applications from political organizations and/or campaigns of elected officials
  • Applications from religious organizations for religious purposes
  • Applications from government agencies for projects that do not directly benefit the community
  • Applications from groups or affiliates to fund lawsuits or operational expenses
  • Recurring expenses caused by shortfalls in government funding
  • Travel costs/ travel-related expenses including but not limited to: air fare, bus tickets, meals, accommodation, mileage and car rentals, entertainment costs
  • Requests that benefit an individual or small group of individuals
  • Organization operating/administrative cost such as salary, stipends, wages or consultant fees, office and maintenance fees
  • Incomplete or late applications
For more information, email nteccbf@navenergy.com.

2025 CBF Recipients & Project Highlights

RECIPIENT PROJECT IMPACT
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Juan County (BBBS-SJC) Native American Mentoring Initiative Purchase activity and supplies for mentorship program.
Bodaway Gap Chapter The Fleece Fellowship Purchase wool from local residents, then teach summer youth kids to clean and prepare wool for weaving. Finally, teach summer weaving courses.
Boys & Girls Club of Farmington (Boys & Girls Club of San Juan County) Career Exploration and Teen Leadership Purchase TransfrVR modules for career exploration training, motorcycle and auto repair.
Chilchinbeto Chapter Chilchinbeto Mobile Home Weatherization Project Weatherize 29 homes.
Chinle Chapter Government Chinli’ Diné Cultural Workshops Workshops and cultural community presentations, including presenters food and supplies.
Collaborative for Harmony, Empowerment & Innovation, Inc. (Cheii) Round Rock Community History Project and Cultural Education Language and Cultural workshops, printing, and supplies.
Crystal Chapter Hoop House and Community Garden Purchase and install Hoop house for a community garden.
Diné We Can Empowering Youth on Life Skills from the Seat of a Bicycle Host bike series throughout southwestern Navajo Nation for youth.
Don’t Meth With Us Foundation, Inc. Don’t Meth With Us Provide workshop in CCSD and SJC about the danger of methamphetamines.
First Tee Four Corners Field Days at Riverview Host events at Riverview for youth mentorship program and include food and supplies.
Fort Defiance Chapter Fort Defiance Clean Up Operation Clean up illegal waste, public announcements and signage program.
Houck Chapter Houck Chapter Community Recreation Park Purchase and install basketball, volleyball and picnic area for community park.
IGW Children’s Hope Foundation, Inc. Children’s Healthcare and Wellbeing To purchase supplies for children with special needs.
Kirtland Youth Association, Inc. Supporting and Shaping the Future To support KYA after school and summer youth programs.
Mariano Lake Chapter Mariano Lake Community Ramp Project Purchase materials and hardware for handicap ramps to be installed to 30 to 40 homes.
Masada House, Inc. Masada House Transitional Recovery for Women Bathroom Remodel Demolition and renovation of woman’s restroom at Masada House.
Nahata Dziil Commission Governance Warm Hands and Open hearts Woodshed and Wheelbarrow Project Build 10 to 15 woodsheds for elderly and disabled community members.
Naschitti Community Governance (Chapter) Naschitti Wood Stove Pipe Replacement Purchase and install wood stove pipe kits for 25 families.
National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project Project Venture Purchase activity tickets and supplies for youth participation.
NavajoYES Navajo Code Talker Art Project To create Navajo Code Talkers painting, disseminate posters and baseball cards.
Nenahenzad Chapter Nenahnezad Riverwalk Improvements To purchase a wood chipper and create mulch for walking trail.
New Mexico Association for the Education of Young Children (NMAEYC) and Explora Growing STEM Leadership for early Childhood Education Providers in NW NM To provide Explora 10 workshops and materials.
Newcomb Chapter Newcomb Chapter Playground Area Purchase custom shade for children’s playground.
Northwest New Mexico Arts Council Cultural Adornment in the Southwest “Talk and Jewelry Making Workshop” To conduct five workshops for Navajo jewelry making and storytelling.
Ojo Encino Chapter Ojo Encino Clean Energy Initiative Conduct energy audit and weatherization on the Chapter, Senior Center, and EMS building. Purchase heating/cooling units that will be installed.
Red Lake Chapter Red Lake Farm Board Diversion Dam Repair Phase-I Purchase materials to repair diversion dam of Black Creek.
Rez Wrestling Empowering our Youth Purchase wresting gears for 30 kids in club wresting program.
Rio del Sol Kiwanis Kiwanis Clothes and Shoes for kids Providing clothing for kids within low-income families.
San Juan Chapter Projector Setup Purchase and install meeting projector and screen for chapter use.
Sawmill Chapter Purchase Water Barrels and Wood Splitters Purchase wood splitters and water barrels for use by community members.
Shiprock Community Development Corporation Shiprock Heart and Soul-Community Engagement Conduct community workshops to empower community members in Thinking, Planning, and Implementing projects.
Tibbetts All Ability Park Foundation, Inc. Boundless Journey Adventure All Abilities Park Contribute to ongoing construction of All-Ability Park in Farmington.
Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity 2025 Home Build Purchase materials for Habitat for Humanity for home construction.
Tse Al Naozti’I (Sanostee) Chapter Winter Ready Tools Purchase equipment to cut firewood for the elders.
Tsidi To’ii (BirdSprings) Chapter Project Warmth Part II Purchase 20 wood burning stoves, supplies and installation.
Upper Fruitland Chapter Upper Fruitland Movie Nights Purchase and install portable projector with screens for chapter use.
Veterns of Foreign Wars Post 9517 Removal of Trailer on VFW Post Rental of roll-away dumpster containers to remove waste materials from VFW property.

Aztec Public Schools: Kinteel Bi Ol Ta Culture Celebration

The dormitory section at Aztec Public Schools held a two-day event to showcase Native American culture during Native American Heritage Month. The first day had Native American dancers and singers representing Omaha, Comanche, Southern Ute, and Navajo tribes performing at all the Aztec Public Schools. On the second day, the general public was invited to an all-day pow-wow held at Aztec High School. The Culture Celebration was the first of its kind for Aztec Public Schools.

New Mexico Arts Council: Navajo.Zine Ba’ Hané Poetry Book

Navajo.Zine is a bilingual literary magazine published in April of 2023 and had a public reading of submissions from the authors who were mostly comprised of students from Navajo Preparatory School. Students expressed their talents through written poetry and visual arts. The book can be viewed digitally on the Art Council’s website.

Teesto Chapter: A New Walking Trail

Teesto Chapter is in a remote area neighboring the Hopi Tribal Reservation in the center of the Navajo Nation. The chapter is working to create community activities for residents by the building of a walking trail. The trail, with newly planted trees for shade on hot summer days and roses for beautification, helps the community stay active.

Kiwanis Club: Clothes Shopping for Kids

Every year, the Farmington Rio del Sol Kiwanis Club organizes the “Kiwanis Clothes for Kids” Program that provides clothing for more than 320 children in need from the San Juan County area. NTEC has been a sponsor for this program for the past several years and NTEC employees volunteer to take families shopping for clothes.