NTEC Community Benefit Fund

$2.9 million invested in Navajo communities

NTEC CBF at a Glance

NTEC’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is an annual microgrant fund designed to help Navajo communities and people improve their quality of life. NTEC donates up to $300,000 annually to CBF projects. In 2026, NTEC CBF funded 29 projects from throughout the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.

Since NTEC created the Community Benefit Fund in 2016, NTEC has given more than $2.9 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 2027 will open in August 2026.

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 2027 will open in August 2026.

CBF Eligibility

CBF Guidelines

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

APPLY HERE

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

Apply Online or download this PDF and return it to nteccbf@navenergy.com.

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 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.

2026 CBF Recipients & Project Highlights

RECIPIENT	PROJECT	IMPACT
Bidii Baby Foods (The BEN Initiative)	Farmer-in-REZidence Program	The program emphasizes cultural knowledge, sustainability, & self-determination, while creating pathways for Navajo farmers to strengthen food sovereignty and generating income for their families.
Childhaven	Emergency Shelter Lighting Project	Replace outdated and failing light fixtures throughout Childhaven’s emergency shelter facility.
CHEII – Collaborative for Harmony, Empowerment & Innovation, Inc	Navajo Culture & Language Camps	Conduct Camps for Navajo youth to build place-based connection with their homeland, promote wellness and health, engage with Navajo elders, and build leadership skills.
Coyote Canyon Rehabilitation Center	Washer – Dryer	Replace Washer and Dryers in residential homes.
Houck Chapter	Wood Harvest Project	The project will consist of harvesting wood for the winter months. Some stoves will be purchased for families based on the CHR’s High Risk Elder & Disabled list.
Kin Dah Lichii Chapter Government	Dead Trees Clearance (Bark Beetle Infestation)	They will clear dead trees and thereby provide safer and healthier forest, free from potential fire hazard and dropping trees/branches.
Mariano Lake Chapter	Solid Waste Transfer Station	Begin the development of land for a Solid Waste Transfer Station. Phase 1 is to install a building to be used as an office for the entire facility.
Mexican Water Chapter	Weaving the Sacred: Indigenous Identity and Cultural Renewal	Instructional Weaving Workshop Program to revitalize traditional Navajo weaving, promote mental wellness, and strengthen Indigenous Identity.
Naschitti Community Governance	“We Cut – You Haul” Community Firewood Harvesting Project	Chapter staff/employees will cut wood and local community members will come and haul to their homes for personal use.
National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project	Project Venture	Deliver Project Venture Program to school students. Project Venture uses 3 components: experiential, outdoor and adventure activities that promote positive self-concepts, effective social skills, community service ethic, resiliency and increased decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Navajo Yes	Code Talker Art Project	Create original painting that will be made into posters and shared throughout schools, chapters.
Nenahnezad Chapter	Youth Baseball Field Renovations	The project will consist of rehabilitation of the Chapter’s existing youth baseball field. Specifically, the construction of a “foul ball” safety netting and adding two-batting/pitching cages.
New Mexico State University Foundation, on behalf of NMSU Cooperative Extension Service’s Navajo Sustainable Agriculture Project	Sustaining Navajo Rangelands: Training in Restoration & Grazing Management	Conduct workshops that will provide education, training, demonstration, and other techniques, that will strengthen the capacity of Navajo livestock producers resulting in the sustainable stewardship and management of healthy rangelands.
Northwest New Mexico Arts Council	Nihi iina (Our way of Life/Our journey) Puzzle Art	Create early childhood puzzles promotes sequencing, teamwork, problem solving and fine motor skills, while making learning fun.
Presbyterian Medical Services	The Giving Room – Supporting Families in Need	Provide resources to create and maintain The Giving Room, which is set up like a free store, where families can pick up things they need at no cost.
Red Feather Development Group	Sustainable Housing Solutions through the Native Home Resource Network	A specialized case management program designed to help families address critical home health & safety concerns. At its core, NHRN is about leveraging partnerships, expanding resources, & building healthier, safe homes ensuring that Indigenous families have the tools & support they need to thrive.
Roadrunner Food Bank, Inc.	Navajo Nation Food Distributions	Funds would support the purchase of culturally relevant and nutritious food for distributions to locations on the Navajo Nation. This project developed in response to disproportionately high rates of food insecurity in Tribal communities and the limited access to grocery stores on the Navajo Nation.
St. Michaels Chapter	Community Bin and Trailer	Purchase Steel roll off Dump Bin & Trailer to support wide range of community clean-up & chapter projects
Tibbetts All Ability Park Foundation	Boundless Journey Adventure All Ability Park	Construct All Ability Park on 7 acre parcel formerly Tibbetts Middle School. It will be first fully inclusive accessible and adaptive playground in San Juan County.
Tiis Tsoh Sikaad (Burnham) Chapter	Community Propane Bottle Distribution Project	Tiis Tsoh Sikaad Chapter aims to distribute new 100lb propane tanks to residents who reside within the remote location of the Burnham community. Propane provides fuel for heating & cooking because natural gas & electricity are either not available or unreliable.
Toadlena/Two Grey Hills Chapter	Chuska Mountain Skateboard Park and Healing Garden	Build and maintain a Skateboard park and Healing Garden for the community.
Tohatchi Community Chapter	Revitalize Tohatchi Chapter Kitchen for Cultural and Social Wellness	To renovate and transform aging community kitchen into a vibrant, multi-use space that reflects the Chapter’s commitment to cultural preservation, community wellness, and progressive self-governance.
Tooh Haltsooi (Sheep Springs) Chapter	Tooh Haltsooi Chapter Community Healing Garden	Build a healing garden as a dedicated space where community members can find peace, restoration, & connection with the natural environment. The garden will provide a quiet, open environment that supports emotional well-being, cultural reflection, & community gatherings.
Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity	Building Access to Hope	The project will provide a lasting impact by transforming an uninhabitable structure into a safe, beautiful, and affordable home for a family in need—extending opportunity and dignity through stable housing.
Tsayatoh Chapter	Woodland Haul	Purchase equipment and supplies to cut wood to disburse throughout the year, to families that struggle to get their own firewood.
Tse Si Ani (Lupton) Chapter	Security System Project	Provide upgrade, enhance and utilize up-to-date technology to provide security for Chapter, multipurpose building, headstart and Senior Citizens Center property.
Tsidi To’ii (Birdsprings) Chapter	Project Warmth Part III	Funding from this grant will be allocated to purchase wood-burning stoves, providing recipients with a sustainable and safe long-term heating solution.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9517	Renovate VFW Building	Funding will be used to remodel and install restroom facilities in metal warehouse structure.
Volunteer Incentive Program	Earn by Serving: Empowering Youth Through the Power of Service	Provide funding to youth organizations that complete approved community service projects.

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.