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.

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

Grantmaking

Youth Council

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

Ezekial Bird
Kewa Pueblo, Hopi

Marcus Tenorio
San Felipe Pueblo

Quinton Begay
Pueblos of San Felipe, Jemez, Isleta and Diné

“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.