¡Que Linda! Beautification Grant Program 2026

The Que Linda Beautification Grant is administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) to support local governments in creating or enhancing community beautification initiatives. This program aims to promote sustainable, long-term beautification efforts that connect local communities with the statewide Que Linda Beautification Toolkit. Each awarded entity will become part of a statewide cohort of program coordinators committed to elevating New Mexico’s natural beauty. The grant supports up to $200,000 per recipient and is available to 15–20 applicants. It requires hiring a full-time coordinator to lead beautification efforts and facilitate community engagement. Key responsibilities include organizing at least three events and executing two contracts aligned with the program’s eleven core strategies. These strategies range from student service learning and anti-litter education to inmate litter abatement and reporting illegal dumping. Eligible applicants include New Mexico-based counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and regional organizations serving unincorporated communities. All applicants must be in good standing with the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Applications missing any required information will be deemed incomplete and will not be reviewed. To be considered, applicants must submit a completed narrative form, a detailed budget proposal, and a letter of support from a governing body. The application form prompts responses about the local need for beautification, organizational capacity to manage the project, planned activities, and alignment with the Que Linda strategies. FY25 grantees in good standing may be prioritized if applying for a second year. Applications for FY26 opened on May 30, 2025, and will close on June 30, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of July 2025. The grant is expected to recur annually, with the next cycle projected for May 2026. Questions about the grant can be directed to Amy Whitfield at Amy.Whitfield@DOT.NM.gov or by phone at 505-309-1066. All grantees must participate in technical assistance meetings and quarterly statewide cohort convenings. The grant concludes with a final report documenting how funds were used in accordance with the eleven strategies outlined in the Que Linda Beautification Toolkit.

All questions must be answered; incomplete applications will not be reviewed; ensure alignment with Que Linda strategies