The mission of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) is to promote the restoration and preservation of historic buildings, scenic and recreational resources, and culturally significant aspects of life in the San Luis Valley. Their efforts aim to support heritage preservation, tourism, and the enhancement of local communities within Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties, alongside various wildlife refuges and national parks in the area.
The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area offers annual Heritage Grants to local organizations that work in alignment with its mission. These grants facilitate projects focused on historic preservation, cultural and heritage education, interpretation and way-finding, conservation, and recreation with a heritage emphasis. The goal is to foster community engagement, stimulate local discussion, and encourage collaboration among community members and partners. Projects funded are expected to have a significant impact on local cultural and historic heritage preservation and education. The application process is competitive, urging applicants to align their proposals with the Heritage Area Management Plan Goals and Objectives.