Cause For Thought

The New Mexico Community Foundation's scope of work and accomplishments is nothing short of incredible. Founded in 1983, NMCF has firmly established itself as a leader in the philanthropic field, coordinating programs and awarding grants to hundreds of nonprofit organizations all over the state.

Michael Chamberlain, Chief Operating Officer of NMCF, comments: "During the last five years, NMCF has grown from $6 million to over $21 million of total assets. Similarly, grant making has increased from just over $1 million to over $3 million annually. These accomplishments show how NMCF is investing in New Mexico's communities and their greatest asset…people."

Arts, emergency need, youth development, elders… from Shiprock's Navajo AIDS Network to the Carlsbad Mental Health Association; from Rio Grande Restoration in El Prado to the Kids In Distressed Situations Project in Las Cruces, NMCF truly makes a difference in every area.

Meet just a few of NMCF's many success stories:

Red Dakota Waddie Crazyhorse
Waddie is from the Pueblo of Cochiti. Since the age of 15, Waddie has participated in the NM Youth Alliance, an advisory board to the Governor partially funded by NMCF. The Youth Alliance aims to grow strong leaders and give youth an authentic voice in state government. Its participants make positive changes in policy on issues that impact young people, making them not only the future leaders of New Mexico but current leaders, today. Waddie is currently preparing to attend Stanford University this fall.

The Christmas Store
This innovative project assists Albuquerque families to provide gifts for their children in a way that preserves the dignity of the family. Volunteers make home visits to find out what gifts are needed, find resources for clothing and toys, wrap the gifts, then invite parents to pick them up to take home. Appropriately, parents rather than well-meaning strangers present gifts to their families. The Christmas Store is an example of one of NMCF's Donor Advised Funds and it also exemplifies one of their core philosophies: respecting the dignity and humanity of all.

Tres Manos Women's Weaving Collaborative
This groundbreaking micro-enterprise program supported by NMCF teaches women from the colonias (unincorporated settlements) of borderland New Mexico the skills of textile weaving. Once trained, the women can sell their beautiful products in the Tres Manos store, keeping 70% of the sale price. Through Tres Manos, the women can still work from home, yet their new skills transform their families' resources while they form deep friendships and strengthen their communities.

Learn more about the lives that NMCF continues to touch. Ballantines PR is on hand to provide you with focused info and grassroots stories specific to your areas of interest. The New Mexico Community Foundation: Growing Our Future, Together

Sarah Robarts
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