2009 Grants Announced

$2,470,000 through 265 grants was awarded to social profit (nonprofit) organizations during the 2009 calendar year, down 14% from the previous twelve month cycle. 

“Despite losses to the value of our endowment fund, our staff and trustees worked harder than ever to maximize funding to support social profit (nonprofit) organizations”, said Randy Royster, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, “we saw an increase in need because of the decline in the economy and the stretched state budget and determinedly moved forward to provide funding opportunities.”  It will take some time for the endowment pool to rebound, but it’s more important to support nonprofit programs providing services today for those who are in serious need.” 

The Foundation manages 200 charitable funds for individuals, families, and corporations valued at approximately $48 million.  Competitive grants are awarded through six fields of interest, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Education, Environmental & Historic Preservation, Health and Human Services.

According to Victor Chavez, Board President, the Foundation has added an additional priority to its mission, “given the magnitude of needs in the greater Albuquerque area,” Chavez said, “creating the power of many by combining resources of the public, private, and philanthropic sectors provides the best chance to achieve significant change.  Our strategic partnerships with New Mexico Collaboration to End Hunger and the Office of Philanthropic Outreach have helped to expand our reach in the community and across the state. ” 

• New Mexico Collaboration to End Hunger-Nancy Pope, Executive Director, wrote the New Mexico Plan to End Hunger three years ago.  The overarching goal was to move New Mexico from worst in the nation in hunger to the 5^th worst (45^th ranking) in three years.  This goal was accomplished with the newest USDA statistics in November, 2009 which showed New Mexico as the 5^th worst state in the nation in food insecurity, (hunger).  “It’s critical to feed hungry New Mexicans, however the NM Collaboration to End Hunger is also seeking fundamental change.  The Community Foundation recognizes the difference and has supported us with grant dollars, Board support, office space and staff volunteers.”  Nancy Pope, Director NM Collaboration to End Hunger.
• Office of Philanthropic Outreach-the success of the hunger collaboration led the Kellogg Foundation to select the Community Foundation to partner with on this endeavor.  The third such collaboration in the U.S., the office is funded through a grant from the Kellogg Foundation to identify innovative funding partnerships that can be leveraged to fill shortfalls in services to strengthening and connecting resources for New Mexico’s families.  Building on past public/private partnerships, the office will ensure a coordinated effort among state, local and national foundations and nonprofit organizations.  “The office is committed to developing collaborative ways of thinking that create innovative outcomes for children, families and communities in New Mexico.” Robin Brulé, Director.     

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