New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF) was started in 1983 by a small group of dedicated and visionary volunteers who believed in the power of philanthropy as a tool for inspiring creative, community-based change and prosperity.
Addressing issues that range from building rural economies to promoting Native leadership to ensuring equality for women and families, NMCF builds relationships with community leaders, nonprofits, donors and their financial advisors to create greater opportunity and prosperity in New Mexico. The foundation encourages local leadership, collaboration and innovation in focusing on important matters that most impact community needs and priorities, particularly in relation to the most vulnerable community members. We bring our experience in philanthropy and understanding of New Mexico's cultural diversity to help communities achieve their goals. Through these partnerships, they award grants to develop new initiatives or support existing programs.
As a community foundation that seeks to steward resources, build partnerships, create opportunities and transform lives, NMCF offers a range of programs, from nonprofit capacity building to educational scholarship funds to support for women and girls. Foundation priority areas are:
- Education and Leadership - Education is the key that unlocks a successful future for all New Mexicans. New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF) strives to give every child the opportunity for a bright future by working to enhance all levels of education. One important focus for NMCF is improving the quality of the early childhood education system for students, their parents, their teachers and their communities. Leadership efforts focus on training and professional development around strategy-planning, communications and facilitative leadership.
- Emergency Grants - The foundation has specific emergency funds to help individuals and families facing crisis situations. NMCF partners with nonprofit organizations across New Mexico to disburse these funds quickly. Their emergency grants have improved the lives of New Mexicans by helping them avoid homelessness, re-establish homes after domestic abuse, remain stable after loss of income, and deal with other circumstances.
In 2019, NMF granted millions in grants and scholarships to New Mexico nonprofit organizations and students.