In an event that marked a return to an in-person format for the first time in two years, the ninth annual Great Grant Giveaway raised $218,525 from corporate sponsors, individuals and other organizations — the most ever! The event, held at Hotel Albuquerque in May 2022, was attended by more than 600 people eager to give money to so many worthy causes. The amount was shared with four coalitions of nonprofit organizations chosen by Albuquerque Community Foundation that are making a difference in our community.
The theme of the event was “connecting,” inspired by the resiliency and creativity of our community. “The Foundation knows that connecting helps us to collaborate and grow our impact together. We’re overwhelmed with gratitude to the community for their generosity in breaking 2021’s record of $160,000 raised,” said President and CEO Randy Royster.
Participants at the event watched moving videos about each of the selected organizations, before designating table checks of $500 to the coalition of their choice. Individuals and corporate sponsors also presented donations to their chosen coalition.
To view the videos, visit go.abqcf.org/2022-ggg.
The New Mexico Student Success Coalition was awarded $57,465 to support its work improving education across the Land of Enchantment. Coalition partners are Excellent Schools New Mexico, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, NewMexicoKidsCAN, Public Charter Schools of New Mexico and Teach Plus New Mexico. By engaging stakeholders from parents and educators to policymakers and community leaders, the coalition works to elevate and expand the impact of outstanding schools and effective educators to inspire the community to believe that change is possible and necessary for students.
The Early Childhood Coalition received $55,895. This group, comprised of Cuidando Los Niños, New Mexico Child Advocacy Networks, Bernalillo County, United Way of Central New Mexico, HIVE (UNM) and All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center, connects with key organizations in our community to develop and cultivate a network of supportive resources for families and young children experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. Together, they work toward ensuring every child in our community has a safe and secure home in which to grow, develop and thrive.
Trans New Mexico works statewide to research and
survey families and transgender people to figure out how to improve messaging to support the youth trans community. This coalition, made up of partners Bold Futures, Equality New Mexico, ProgressNow New Mexico, Strong Families New Mexico and Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, collects qualitative and quantitative data to find the language and words of trans love and acceptance, in the hope that these messages become powerful beyond measure. This coalition received $55,065.
The Color Theory received $50,100. Color Theory is a collaboration of thriving organizations supporting marginalized entrepreneurs and their families in Albuquerque, employing core strategies from partner organizations to develop innovative programs and building a culturally relevant ecosystem of support to facilitate equitable access to business assistance. Coalition partners are Encuentro NM, International District Economic Development, NM Dream Team, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, Rio Grande Community Development Corporation, Siembra Leadership High School, South Valley Economic Development Center and WESST.