The Foundation invested in two projects with Homewise, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that helps New Mexicans achieve financial stability. The Foundation’s Impact Investment portfolio is aligned with our broader vision and focuses on the Greater Albuquerque Metropolitan Area. However, investments elsewhere in the state are permitted. To date the portfolio has invested $4.2 million in the local economy …

After a two-year pause, the Foundation hosted its Annual Appreciation Celebration in October at the National Hispanic Culture Center (NHCC). More than 125 community members, former and current Foundation Trustees, donors, Future Fund and Social Giving Club members and staff enjoyed the fun-filled evening. Attendees connected and reconnected with each other at the event, which centered around gratitude and appreciation …

The Concours du Soleil gala and public car show drove off into the sunset for the last time in September as its organizers, the Cinco Amigos decided to move on to other endeavors. The annual Rally du Soleil will continue, as will the endowment the group established at Albuquerque Community Foundation. The Roehl Estate in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque hosted …

Bi-annual Trolley Tours give us the opportunity to showcase the organizations and awards the Foundation funds each year as well as show our gratitude to our generous donors. Since 2015, the Foundation has invited hundreds of donors on these tours around the community visiting more than 70 grant recipients for a firsthand look at how their giving makes an impact. …

The annual New Mexico Estate Planning Conference is a one-day seminar for attorneys, bankers, investment advisors, estate planning and tax practitioners, and financial planners to hear multiple perspectives from tax and trust professionals, attorneys and financial planners on federal rules and regulation changes and updates on the national and local philanthropic landscape. In 2022, it took place at Nusenda Credit …

The Foundation’s Lunch and Learn series provides informal education about aspects of philanthropy, followed by a discussion and lunch. In 2022, our theme was “Lessons in Impact.” The Foundation invited experts in the nonprofit sector to share their experiences four times throughout the year. In March, Amanda Aragon, Executive Director of NewMexicoKidsCAN, discussed education-focused philanthropy. NewMexicoKidsCAN advocates for community-informed, student-centered …

In 2022, the Foundation’s Speaker Series focused on notable New Mexicans in philanthropy. Two events featured individuals whose personal philosophies of giving back to their communities and support of the philanthropic sector provide worthy examples for others. Chet and Diana Stewart The Albuquerque Museum hosted Chet and Diana Stewart in May. Chet Stewart was the owner and director of French …

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 …

Last year, Placitas Artists Series (”PAS”), a 36-year-old organization dedicated to fostering public appreciation of the performing and visual arts in Central New Mexico, moved its endowment assets to Albuquerque Community Foundation. Board member and endowment committee chair Ron Richman, although an experienced senior executive, could not himself offer PAS sufficient expertise in endowment management. After rigorous examination of organizations …

During the 14 years since the Jim and Ann Nelson Youth and Foster Care Scholarship was established at the Foundation, the Nelsons estimate they have awarded more than $40,000 to at least 30 students. It was the couple’s volunteer work with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (”CASA”) that spurred them to create a scholarship that provides financial support for young …