(Santa Fe, New Mexico) – The New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF) announced it is awarding Alternatives to Violence of Raton $30,000 of a total of $130,000 in grants to support nonprofit organizations working across areas of rural and Indigenous communities, and the environment in New Mexico. With an investment by the Anchorum Health Foundation, NMCF can further support communities across New Mexico who are addressing homelessness, providing basic needs, improving community health, expanding learning opportunities, and more.
Alternatives to Violence provides domestic violence and sexual assault services in Northeastern New Mexico, including Union and Colfax Counties. This grant supports the Domestic Violence Program in Union County and is co-funded with an additional $10,000 from the Taos Community Foundation, which serves Colfax County.
“These grants highlight the diverse priorities of communities throughout New Mexico and reinforce the importance of community‑led solutions,” said Justin Kii Huenemann, President & CEO of the New Mexico Community Foundation. “By partnering with Anchorum Health Foundation, we’re investing in organizations already making a difference locally.”
In addition to Alternatives to Violence, grants were awarded to the following during the third quarter of the second year of the multi-year project:
Economic Council Helping Others, Inc. (ECHO, Inc.) ($40,000): ECHO, Inc. serves San Juan County with a Food Bank, Aztec Preschool, and Emergency Services. This grant will directly support Emergency Programs to provide practical annual assistance to low-income households experiencing a crisis or emergency, helping alleviate stress and financial pressure related to rent, utility bills, and first month’s rent, and providing hygiene kits.
Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico ($10,000): The largest nonprofit feeding organization serving Guadalupe, Curry, Roosevelt, De Baca, and Quay Counties. This grant sustains and enhances hunger relief services throughout Guadalupe County, including mobile food markets and senior food programs.
Free Flow NM ($10,000): An organization serving individuals in Northern New Mexico seeking access to period products and reducing period poverty and stigma around menstruation through education and the distribution of menstrual supplies. This grant supports the launch of a Period Cupboard at the Pueblo of Acoma, in collaboration with Acoma Health & Human Services Division.
Nizhoni Smiles, Inc. ($40,000): Nizhoni (Beautiful) Smiles, Inc., seeks to increase access to quality, affordable dental care, including preventive and rehabilitative services in Northwestern New Mexico. It is the only non-profit dental program on the Navajo Nation and serves all children, adults, and elders from surrounding communities regardless of race/ethnicity. This grant supports the recruitment and retention of qualified dental professionals, the purchase of updated dental equipment, and community outreach activities that partner with local schools and community health organizations.
For over 40 years, New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF) has worked to improve the quality of life for all residents of New Mexico. The only statewide community foundation, NMCF was started in 1983 by a group of dedicated and visionary volunteers who believed in the power of philanthropy as a tool for inspiring creative, community-based change and prosperity. NMCF has distinguished itself as a leader in philanthropy. Our progressive, grassroots approach to building stronger communities empowers community members to collaborate on critical issues by tapping into local resources and discovering the strength in themselves.
The Community Health Funds grantmaking process is part of a shared effort between Anchorum and CHRISTUS Health to support healthier communities across the region. CHRISTUS Health offers input during the grantmaking process to help ensure the funding reflects shared priorities and values.
“This multi-year commitment is about more than individual grants. It’s about strengthening the ecosystem of community foundations so they can respond to immediate needs while advancing long-term community health,” said Jerry Jones, President and CEO of Anchorum. “The progress to date shows that sustained partnership matters.”
For information on NMCF:
Contact Janice Morrow
Director of Advancement and Communications
New Mexico Community Foundation
Jmorrow@newmexicofoundation.org
505.307.1188
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