New Mexico Community Foundation
The New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF), based in Santa Fe, is a public charity and statewide community foundation that stewards resources, builds partnerships, and supports community initiatives throughout New Mexico. Its grantmaking includes field-of-interest funds, special initiatives, donor-advised funds, and other funds; the foundation says it awarded grants to organizations serving residents in 32 of the state’s 33 counties in 2025.
New Mexico Community Foundation at a glance
In short: New Mexico Community Foundation gave $3.0M across 63 grants in 2024 (avg $48K), mostly in New Mexico. 38% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,023,626
- -14.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 63
- -10.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $47,994
- -5.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Total assets
- $60,771,649
- +69.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (24 of 63, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New Mexico (90% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to New Mexico Community Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Review the relevant fund or initiative and use NMCF’s online grant application area. The Vecino fund’s stated eligibility is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing or organizations with a suitable fiscal sponsor.
- Review Cycle
- The Thriving New Mexico grant cycle opens in 2027; no specific deadline is stated.
- Deadline
- The Thriving New Mexico grant cycle opens in 2027; no specific deadline is stated.
- Contact
Mailing address: 8 Calle Medico, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 820-6860
Website: https://nmcf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from New Mexico Community Foundation
NMCF: Northeastern Regional Health Fund Grant
New Mexico Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
NMCF: Sustaining New Mexico Fund Grant
New Mexico Community Foundation
Amount
Up to US $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
NMCF: Vecino - Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund Grant
New Mexico Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who New Mexico Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation ($265K). Together the top 10 received $1.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
391 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 311 grants of 391 (80%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
NMCF describes its work as statewide, with a focus on New Mexico communities. Its website reports that 2025 grants served residents in 32 of New Mexico’s 33 counties. In 2024, 90% of reported grant dollars went to New Mexico recipients, with smaller shares going to recipients in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 63 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is New Mexico Community Foundation open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 24 of 63 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $44K; repeat grants $51K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $41K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.2M (2021) to $3.6M (2023). In 2024 it made 63 grants totaling $3.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation Espanola, NM | P20: northern New Mexico pathways to opportunity, inquiry science education consortium (ISEC) serving multiple rural elementary schools in counties in northern New Mexico | $265,000 |
| Ole Education Fund Albuquerque, NM | 2024 nm workers organizing collaborative project pn to age 3 policy and advocacy activities, to include continued work on the wage and career ladder and paid family medical leave. | $181,497 |
| New Mexico Voices for Children Albuquerque, NM | Pn to age 3 policy and advocacy activities, to include supporting early childhood education coalition development through statewide workshops and facilitation, partnering to conduct community consultations and participatory research, creating strategic communications that reflect community-centered policy recommendations, and conducting direct policymaker education in partnership with coalitions and communities. | $140,000 |
| Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) Albuquerque, NM | 2024 Implementation for Albuquerque Indigenous Elders/Youth Council Project | $100,000 |
| Conservation Legacy Durango, CO | Ancestral lands conservation corps program manager salary 2024 implementation | $100,000 |
| Earth Care Santa Fe, NM | Nihi k'e' baa' mutual aid 2024 implementation of homesteads/hogans and traditional skills workshops | $100,000 |
| Indigenous Life Ways Gallup, NM | Mckinley community health alliance 2024 implementation to support unhoused or housing insecure on navajo nation and zuni pueblo | $100,000 |
| Jicarilla Apache Nation Dulce, NM | 2024 implementation of department of youth art mural project | $100,000 |
| Native Women Lead Albuquerque, NM | 2024 Implementation for Capital Access Programming Project | $100,000 |
| Pueblo of Pojoaque Santa Fe, NM | 2024 implementation grant for safe and healthy families programs | $100,000 |
Ready to take the next step with New Mexico Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $60,771,649 | $34,879,228 | $11,243,437 | $3,023,626 | 63 | $1,688,585 |
| 2023 | $35,917,769 | $12,693,503 | $10,214,786 | $3,553,592 | 70 | $1,445,549 |
| 2022 | $31,184,703 | $8,692,740 | $6,511,303 | $2,242,183 | 88 | $495,410 |
| 2021 | $33,737,361 | $8,575,952 | $5,403,906 | $2,171,569 | 80 | $1,636,491 |
| 2020 | $29,320,070 | $6,777,951 | $6,054,571 | $2,649,684 | 90 | $402,342 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
NMCF’s mission is to steward community resources, build partnerships, and create opportunities that transform lives throughout New Mexico. Its 2023 filing describes funds addressing education, arts and culture, rural development, Native philanthropy and entrepreneurship, women, children and families, environmental and animal protection, community leadership, civic engagement, and health and wellness.
The foundation describes Thriving Rural as supporting community-driven efforts related to healthy food access, physical activity, social connections, and local livability. Thriving Environments prioritizes local food systems, small freshwater ecosystems, local land regeneration, and outdoor recreation access. Thriving Indigenous supports Indigenous-led efforts, with priorities including local food systems, water, family self-determination and well-being, and Native entrepreneurship.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of grant recipients. The Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation says its mission is to advance education and learning in Northern New Mexico through programming, collaboration, and advocacy. New Mexico Voices for Children says it works to improve the well-being and equity of New Mexico’s children, families, and communities through research and policy advocacy. Native Women Lead says it invests in Native women in business and works with its community to build coalitions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, NMCF reported 63 grants totaling $3,023,626. Grants ranged from $5,500 to $265,000, with a median of $30,000. Ninety percent of grant dollars went to recipients in New Mexico; the remaining reported shares went to Colorado (7%), Texas (1%), California (1%), and Arizona (1%).
The largest reported grants included $265,000 to the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation for Northern New Mexico pathways and inquiry science education; $181,497 to the OLE Education Fund for policy and advocacy activities related to children from prenatal care to age three, including work on wages, career ladders, and paid family medical leave; and $140,000 to New Mexico Voices for Children for early childhood education coalition development, community consultations, research, communications, and policymaker education. Other $100,000 grants included awards to Americans for Indian Opportunity, Conservation Legacy, Earth Care, Indigenous Life Ways, Native Women Lead, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Pueblo of Pojoaque, the Pueblo of San Felipe, and an individual recipient, for projects described in the filing that include Indigenous youth, conservation, housing insecurity, capital access, family programs, ditch rehabilitation, and water resource management.
The Vecino – Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund is described as supporting New Mexico nonprofit organizations experiencing financial crises or addressing urgent community needs. It may award program or general operating grants, with amounts varying according to available funding; the fund prioritizes rural organizations and requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing or to have a suitable fiscal sponsor. NMCF also lists the Northeastern Regional Health Fund. Its website directs grant applicants to the application area and account sign-in. The foundation’s 2023 filing says a committee reviews applications and that grants are issued with terms and conditions; grantees are required to submit narrative and financial reports, and staff often conduct site visits.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
NMCF’s website identifies Justin Kíí Huenemann as President and CEO. The 2024 filing lists Rosemary Romero as chair, David Bruner as vice-chair, Sandy Brice as secretary, Eun Hong CPA as treasurer, and JoAnn Melchor as president and CEO. It also lists Anpao Duta Flying Earth, Marshall Poole, Peter Ives, Patricio GuerreroOrtiz, and Meta Hirschl as board members or past chair.
New Mexico Community Foundation is led by Joann Melchor, President & CEO since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 2 of 11 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Joann Melchor
President & CEO
President & CEO → President, 2023
President → President & CEO, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$125K (2020) → $95K (2024)
Rosemary Romero
Chair
Secretary → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Phillip Varnum
Finance Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$50K (2023) → $118K (2024)
Anpao Duta Flying Earth
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eun Hong CPA
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marshall Poole
Past Chair
Chair → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Bruner
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sandy Brice
Secretary
Secretary Fr → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Meta Hirschl
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patricio Guerrerortiz
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter Ives
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Rhonda Lowe (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Carla Melendez To (2023) — Finance Director
- Former: Carla Melendez (2020–2022) — Finance Director
- Former: David Henkel (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Kenneth Pin (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Laura Hall (2020–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Nancy Pope (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Tess Wilkes (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $118K, to Phillip Varnum (Finance Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about New Mexico Community Foundation
How much does New Mexico Community Foundation give each year?
New Mexico Community Foundation gave $3.0M across 63 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $3.6M across 70 grants.
What is New Mexico Community Foundation's typical grant size?
New Mexico Community Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $30,000, and its average grant was $47,994, across 63 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from New Mexico Community Foundation that year got $44K on average.
Where does New Mexico Community Foundation give grants?
New Mexico Community Foundation gives mostly in New Mexico: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Colorado (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Albuquerque, NM (21 grants), Santa Fe, NM (9 grants), Las Cruces, NM (7 grants) and Espanola, NM (3 grants).
Does New Mexico Community Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 41% of New Mexico Community Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (26 of 63) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "2024 NM Workers Organizing Collaborative Project" (4 grants) and "NMWEI Steering Committee Member" (3 grants).
Who are New Mexico Community Foundation's largest grantees?
New Mexico Community Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation ($265,000), Ole Education Fund ($181,497) and New Mexico Voices for Children ($140,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 19% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is New Mexico Community Foundation?
New Mexico Community Foundation reported $60.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $34.9M.
What does New Mexico Community Foundation fund?
NMCF’s mission is to steward community resources, build partnerships, and create opportunities that transform lives throughout New Mexico. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from New Mexico Community Foundation?
Review the relevant fund or initiative and use NMCF’s online grant application area. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is New Mexico Community Foundation's EIN?
New Mexico Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-0311210. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 9, 2026)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 19, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 23, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 21, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in New Mexico Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Santa Fe Community Foundation
Santa Fe, NM
The Santa Fe Community Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health, education, economic opportunity, the environment, arts and culture, and other community priorities; its main focus is Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Santa Fe counties, though some funds support work statewide. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,250 to $1,517,500, with a median of $16,006. It accepts proposals through competitive grant cycles and fund-specific opportunities; no grants were open at the time described.
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Total Given
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Con Alma Health Foundation Inc
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Con Alma Health Foundation funds New Mexico nonprofits working to improve health equity, access to care, culturally appropriate services, and community health systems. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $46,250, with a median of $20,000; it invites nonprofits to apply through its grant programs.
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Total Given
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Marshall L and Perrine D McCune
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The foundation funds unrestricted operating support for community-based work benefiting New Mexicans in health, education, the environment, culture, and spiritual life; most of its giving goes to New Mexico. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,850 to $200,000, with a median of $15,000, and it accepts applications during an annual open cycle.
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Albuquerque Community Foundation
Albuquerque, NM
The Albuquerque Community Foundation funds nonprofit work in health care, human services, arts and culture, education, environment and historic preservation, and economic and workforce development, serving Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $16,000 and ranged from $5,200 to $663,352; its annual grant cycle has a minimum award of $10,000.
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WK Kellogg Foundation
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The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds work to help children, families, and communities thrive, including early education, health equity, food systems, family economic well-being, and racial equity. In 2025, its grants ranged from $50 to nearly $5 million, with a median of $100,000; it funds across the United States, with long-term commitments in several states and communities, as well as parts of Mexico and Haiti. It accepts unsolicited proposals online at any time.
Assets
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Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation
Espanola, NM
The LANL Foundation funds education and learning initiatives, including early childhood, K–12 education, youth pathways, and scholarships, primarily in seven Northern New Mexico counties. Its 2024 grants ranged from $7,400 to $75,000, with a median of $25,000; grants are made by invitation, and the Foundation does not describe an open application process.
Assets
$123.3M
Grants
31
Total Given
$836K
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). New Mexico Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/new-mexico-community-foundation-morg_29b4cc37889c481fa0cc3f7c8ef2335d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_850311210_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{New Mexico Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/new-mexico-community-foundation-morg_29b4cc37889c481fa0cc3f7c8ef2335d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from New Mexico Community Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
New Mexico Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?