Written by: Elisabeth “Lisa” Jennings Executive Director, Animal Protection New Mexico Animal Protection New Mexico (APNM) is a woman-led organization with a significant percentage of its staff and board identifying as “female.” This demographic mirrors the national composition of animal protection advocates who are predominantly women. My mother was and my father is very strong-willed and […]
While the state began its Official Scenic Historic Markers program in 1935 to encourage tourism, seven decades later, with nearly 500 markers in place, women were still barely a footnote in 2005. Today, thanks to the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program, a fiscally sponsored organization of NMCF, 120 women are now recognized on over […]
When asked if I would write this piece for New Mexico Community Foundation’s March e-newsletter on Women’s History Month, I paused and thought, “Why me”? Upon further reflection, it occurred to me that my Mom, who passed at the age of 96 in 2020, was a self-defined “Women’s Libber” back in the 1960’s when she […]
Letter from the President – February, 2026 With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I find myself thinking about love—and about the deep spirit of generosity and kindness that connects us as humans. It also leads me to reflect on philanthropy and its true meaning. The word philanthropy comes from the Greek roots philein or philos (to love) and anthropos (humankind), literally meaning “love of humanity.” At […]
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Fundholder Spotlight – New Mexico First Legacy Fund With the closure of New Mexico First in 2025, a 38-year tradition of civic engagement found new life through NMPBS, which received the organization’s remaining resources to continue its mission. Founded in 1986, New Mexico First was renowned for its research-driven, bipartisan town halls that brought hundreds […]
Spotlight on NM PBS ¡COLORES! As part of our commitment to community, NMCF acts as a fiscal sponsor to over 30 small nonprofits across our state. As such, NMCF provides its tax-exempt status and administrative support to smaller projects or groups doing related charitable work. This allows them to receive grants and tax-deductible donations while […]
Letter from the President – January, 2026 Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome 2026 and begin the year by reembracing our original name- New Mexico Community Foundation. Our Board’s decision to restore “Community” to our full name reflects our commitment to a core element of our work and mission: centering and supporting all communities and people […]
Spotlight on the Brown Spindler DAF In 2020, Linda Brown and Rob Spindler retired to the mountains of Catron County, New Mexico after having lived and worked in the Phoenix area for decades. Rob had served as Head of Special Collections and Archivist for Arizona State University, while Linda worked in non-profit organizations dedicated to […]
Letter from the President – December, 2025 Warm Wishes and Blessings to All this Holiday Season As we come to the close of this year, it is clear that it has been one of significant transition. With new leadership and new team members, this year has been exceptionally busy—but it has also been deeply meaningful. As I reflect on this year, […]
