New Mexico Community Foundation Announces Thriving New Mexico
A Unifying Vision for Community-Led Philanthropy Across the State
SANTA FE, N.M. — July 24, 2026 — New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF), the trusted statewide philanthropic partner connecting people, capital and communities to build a thriving New Mexico, announced Thriving New Mexico, a unifying vision that will guide the Foundation’s grantmaking, partnerships and philanthropic investment through three interconnected funding priorities: Thriving Rural, Thriving Environments and Thriving Indigenous.
Rooted in the belief that the people closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions, Thriving New Mexico centers the voices, values and leadership of local communities. Through this renewed direction, NMCF will mobilize resources to support local decision-making, trusted relationships, upstream investment and measurable, community-led impact so New Mexicans can thrive on their own terms for generations to come.
“Through respectful dialogue, deep reflection and a humble determination to support New Mexico’s future, we are turning the page to an exciting new chapter,” said Justin Kíí Huenemann, President and CEO of New Mexico Community Foundation. “Thriving New Mexico reflects our commitment to supporting the people, cultures and places that make New Mexico extraordinary—especially communities that are often overlooked yet continue to build lives, families and strong futures in every corner of our state.”
NMCF’s three funding priorities are designed not to dictate what works, but to support and invest in what communities themselves identify as effective, meaningful and sustainable. Together, the priorities focus the Foundation’s investments on the interconnected conditions and relationships that shape quality of life, community-economic vitality and resilience throughout New Mexico—while helping donors, funders, businesses and partners align generosity and capital with locally led solutions.
Three Priorities for a Thriving New Mexico:
Thriving Rural supports community-driven initiatives that strengthen rural places and enable people to thrive. Focus areas include healthy food access, physical activity, social connections and local livability.
Thriving Environments prioritizes local eco-regeneration efforts that steward New Mexico’s diverse and delicate natural ecology. Focus areas include local food systems, small freshwater ecosystems, local land regeneration and outdoor recreation access.
Thriving Indigenous focuses on Indigenous-led projects and plans that reflect the priorities and aspirations of tribes, pueblos and communities. Focus areas include local food systems, Water Is Life, family self-determination and well-being, and Native entrepreneurship.
As the only statewide community foundation, NMCF is uniquely positioned to serve as New Mexico’s trusted philanthropic infrastructure—aligning donor generosity, institutional investment and community leadership with locally driven solutions. For more than 40 years, the Foundation has worked to improve quality of life across New Mexico through grassroots philanthropy, grantmaking, fiscal sponsorships, endowed funds and long-term stewardship.
“We invite individuals, organizations, businesses, funders, families, financial advisors and partners to join us in creating a future where all New Mexicans have the opportunity to thrive on their own terms and enjoy a high quality of life wherever they choose to live, work and raise a family,” Huenemann said. “Together, we can connect generosity with visible change and help New Mexicans invest in the future of New Mexico.”
To join us in this effort, explore partnership opportunities or align your giving with NMCF’s priority areas, visit NMCF.org/give-thriving-new-mexico.
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About New Mexico Community Foundation
New Mexico Community Foundation is the only statewide community foundation dedicated to supporting locally led efforts that improve quality of life for people and communities across the entire state. Founded in 1983, NMCF strengthens communities by aligning philanthropy with local priorities, investing in grassroots solutions and stewarding resources with honesty, accountability and a long-term commitment to future generations. Visit NMCF.org.
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