SANTA FE – Today the Thornburg Foundation announced the expansion of its grantmaking

portfolio with the hiring of Natalie Florence as its first Housing Policy Officer. Florence will lead a

new, statewide Housing Initiative aimed at increasing affordable housing stock to reduce rents

and homelessness across New Mexico.

Florence will design and direct the Foundation’s Housing Initiative, focusing on evidence-based

strategies to advance deeply affordable housing development and reduce regulatory barriers.

Her work will bridge public policy, philanthropy, and infrastructure to advance equitable

community development and housing stability.

“Natalie’s unique blend of academic insight, practical experience in housing policy, and

dedication to equitable community development makes her the perfect architect for this crucial

new initiative,” said Allan Oliver, President of the Thornburg Foundation. “Her expertise will be

invaluable as we work to translate bold housing reforms from other states into effective, lasting

solutions for New Mexico.”

The Housing Initiative is a strategic expansion to meet New Mexico’s urgent need for affordable

housing. Over the next five years, through an annual grantmaking portfolio of $1 million dollars,

the initiative seeks to support streamlined development, increase housing supply, and

strengthen homelessness prevention and housing stability systems.

Natalie Florence brings a multidisciplinary background to the role. Prior to joining Thornburg,

she worked at Abt Global, where she researched, monitored, and evaluated federal, state, and

foundation-funded housing programs. She has extensive experience collaborating with public

housing authorities, state and local governments, nonprofit providers, and philanthropic partners

to strengthen program design and system alignment.

“I’m thrilled to bring my research and experience working with diverse stakeholders to the

Thornburg Foundation to help partner with and lift up our communities. To solve complicated

housing problems, we must remain humble and grounded in evidence, but also, relentlessly

optimistic, ” says Florence.

Florence holds a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from Arizona State University, a

Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University, and a Bachelor of Science in

Architecture and Environmental Design from the University of Colorado.

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SANTA FE – Today, the Thornburg Foundation announced Elisa Montoya will lead the

Foundation’s Pursuing Public Funds initiative, which aims to increase the effectiveness of New

Mexico’s nonprofit sector by securing and stabilizing essential public resources. Montoya will

also serve as general counsel for the Foundation.

Montoya will direct and refine the initiative’s strategy which includes providing support to keep

key grantees viable through funding shifts, increase nonprofit capacity to sustain essential work,

and fund strategic advocacy to improve the public funding environment for non-profits. Montoya

will manage the initiative’s annual grantmaking portfolio of $1 million and identify new

opportunities to strengthen New Mexico’s nonprofits in a dynamic funding landscape.

“Elisa’s exceptional leadership in both the public and private sectors, combined with her deep

roots in New Mexico, makes her an ideal person to lead this critical initiative,” said Allan Oliver,

President of the Thornburg Foundation. “Her experience navigating complex systems—from

local to state to federal government—will be invaluable as we work to protect and expand the

public resources our communities rely on.”

In 2024, the Foundation launched the Pursuing Federal Funds Initiative to help New Mexico

nonprofits and tribal governments overcome barriers like grant writing and matching funds so

they could successfully secure new federal dollars and maximize the return on philanthropic

investments. In 2025, the Foundation provided rapid-response grants to help nonprofits

navigate these shifts, trained over 150 nonprofit leaders to adapt their funding models, and

hired contractors to provide monthly updates on the impacts of federal cuts across the state.

Elisa Montoya brings more than 25 years of executive experience across the public and private

sectors. Most recently, she served as the Community Development Director for the City of

Santa Fe, where she co-led the effort to raise the city’s minimum wage to $17.50 per hour and

secured project approvals for the development of affordable homes in Santa Fe. Before joining

the city, she spent over seven years at Meow Wolf, playing a critical role in creating more than

1,000 jobs and helping launch four experiential entertainment businesses across multiple

states.

Montoya has also served at the highest levels of government, advancing social justice policy,

civic engagement, and public service. She served as professional staff to U.S. Senators Harry

Reid (NV) and Ken Salazar (CO), and Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA). She also worked as

a policy associate at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP in Washington, DC.

Elisa remarked, “I’m honored to join the Thornburg Foundation team to help align strategy and

policy at a moment when nonprofit stability and public funding are essential to New Mexico’s

communities.

”Montoya is a graduate of Stanford University, the University of Southern California Law Center,

and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She is also a graduate of St.

Michael’s High School in Santa Fe, where her family has lived for generations.

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As housing costs soar, a Pew Charitable Trusts study—led by Thornburg Foundation grantee Alex Horowitz—proposes co-living as a solution. Converting vacant Albuquerque offices into dorm-style microapartments could cut construction costs by 50%, offering rents as low as $700/month. In Santa Fe, new builds could achieve similar savings. With shared kitchens and amenities, this model may ease the state’s severe housing shortage. 

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By David W. Chen Photographs by Meridith Kohut

Federal budget cuts are hitting New Mexico hard, threatening critical services and programs across the state. A recent New York Times article highlights how these reductions could impact everything from education to infrastructure, leaving local leaders scrambling to fill the gaps. Thornburg Foundation’s survey and report, released in April, “Impact of Federal Funding Freeze on NM Philanthropic Sector,” provided statistics and insights about the real impact of the budget cuts to our nonprofit partners. The report was commissioned alongside Anchorum Health Foundation and Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Read the NYT Article

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Photo credit: NM Community Trust
Press release: Stephanie Montoya Lobaugh | stephaniem@lanlfoundation.org

ESPAÑOLA, NM — The Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table proudly announces the inaugural round of Youth Fund grant recipients, awarding over $1.4 million to 16 regional organizations committed to expanding career pathways for underserved young people. The Northern New Mexico Youth Fund, launched earlier this year, is the first pooled fund of its kind in the region, combining philanthropic, tribal, state, and federal resources to support equity-driven Career Technical Education (CTE) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs for young people ages 13 to 29. These programs are designed to help underserved young people – especially Opportunity Youth, Native American youth, young parents, and others facing systemic barriers – gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.

The Youth Fund is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table, a coalition of 17 local, regional, and national partners coordinated by the LANL Foundation. Contributions from 12 funding partners now total $1.6 million, including approximately $1.1 million in philanthropic investments and $500,000 from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, which are administered by the New Mexico Community Trust.  Through a participatory grantmaking process that engaged underserved youth, funders, and community leaders, the Youth Fund selected 15 CTE/WBL projects and one regional resource hub from a highly competitive pool of 35 proposals submitted by nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, and youth-serving organizations from across Northern New Mexico.

“The launch of the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund is the realization of a dream many years in the making. It’s incredible to see so many like-minded partners come together to align not just funding, but a shared vision for investing in our region’s most valuable resource – our young people – and the organizations that support them. This is more than a grant cycle; it’s the beginning of long-term, transformational work. We are excited to see the impact these grantees will have and to continue building the momentum to grow both the number of partners and the financial support for the Youth Fund in the years to come.”   – Alvin Warren, Vice President of Policy and Impact for the LANL Foundation

“At NMCT, we believe that when philanthropy centers equity and collaboration, transformative change becomes possible. The Youth Fund represents a powerful example of what it looks like when communities, funders, and young people co-create solutions. We’re proud to be part of this growing movement to invest in youth potential, cultural strengths, and long-term opportunity across Northern New Mexico.” 
– Marissa Magallanez, COO New Mexico Community Trust

In addition to the programmatic grants, United Way of Northern New Mexico has been selected to serve as the sole regional resource hub, receiving a $100,000 grant to provide technical assistance, organize shared learning opportunities, and deliver capacity-building support for all grantees. The hub will help organizations implement programs effectively, strengthen collaboration, and secure additional public funding.

“We’re beyond thrilled to receive this award—and even more energized about what’s ahead! As the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund Resource Hub, United Way of Northern New Mexico is honored to uplift and empower our incredible grantees who are leading the way in work-based learning and career technical education. Together, we’re building a movement rooted in collaboration, equity, and real opportunities for youth and young adults across our region,” said Cindy Padilla, CEO.

2024 Northern New Mexico Youth Fund Grant Recipients

• Assistance Dogs of the West – $81,660 for an expanded student trainer work-based learning program.

• College and Career Plaza – $75,000 to connect high school students to paid, hands-on learning experiences.

• Forest Stewards Guild – $60,000 for the Forest Stewards Youth Corps wildland fire and forestry career program.

• Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship – $100,000 for the New Mexico Climate Justice Leadership Development Program focused on Indigenous youth.

• Moving Arts Española – $100,000 to expand Bowie’s Backstage, a career launchpad in culinary arts, agriculture, and digital media.

• Northern Youth Project – $100,000 for peer mentorship and hands-on internships rooted in traditional agriculture and community leadership.

• Peñasco Independent Schools – $81,600 to develop a new on-site work-based learning program.

• Pojoaque Valley School District – $75,000 to expand CTE offerings in the construction trades.

• Pueblo of Santa Ana Tamaya Wellness Center – $100,000 for the Tamaya Elite Sports, Education, and Leadership Program focused on esports, digital media production, coding, and personal development.

• River Source – $90,000 to provide green career training focused on watershed restoration and climate resilience.

• Rocky Mountain Youth Corps – $100,000 for an individual placement program connecting youth to careers in land management and public service.

• Santa Fe Dreamers Project – $60,000 for a paralegal internship program that expands immigration legal services.

• Santo Domingo Pueblo – $100,000 for the Skills for Success program, focused on culturally relevant vocational training in traditional arts.

• Trees, Water & People – $85,000 to enhance land management employment skills for Native American youth.
  
• YouthWorks – $100,000 for paid, hands-on job training in construction, culinary, and other fields focused on Opportunity Youth.
  
  
  
  The Northern New Mexico Youth Fund is supported by a diverse group of contributors, including the Anchorum Health Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, The Davis New Mexico Scholarship, The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, The LANL Foundation, The Taos Community Foundation, The Thornburg Foundation, TRIAD National Security, United Way of North Central New Mexico, and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
  
  
  
  Press Release/Contact:
  
  Stephanie Montoya Lobaugh
  Communications Director
  stephaniem@lanlfoundation.org
  (505) 500-5730
  

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By Margaret O’Hara mohara@sfnewmexican.com
 Jun 7, 2025 Updated Jun 9, 2025

Bob Wolf, a volunteer at The Food Depot, prepares bags of groceries during a food distribution effort last week. Jill Dixon, the group’s executive director, said recent cuts and changes to federal food programs left a $200,000 gap in the nonprofit’s planning budget.

Read the full article on the Santa Fe New Mexican

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Santa Fe, NM — A newly published report, “Impact of Federal Funding Changes on New Mexico’s Philanthropic Sector,” commissioned by the Thornburg Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, and Anchorum Health Foundation, examines the effects of recent suspensions in federal funding on New Mexico’s nonprofit sector. Prepared by The Grant Plant Inc., the nonpartisan report highlights how these changes are impacting the state’s communities, particularly those most reliant on federal support, and explores ways philanthropy and policymakers can help organizations adapt. 

Impact of Federal Funding Changes on New Mexico’s Philanthropic Sector

[Download the Report]

The Grant Plant’s research shows that 37% of nonprofits in New Mexico rely on government grants—tying the state for the 6th highest rate in the nation. Given New Mexico’s disproportionately high per capita federal grant awards and the critical role nonprofits play in supporting rural, tribal, and immigrant communities, the state confronts a significant challenge in replacing this funding.

Included in the report is a 2025 survey of grantees across the three commissioning foundations. Over 200 respondents revealed a striking trend: 20% of organizations depend on federal grants for at least half of their funding, with youth and family services, housing, and environmental groups among the most reliant sectors. An additional pressing concern for all recipients is the disbursement of already obligated funds – in New Mexico, just 54% of committed federal funding for active awards has been paid out, leaving 46% in limbo.

Changes in federal funding are creating uncertainty for New Mexico’s nonprofits, making philanthropy’s role increasingly important. However, the research estimates that private foundations nationwide would need to increase giving by 282% to fully replace government grant funding for nonprofits.

“This report makes clear what many in New Mexico’s nonprofit sector already know—federal funding isn’t just a line item, it’s a critical investment into our communities,” said Allan Oliver, Thornburg Foundation President. “Shifts in federal funding will impact New Mexicans by affecting education programs, homelessness prevention, water infrastructure projects, food and farming programs and direct services to our communities. A coordinated, targeted approach by philanthropy, non-profits, and government is the best way to meet the moment.”

Christopher Goett, MSW, President & CEO of the Santa Fe Community Foundation, echoed the importance of the research, “In the face of shifting federal support, no single effort will meet the scale or complexity of what our communities are up against. This report is a call to work together across sectors, with urgency and compassion, to ensure New Mexicans and the nonprofits that serve them remain supported, resilient, and hopeful.”

The three foundations sponsored the report to examine the full impact of the federal funding freeze, assess nonprofit adaptations, and explore responses from philanthropy and policymakers. The data-driven research aims to inform decisions, guide investments, and target support for essential statewide services.

“It is more important than ever that we come together to support the nonprofits that serve our communities,” said Jerry Jones, President and CEO of Anchorum Health Foundation. “This report is a call to action for all of us—policymakers, funders, and local leaders. We must work collaboratively to ensure these vital organizations have the resources they need to continue serving New Mexicans.”

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Founded in 1999, Thornburg Foundation is a family foundation based in Santa Fe that seeks to advance systems change that serves the public good. The Foundation uses an evidence-based strategic approach to make grants to nonprofits focused on K-12 Education, Water, Land and Agriculture, Good Government, and Homelessness. For more information on Thornburg Foundation’s policy funding, visit thornburgfoundation.org

Anchorum Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the conditions that have the greatest influence on the health and people in our region. We are committing our resources to strengthening community-based partners tackling critical local issues. For more information, visit anchorum.org

Since 1981, the Santa Fe Community Foundation has been dedicated to inspiring philanthropic generosity, strengthening nonprofits, and fostering positive change to build a more vibrant, healthy, and resilient region. Each year, we are proud to fund and collaborate with hundreds of local nonprofits, connect thousands of generous donors to giving opportunities, and support causes that make northern New Mexico a more equitable place for all. Learn more at santafecf.org

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In December, Thornburg Foundation Executive Director Allan Oliver and Chairman Garrett Thornburg sat down with business reporter Mike Easterling at The Santa Fe New Mexican to chat about the foundation’s first 25 years of impact and the work that lies ahead.

Read the article here.

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In the past 7 years, homelessness in New Mexico has increased by 87%, driven by rising housing costs. A massive undersupply of homes is at the root of the affordability crisis. Relaxing regulations on building height and zoning may be a solution for creating an inventory of reasonably priced housing options for residents. 

Read the article here.

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SANTA FE – New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness announces two newly created critical positions for achieving functional zero homelessness in Santa Fe County. The Thornburg Foundation, Anchorum St. Vincent, Community Solutions and Santa Fe Community Foundation provided a three year funding commitment for the two positions with the goal of Santa Fe County achieving functional zero homelessness by 2026.

“The new positions will significantly help our organization be even more equipped to respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness,” said Monet Silva, Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. “The increased capacity is essential for us to achieve functional zero here in Santa Fe.”

“Communities across the US have achieved functional zero by creating by-name lists of homeless populations and carefully coordinating efforts among critical providers,” said Allan Oliver, Executive Director of Thornburg Foundation. “We’re learning from other communities and through a philanthropic partnership, we can help NMCEH create the key roles it will take to make Santa Fe the first functional zero community in New Mexico.”

The two new positions, System Improvement Lead and the Community Data Manager, will specifically address the known problems in the system of homelessness services in Santa Fe County and New Mexico by coordinating among service providers and stakeholders and improving data quality in collecting homelessness services data.

Jerry Jones, President & CEO of Anchorum St. Vincent said, “Building capacity for our nonprofits is core to our mission. We believe this funding for the two positions will dramatically improve our community’s success towards achieving functional zero in the next three years.”

Functional Zero is a nationally recognized measure of addressing homelessness with the goal of ensuring homelessness is rare and brief. “It ensures the number of people experiencing homelessness at any given time never exceeds the community’s capacity to ensure a positive exit,” stated Rosanne Haggerty, President & CEO of Community Solutions. 

“These roles at NMCEH will help ensure there are ample resources and coordinated efforts across sectors to alleviate housing insecurity and support our region’s most vulnerable individuals and families,” noted Christopher Goett, President & CEO of the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

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The New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness works with over 80 agencies and partner providers around the state to offer comprehensive services, housing options, resources, funding and advocacy to support individuals and families that experience homelessness. They are a core partner of the S3 Santa Fe Housing Initiative, which is funded in part by the Thornburg Foundation, Anchorum St. Vincent, Community Solutions, and Santa Fe Community Foundation.

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