The Thornburg Foundation is proud to support the Arizona State University (ASU) Next Education Workforce Initiative. Team-based staffing sits as a core pillar of the Foundation’s K-12 education strategy. As a new study from the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) shows, team-based staffing improves working conditions, perceptions of the teaching profession, and ultimately, teacher retention. The effects even reach beyond teachers; middle school students served by educator teams performed significantly better in math. 

Within the broader educator ecosystem, teams serve a pivotal dual role: giving new teachers and teacher residents a dedicated space for mentorship, while giving veteran teachers the opportunity to act as instructional leaders and master teachers. In the coming years, the Thornburg Foundation hopes to help more schools explore and implement team-based staffing models, and to support the policy infrastructure that makes the models the new norm, redefining what it means to teach in New Mexico

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The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions handed out its first-ever “Future Ready Leader” Innovation Award this May. The award didn’t go to a single organization, but rather to the collective work of 21 philanthropic, corporate, and state partners collaborating to expand access to meaningful student experiences in northern New Mexico. The Thornburg Foundation is a proud supporter of the Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table, which received recognition for the launch of the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund. The Youth Fund offers an exemplary model for what “meaningful student experiences” can look like when an idea moves off the page and directly into communities.  

Launched in 2025, the Youth Fund pools resources from 21 philanthropic, corporate, and state partners to build work-based learning and career training pathways for “opportunity youth”— young people ages 16-24 who are disconnected from both school and the workforce. The LANL Foundation serves as a backbone organization, running meetings, coordinating partners, and handling grant administration, allowing funders to focus on the design of the fund.  

One of the Youth Fund’s most innovative design principles is a collaborative decision-making model that centers youth voice. In 2025, a Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) made up of engaged young people from northern New Mexico worked alongside Strategy Table members to distribute $1.85 million in grants to 19 community-based organizations, tribal communities, and school districts across the region — serving more than 800 young people by June 2026. Year 2 fundraising has already cleared $3.2 million. 

The Thornburg Foundation’s education strategy treats “meaningful student experiences” as one of two pillars in its theory of change, alongside the development of a thriving educator ecosystem. The Foundation has long supported career-connected learning experiences, including systems that foster strong, evidence-based career and technical education. A systematic review from the American Institutes of Research demonstrates students who participate in career and technical education, work-based learning, and internships during high school are far more likely to graduate, often ready to join the workforce or continue on to college. 

The Youth Fund is a strong model for regional collaboration, capable of connecting a community’s needs to the programs that deliver meaningful learning experiences for its students. Several elements contribute to its success: 

• Relevant learning experiences. Work-based learning and career training connect a young person’s effort to something real: a job, a credential, or a next step. 

• Youth voice as decision-making authority. The RYAC’s role in grant selection is a stronger version of “student voice” than most strategies attempt. Rather than a perfunctory survey asking youth what they want, the RYAC has real authority in the grantmaking process. 

• Capacity-building for grantees. Youth Fund grants come with technical assistance from United Way of Northern New Mexico, such as training in data collection, analysis, and storytelling to help synthesize grantees’ impact and build funder confidence that the investment is working. 

• Rural and tribal reach. The Youth Fund’s footprint extends meaningful-experience work into geographies that are hardest to serve, including rural and tribal communities that are often underfunded. 

• A funding model built for scale. Twenty-one partners pooling capital, with Year 2 fundraising already outpacing Year 1, points toward the kind of coordinated regional funding ecosystem that turns a single grant into a sustained pathway. 

The Thornburg Foundation’s support for the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund runs parallel to other efforts fostering meaningful student experiences. A recent grant to CommunityShare will help connect New Mexico schools with skilled community educators to co-design project-based learning experiences that reflect the communities in which students reside. Another grant to the Santa Fe School for the Arts and Sciences will begin to build public schools’ capacity to offer “expeditionary learning,” an instructional model centered on delivering core content standards through deep, semester-long explorations of topics relevant to students. 

The Youth Fund’s future looks bright as it enters Year 2 of its three-year pilot. For the Strategy Table, the work continues as members grow the pooled investment fund and continue outreach to new philanthropic and corporate funders. In time, the Thornburg Foundation is confident that the lessons learned from this pilot will help drive deeper systems change, becoming a permanent fixture of New Mexico’s support for meaningful student experiences statewide. 

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The Thornburg Foundation has released its inaugural 2025 Impact Report, “Systems Change in Action,” a look at how the Foundation and its grantee partners worked to advance durable solutions across New Mexico over the past year.

2025 was unlike any year in the Foundation’s 25-year history. As federal funding shifts created uncertainty for nonprofits across the state, the Foundation responded by deploying the largest grantmaking effort in its history, issuing 187 grants totaling more than $7.1 million, with record investments in water, education, and agriculture.

The report also tells a longer story. Systems change does not happen overnight, and over 25 years the Foundation has built deep, lasting partnerships that turn policy analysis and advocacy into real legislative wins for New Mexico.

Highlights from the report include:

• More than $300 million in public investment secured for water infrastructure and conservation
• A tenfold increase in Career and Technical Education funding, from $5 million to $50 million over five years
• 64,905 acres of land improved through conservation projects across 93 percent of New Mexico counties
• 69 percent of grantmaking directed to organizations the Foundation has partnered with for three or more years

The report also takes an honest look at what remains unfinished. Between 2017 and 2024, rents in New Mexico rose 60 percent and homelessness climbed 87 percent, more than twice the national average. Public funding for the state’s nonprofit sector remains as critical as ever.

The Foundation credits the partners, advocates, and leaders across New Mexico who made this work possible, and looks toward 2026 as a year to build on it, with plans to deepen its investments in water, land and agriculture, K-12 education, and a new statewide housing initiative.

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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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The ways in which New Mexico pays, trains and supports principals is woefully outdated, and ineffective and needs to be overhauled, says a report commissioned by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

Among the recommendations in the report, presented to the Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) in mid-November, is a complete reboot of principal preparation programs across the state. 

“Addressing principal licensure programs is the first step to a comprehensive strategy to building a statewide bench of effective leaders,” the report says. “Programs across the state often fail to reflect research-based components…Some traditional programs overemphasize “sit-and-get” learning while other programs offer inconsistent quality. As a result, many school leaders feel underprepared for the role, especially to lead schools that experience the greatest challenges in teaching and learning conditions.”

Some members of the LESC endorsed the licensure overhaul recommendation, but wondered whether the state’s universities have the capacity or desire to change.

“It’s really difficult sometimes to get our universities to shift one way or the other. They’re pretty set in their ways in a lot of areas,” State Sen. Gay Kernan, a Hobbs Republican, said during the LESC meeting.

The Chamber commissioned the report from Education Research and Development, a Massachusetts based research and policy consulting company. The organization has done similar work, most notably in Illinois, where it was well received.

Chamber President and CEO Terri Cole said it made sense for the Chamber to produce the report because “as business leaders we are naturally inclined to believe and understand that leadership is essential to continuous improvement and ultimately to the success of any organization.”

The report recommends that New Mexico “redesign and relaunch” principal preparation programs to “meet the challenge of adequate and equitable educational opportunities for schools as called for by the Martinez/Yazzie court ruling.”

Those programs should be offered state grants to start new programs “in line with evidence-based best practices, including a full-time residency requirement.”

There are several other notable recommendations in the report as well, including:

• An update of compensation systems to “incentivize interest in school leadership roles and improve retention.” Currently, principals aren’t paid enough for the additional skill, responsibilities, and stress required by leadership positions, the report says. There is also no incentive in principal pay for building leaders to “maintain knowledge and skills by engaging in continuous learning opportunities to maintain their license.”
• Better access for all principals to ongoing professional development. “The most common opportunities tend to be “one-shot” conferences and workshops that do not reflect best practices of sustained development over time with an emphasis on practicing new skills and receiving coaching,” the report says.
• Establishment by the state legislature of a statewide intensive mentoring program for all first-year principals.
• Increased state capacity to support school leaders. The report recommends that the New Mexico Public Education Department create an Office of School and District Leadership.  The report suggests that PED “could benefit from an external organization that advocates for a comprehensive, sustained, and rigorous focus on school leadership and aims to hold the State accountable to that mission.”
• The state’s philanthropies should “invest in an advocacy organization to hold all of state government – including executive agencies, the Legislature, and higher education institutions – accountable for deploying high-standards school leader programming that improves school and student performance.”

Los Lunas Schools Superintendent Arsenio Romero attended the LESC hearing and said he supported the report’s findings. Romero is also a New Mexico State University regent.

“Investing and developing our school leaders is crucial to the success and outcomes of our students,” Romero said. “By investing in the development of local school leaders not only do you get a better leader, you get a better school.”

Romero said he strongly believes in mentorship programs as a way to develop strong leaders. “Connection is key. Relationships are gold.  It is the fastest way to growth, success, and getting the outcomes we want.,” he said.

People need to push to see that this overhaul takes place, he said. “The idea that leaders grow when engaging in leadership training seems like common sense. And it is. Unfortunately, it is not common practice,” he said “New Mexico needs this to happen.  This will dramatically improve public education in the state.”

Read the original article here.

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