Read the Report

This comprehensive report, conducted by the University of New Mexico’s Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation Lab, assesses the health, economic, environmental, social, and local food system impacts of 13 agricultural training initiatives across the state. Learn how these vital programs support the next generation of producers, address critical challenges like land access and climate resilience, and contribute to strengthening our local food networks. The report highlights both the significant benefits for trainees and communities, as well as the ongoing hurdles facing new and beginning farmers and ranchers in New Mexico.

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A major new study, funded in part by the Thornburg Foundation and released on November 20, provides the first full accounting of water consumption across the entire Rio Grande–Bravo basin. The findings reveal a systemic crisis, with 52% of annual use being unsustainable, ultimately draining finite reservoirs and aquifers faster than they can be replenished. While this unsustainable use threatens water security for millions across the Southwest, the impacts are acutely felt in New Mexico. The state has lost 71% of its reservoir storage since 2002, and water scarcity has reduced irrigated farmland by 36% along the Rio Grande. This new data crystallizes the urgent need for basin-wide collaboration, offering a critical roadmap to rebalance our water budget and build resilience for New Mexico’s communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Contact :

Patrick McCarthy: Senior Water Policy Officer — patrick@thornburgfoundation.org

Sarah Wentzel-Fisher: Land & Ag Policy Officer — sarah@thornburgfoundation.org

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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

The post NYT: In One of the Country’s Poorest States, Crippling Budget Cuts Loom appeared first on Thornburg Foundation.

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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Santa Fe, NM — The Thornburg Foundation announces  $115,000 in grants for New Mexico nonprofit organizations doing work in  water and agriculture restoration and conservation projects. The grants are intended to help nonprofits access federal funding available to improve watershed and river health and to address the effects of wildfire, drought, and water scarcity on vulnerable communities. 

Grantees include the Upper Rio Grande Watershed District, Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District / Arid LID Coalition, Santa Clara Pueblo, Cimarron Watershed Alliance, Rio Fernando de Taos Revitalization Collaborative / Amigos Bravos, Rio Grande Agricultural Land Trust, The National Center for Frontier Communities, and New Mexico State University Foundation, Inc. These grants are made available  through the Support for Pursuing Federal Grants program, and will provide resources for organizations to successfully apply for larger, longer-term federal funds.  

“The American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment Act and other federal aid are creating once-in-a-generation opportunities for improving our state’s water and agricultural systems, ” said Allan Oliver, Executive Director of the Thornburg Foundation. “Based on feedback from our non-profit partners, we are making grants for grant-writing and matching, so our nonprofit partners can pursue substantial federal grants and, we hope, garner millions of dollars of new federal agriculture and water investment into our state.“

Investment in New Mexico’s water security has never been more important or more timely. The current twenty-year drought is the region’s driest in 1,200 years, and water supply is likely to decrease by 20-30% over the next few decades. Large sections of the Rio Grande – more than 50 miles between Albuquerque and Socorro – went dry this year for the first time in decades, and water levels were so low that supplies to irrigated farms have been delayed or cut off. At the same time, the forested watersheds that provide most of the state’s water are at risk. Prolonged hot and dry conditions fueled the two largest wildfires in state history, leading to damaging post-fire flooding. 

These grants will help nonprofit organizations pursue federal funding to address some of the more extensive agricultural land issues facing the state, such as the loss of agricultural land. According to a recent USDA NASS study from 1997-2017, New Mexico’s pastureland & rangeland declined by 4.6 million acres (-11%), cropland lost 353,601 acres (-16%), woodland lost 28,642 acres (-1%), and irrigated land declined by 178,582 acres or -22%. 

Funding for these grants has been made possible  through the Support for Pursuing Federal Funds Grant Program, which launched in early 2022. Anchorum St. Vincent, Thornburg Foundation and Santa Fe Community Foundation have partnered to provide rapid response grants for nonprofits in the sectors of Food & Agriculture, Water Resources Management, and Health & Social Determinants of Health. This critical funding aids New Mexico nonprofits in securing federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for local communities that need it most.

This is the second round of funding provided for this effort. In April 2022, over $50,000 was awarded to four New Mexico food & agriculture non-profits: Three Sister’s Kitchen, One Generation, Center of Southwest Culture, and Western Landowners Alliance. 

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About the Thornburg Foundation

Thornburg Foundation is a family foundation that makes grants in the areas of good government reform, K-12 education, agriculture reform, water policy, and community funding. We work to catalyze high-impact outcomes using evidence to understand and solve systemic problems, engage stakeholders to drive policy reform, and create meaningful and lasting change.

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Santa Fe, NM —  The Thornburg Foundation is awarding a total $50,000 in grants to four New Mexico food & agriculture non-profits: Three Sister’s Kitchen, One Generation, Center of Southwest Culture, and Western Landowners Alliance. The grants will aid these nonprofits in accessing federal funding available under programs such as the Farmers Market Promotion Program, Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program, and Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities. Each grantee’s proposal directly supports farmers and ranchers with technical assistance resources and strives to create new market opportunities for those producers across New Mexico. The combined total leverage amount of public and private funds sought is an estimated $128,000,000.

“The recent influx of federal funding is unprecedented,” said Allan Oliver, Executive Director of the Thornburg Foundation. “We want to respond in a way that ensures nonprofits in New Mexico have a viable opportunity to pursue these new funds so that they can be used to improve the lives of our fellow New Mexicans. Unfortunately, New Mexico growers make about $35,000 less annually than the average U.S. farmer. This first round of grants will directly benefit our state’s local farming and ranching communities and help build sustainable local food systems.” 

These grants are offered through the Support for Pursuing Federal Funds Grant Program, which launched earlier this spring. Anchorum St. Vincent, Thornburg Foundation and Santa Fe Community Foundation have joined together to provide rapid response grants for nonprofits in the sectors of Food & Agriculture, Water Resources Management, and Health & Social Determinants of Health. This critical funding aids New Mexico nonprofits in securing federal funds for local communities that need it most.

About Thornburg Foundation

Thornburg Foundation is a family foundation that makes grants in the areas of good government reform, early childhood education, agriculture reform, water policy, and community funding. We work to catalyze high-impact outcomes using evidence to understand and solve systemic problems, engage stakeholders to drive policy reform, and create meaningful and lasting change.

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Mr. Nezzie will be responsible for a multi-year grantmaking portfolio averaging $1 million per year

SANTA FE — August 4, 2021 — Thornburg Foundation, a family foundation that makes grants in the areas of good government reform, early childhood education, agriculture reform, water policy and community funding, today announced Dave Nezzie has joined the organization to lead the strategic initiative focused on food and agriculture policy.

In this role, Mr. Nezzie will focus on the advancement of policy reforms, planning efforts, research, and other work to modernize food and agriculture in New Mexico. Mr. Nezzie will lead the ongoing adaptation and implementation of the Foundation’s strategic plan and be responsible for developing and managing a multi-year grantmaking portfolio averaging $1 million per year.

In response to the major issues identified as challenges to the agriculture sector, the food and agriculture initiative supports improved health for New Mexico’s rangelands and farmland to support the environment and future farming and ranching generations, advances alignment among key stakeholders to develop policies, laws and programs that champion local food systems, and increases long-term viability of farmers and ranchers producing food for local markets.

“We are delighted to have Dave leading our food and agriculture policy initiative,” said Mr. Oliver. “His unique experience on the federal level, working with state and tribal government on agriculture policy will be invaluable to the Foundation’s goal of supporting local ranchers and farmers and advancing practices for a resilient agricultural sector.”

Mr. Nezzie most recently served as a field representative for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, focusing on food and agriculture work in Northern New Mexico and co-leading the office’s response to Covid-19 in Tribal Communities. In that position, he also worked on the 2018 Farm Bill and Agriculture Resilience Act authored by Sen. Heinrich.

“Food and agriculture systems can be both robust and resilient with diverse and effective solutions,” said Mr. Nezzie. “I am honored to do this important work on behalf of the Thornburg Foundation that benefits New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers and consumers.”

Mr. Nezzie has a JD from the University of New Mexico and is completing a Master of Laws in Agriculture and Food Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. He worked in the Office of the Solicitor at the U.S. Department of Interior as a legal intern working on NEPA, ESA and Indian Land Consolidation.

About Thornburg Foundation
Thornburg Foundation is a family foundation that makes grants in the areas of good government reform, early childhood education, agriculture reform, water policy and community funding. We work to catalyze high-impact outcomes using evidence to understand and solve systemic problems, engage stakeholders to drive policy reform, and create meaningful and lasting change.

Thornburg Foundation was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information: www.thornburgfoundation.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2021

Patrick McCarthy joins Thornburg Foundation as Water Policy Officer

SANTA FE, NM — Today, the Thornburg Foundation announced Patrick McCarthy will lead the Foundation’s new strategic initiative focused on water policy and management.

New Mexico has seen growing stresses on water security due to ongoing drought, outmoded infrastructure and policies, and longstanding inequities in access to clean and abundant water. Federal, state and tribal leaders, philanthropy, and the non-profit sector  share a deep concern for the state’s water future.  To address the threat of water scarcity to families and farmers across the state, the Thornburg Foundation added a fourth initiative focused on water. 

“Our new Water Initiative will be in great hands with Patrick”, said Allan Oliver, Executive Director of Thornburg Foundation. “His extensive on-the-ground experience designing and implementing numerous collaborative water management efforts and his long-term partnerships with stakeholders and communities will be critical to our strategy of supporting smart collaborative policy.” 

In this role, Patrick will focus on the advancement of policy reforms, planning efforts, research, and other work to modernize and transform water management in New Mexico, including supporting native-led efforts to address Tribal and Pueblo water needs across the state.

“I am inspired to be working on this Water Initiative”, stated Patrick McCarthy, the Foundation’s Water Policy Officer. “I’ve worked for the past 25 years on water management across the Southwest, and I’m proud to bring that experience to bear on policy reform in New Mexico.”

In the near term, Patrick will lead the development and establishment of the Foundation’s strategic plan for the Water Initiative. He will then be responsible for developing and managing a multi-year grantmaking portfolio consistent with the strategic plan.

“Patrick has been a valuable thought partner for our work on water resilience,” said Daryl Vigil, Jicarilla Apache Nation water administrator and co-director of the Colorado River Basin Water & Tribes Initiative. “New Mexico’s communities have already benefited from his work, and I’m excited that he’ll be leading this new water policy initiative.”

The Foundation makes $1m in grants each year into each of its four strategic initiative areas of good government, early childhood education, food and agriculture and water.

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Thornburg Foundation is a family foundation that makes grants in the areas of good government reform, early childhood education, agriculture reform and community funding.  We work to catalyze high impact outcomes using evidence to understand and solve systemic problems, engage stakeholders to drive policy reform, and create meaningful and lasting change in New Mexico. Thornburg Foundation was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

To view the biographies of the Thornburg Foundation team, visit www.thornburgfoundation.org/about-us/staff/.

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