(LACF News) – The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) annual grant cycle opens Monday, April 1 with applications due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Active 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located and providing services in Los Alamos County are invited to apply under the following categories:
Capacity Building Grants: Nonprofits may request up to $5,000 to fund initiatives that increase an organization’s capacity to improve its financial health. Grants should support efforts with measurable results that strengthen financial sustainability; operations and program support are not eligible. This funding is intended to facilitate capacity building that would not be practical without grant support. Eligible activities include but are not limited to: initiatives to diversify or expand funding sources; building technological capacity to increase efficiency; investing in board development to strengthen governance and fiduciary oversight; completing a non-routine/required performance or financial review; establishing and implementing development, marketing or strategic plans. Grants are funded in part through the Enterprise Bank & Trust Community Endowment.
Youth Sports: Up to $2,400 is available to fund competitive youth sports activities, specifically projects that build leadership skills in youth through achievement in competitive team sports. Youth served by the project or program must live in Los Alamos County and/or attend Los Alamos schools and be between the ages of 5-18. Eligible activities include but are not limited to tournament and travel expenses, team fees, and equipment purchase. Grants are funded through the Los Alamos Community Youth Sports Endowment.
Music Organizations: Up to $750 is available in unrestricted operating support to nonprofits whose work expands knowledge and appreciation of genres such as classical, orchestral and band music, light opera, marching band, and choral performances for adult populations. Grants are funded through the Judy Dudziak Endowment for Community Music Organizations.
Preserving History (new for 2024): Up to $600 is available to support activities focused on preserving the heritage of the Homestead Era on the Pajarito Plateau. Eligible projects include historic building assessments, preservation plans, and appropriate actions to stabilize, maintain and/or preserve Homestead Era properties and features (e.g., trails and roads). Grants are funded through the Pajarito Plateau Heritage Preservation Endowment.
How to Apply
Additional information, including a link to application forms (available April 1), can be found at losalamoscf.org under ‘grantmaking’ or by clicking here. Direct questions to info@losalamoscf.org
Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by inspiring local philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 16 permanent endowment funds and supports nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information visit www.losalamoscf.org.
(LACF News) – The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) is pleased to announce local resident and supporter Liz Martineau as its new Executive Director.
“It’s great to have Liz join the foundation team,” said LACF Board Chair Pat Soran. “She brings extensive knowledge and connection to our community that is so valuable to the foundation. Liz is more than ready to help take the LACF to the next level,” he added, “and I look forward to working with such a dynamic woman — welcome aboard Liz!”
Martineau brings 37 years of dedication and service to the Los Alamos community. She has taught elementary school, provided outreach through the Bradbury Science Museum, served as Executive Director of the Historical Society and managed the Los Alamos Ambassador Program. Her experience also includes the Historical Society’s 2015 Capital Campaign and service as president of the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation.
A breadth of volunteer work with local nonprofits gives Martineau a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing these organizations in Los Alamos. Most recently, she has served on the J Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Self-Help Board and the Los Alamos Community Seed Library.
“There are more than 120 nonprofit organizations in Los Alamos that provide necessary services and improve our quality of life. The Los Alamos Community Foundation is in a unique position to foster collaboration among organizations and increase philanthropic impact to sustain them for the long-term,” said Martineau.
“I am honored to join LACF and look forward to continuing the work of Steve Laurent and previous director Rachel Kizielewicz to create lasting impacts in our community,” added Martineau.
Martineau raised two daughters on the Pajarito Plateau. She is a fiber artist who enjoys camping and hiking. She and her husband, Gordon McDonough, also own a traveling math museum. “I enjoy meeting new people, so if you see me out and about at a family math night, concert, or program, please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself,” says Martineau.
Martineau replaces Steve Laurent who announced his retirement in January. They are working together until April 1 to ensure a smooth transition.
Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by inspiring local philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 16 permanent endowment funds and supports nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information visit www.losalamoscf.org.
(LACF News) – Board members of nonprofits serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba Counties are encouraged to attend a brief and engaging workshop on Purpose Driven Board Leadership co-sponsored by the Los Alamos Community Foundation and United Way of Northern New Mexico. The session will be repeated in Los Alamos, Española, and online in late February and early March. Advance registration is required. Lunch is provided at the in-person sessions.
Led by BoardSource Certified Governance Consultant Linley Daly, participants will learn the Four Principles of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership, the duties of the collective board and the responsibilities of board members. We’ll play a game called “Yours. Mine. Ours” where participants test their knowledge of the board’s responsibilities, staff responsibilities and shared responsibilities. We’ll also digest the importance of fundraising, member expectations forms and board evaluations. Q&A will follow.
Though geared to current board members, nonprofit staff, volunteers and prospective board members are welcome to participate.
Dates, times and registration:
The same workshop is provided three times to help meet participant scheduling needs. The Feb. 27 workshop is online only; the Feb. 28 and March 8 workshops are in-person only. Each session has a different start time.
- February 27, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Virtual session via Zoom (link will be sent to registrants prior to the meeting) - February 28, 11:30 am – 1 pm (check-in begins at 11:15)
SALA Event Center, 2551 Central Ave, Los Alamos (lunch provided) - March 8, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (check-in begins at 10:45)
LANL Foundation Offices, 1112 Plaza del Norte, Española (lunch provided)
To register, go to losalamoscf.org/ticket and select the session you wish to attend. To encourage in-person participation and networking, travel will be reimbursed for those driving more than 10 miles. Questions or trouble registering? Email info@losalamoscf.org
About the Presenter:
Linley Daly has provided consulting, facilitation, and coaching expertise to nearly 100 organizations throughout New Mexico and beyond. A BoardSource Certified Governance Consultant, an ICF Professional Certified Coach and a certified Global Team Coach, she is Working Genius Certified and DiSC assessment and Dare to Lead trained.
Workshops are made possible through a Grant from Triad National Security, LLC.
Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by inspiring local philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 16 permanent endowment funds and supports nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information visit www.losalamoscf.org.
(LACF News) – Life is full of compromises over where to focus one’s time and energy. The most difficult choices involve career and family. For LACF Executive Director Steve Laurent who will be stepping down from his role this spring, the choice was not a difficult one. “Family,” said Laurent, “it’s as simple as that. This is a time in my life where family will be most important.”
Noting that his family moved to Los Alamos over 15 years ago, Laurent explained that the thought of retiring came last month at his father’s 90th birthday in Michigan. “Spending that weekend with my extended family, and especially my dad, everything became clear – this is a gift and it’s fleeting,” he said, adding, “It’s not something to take for granted.”
Laurent will be leaving the position at the end of March. This will come after his wife Anne takes on the role of County Manager at the beginning of March.
“Also, it’s important that I dedicate myself to my wife,” Laurent said. “Anne and I have focused on our separate careers for nearly 30 years, and we’ve been blessed to experience success and countless rewards,” adding that “it’s been great, but we’re a team and it’s time for me to fully support Anne outside of work so she can take on the challenge of her new position with the energy and attention it takes to serve the community.”
For Laurent, a simple personal decision has not been so easy professionally. “What’s hard is leaving LACF, an organization that is hitting its stride and increasing its impact in building a stronger Los Alamos in concert with our nonprofit community,” he stated. “But we have a board of exceptional community leaders, and their guidance will lead to great things under the next executive director.”
When Laurent signs off this spring, he will have been in the position for just under two years. In addition to growing LACF’s permanent endowment to support the community, Laurent is proud of his work establishing a community volunteering web portal at VolunteerLosAlamos.org, and the Giving Tuesday fundraising site at LosAlamosGives.org. “The town is changing, especially with so many new lab hires. These are great resources to help new people get connected, learn about our nonprofits and how to pitch in to help build a better Los Alamos,” Laurent explained. “LACF can help so much in this regard, expanding awareness, fostering a sense of community philanthropy, and leading a unified nonprofit community. Our community is stronger when we’re better connected.”
Laurent says he will especially miss the personal connections with the LACF board, its donors and community nonprofit employees and volunteers. “I have been blessed to experience and share in the care and dedication that so many have for this place which is our home,” he said.
Pat Soran, current LACF President stated “Steve has been a passionate and forceful advocate for LACF. His energy and commitment have been instrumental in increasing the visibility of our foundation, as well as supporting our mission of promoting philanthropy in Los Alamos. Steve’s efforts have taken LACF to its next level of growth. He has been a passionate leader, a generous donor, and a valued colleague. We are really going to miss Steve’s contributions; however, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Laurent makes it clear that while stepping back from work he is not going anywhere. “I’ll continue to promote the mission of LACF, support our nonprofits that do so much for that community, and be a cheerleader and advocate for our town,” he explained. “I’ll just be doing it in a different way.”
LACF is seeking a new Executive Director. If you are interested in the opportunity, please click here.
Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by inspiring local philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 16 permanent endowment funds and supports nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information visit www.losalamoscf.org.
Last week the nation recognized Giving Tuesday, a day of local giving, volunteering and sharing kindness. To encourage giving in our area, the Los Alamos Community Foundation hosted its inaugural Los Alamos Gives campaign.
Central to the campaign was a shared website to facilitate donations to local nonprofits, fundraisers and causes. We’re pleased to report that in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, the Los Alamos Gives site took in over $20,000 in donations to nearly 30 local nonprofits. Thousands more were donated directly to these organizations and others on that day.
What a wonderful Giving Tuesday response – you hit it out of the park Los Alamos!
Our nonprofits depend on local generosity to continue serving our neighbors in need and providing the abundance of enriching experiences that connect us as a community. Each of them deserves our support.
If you missed Giving Tuesday, it’s not too late. The LosAlamosGives.org site is open through December 31, and you can always donate to your favorite organization directly. The amount doesn’t matter, just give what you can. Your support lets employees and volunteers know their work is appreciated, and even the smallest of donations makes a big difference when combined with those of others. That’s the power of community!
Thank you, Los Alamos, for making our first Los Alamos Gives campaign a success, and for providing a healthy goal for us to shoot for next year. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with renewal and optimism for this community we share.
Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by inspiring local philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 16 permanent endowment funds and supports nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information visit www.losalamoscf.org.
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The Los Alamos Community Foundation invites the community to a workshop on the basics of estate planning Monday, December 11, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at UNM-LA. Join us for an overview of common estate planning tools and discussion of how these may apply to you and your loved ones.
Estate Planning Basics is presented by local attorney Shay Burns Kendricks of Miles & Kendricks, LLC. Kendricks received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock in 1997 and has practiced law in New Mexico for 25 years.
Topics include last will and testament, revocable or living trust, advanced health care directive, durable power of attorney, transfer on death deed, and ways to include charitable giving in your estate plan. This is a great opportunity to help ensure those you care for are protected and provided for while gaining some piece of mind for yourself.
The workshop is made free to the public through the Diane Warther Soran Endowment for Community Programs. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided.
What: Estate Planning Basics
When: Monday, December 11 (5:30 – 7 p.m.)
Where: UNM-LA, Building 2, Room 230
Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by inspiring local philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 16 permanent endowment funds and supports nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information visit www.losalamoscf.org.
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The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors: Diana Martinez and John Benner.
“Both Diana and John bring long histories of service to Los Alamos,” said Steve Laurent, LACF Executive Director. “They each add unique perspectives, professional expertise, and connections to our community that can help elevate the important work we’re doing.”
Martinez recently retired from The Family YMCA after a 25-year career serving as a Senior Program Director and Development Director with a focus on grant writing. She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri. Martinez is a freelance writer and has been published in numerous local and national periodicals. A 2006 graduate of Leadership Los Alamos, she was the recipient of their 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award. Through her work with the Family YMCA and raising three children in town Martinez has established a deep appreciation for the community and its nonprofit organizations.
Benner joined Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1993 and moved to Los Alamos in 1995. He has held a variety of leadership positions at the Lab including Associate Director for Weapon Engineering and Experiments and Executive Officer for Weapon Programs. Benner is currently the Associate Laboratory Director for Weapon Production and leads the plutonium pit production activities at the Laboratory. He has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University and was recently inducted into its Academy of Distinguished Alumni of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Benner is the proud father of three sons, all of whom attended Los Alamos Schools and participated in Little League, Boy Scouts, and church youth groups. He enjoys being part of the White Rock and Los Alamos community.
For additional information about Martinez and Benner, along with others serving on the LACF board, please visit www.losalamoscf.org/about-us/our-board-of-directors-and-staff.
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards fifteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
(Steve Laurent, Los Alamos Community Foundation Executive Director presents a ceremonial check to Susie Schillaci, Los Alamos Youth Soccer League Girls Competitive Coordinator, and other adult and youth representatives of LAYSL)
Serving hundreds of kids each year means the Los Alamos Youth Soccer League (LAYSL) has a lot of equipment to maintain and replace. Fortunately, LAYSL recently received a $500 competitive grant from the Los Alamos Community Foundation to support the League’s equipment needs. The grant is funded by the Los Alamos Community Youth Sports Endowment established by Paul and Jill Cook with the purpose of supporting competitive youth sports in Los Alamos.
Susie Schillaci, Girls Competitive Coordinator, said that their goal is to provide all coaches and teams with equipment that is in good condition and is appropriate for each level.
“Our intention is to use the LACF grant for purchasing balls,” said Schillaci. “We spend about $2,000 annually on soccer balls to support our recreational and competitive programs for ages 5-18. We have over 500 participants annually between Fall and Spring season.”
Schillaci added that the “generous grant will go a long way in helping LAYSL reach our goal of supporting kids, coaches, and the soccer programs within the League.”
The primary mission of the Los Alamos Youth Soccer League (LAYSL) and its associated Los Alamos Football Club is to provide a high-quality, safe, and fun opportunity for the youth of Los Alamos and the surrounding area to learn the “beautiful game” at a modest cost.
LAYSL is interested in creating lifelong soccer players and fans of the game. We want kids of all ages and abilities on the pitch playing. The League strives to teach players the individual technical skills needed to play the game and a fundamental tactical understanding of how to play. Players learn life skills including responsibility, commitment, discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards fifteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
Matt Lewis, Coro de Cámara Board Chair and Nylea Butler-Moore, Artistic Director celebrate receiving a grant from the Judy Dudziak Endowment for Community Music Organizations through the Los Alamos Community Foundation.
“We are grateful to LACF and the Judy Dudziak Endowment Fund for this support,” said Lewis. “This will allow us to compensate local musicians as guest artists to support our programming for the coming year.” Coro de Cámara performs a diverse repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary.
Lewis added that the grant will, for example, support their February 2024 concert, “Time to… Dance”, a pops program of hits from the 1960s-1980s that will feature an instrumental combo (piano, bass, and drums). Our guest instrumentalists enrich the musical experience for singers and audience alike.”
Don Dudziak created the Judy Dudziak Endowment for Community Music Organizations to honor his late wife and her love of music.
Pictured L to R: Nylea Butler-Moore, Coro de Cámara Artistic Director; Matt Lewis, Coro de Cámara Board Chair; Steve Laurent, LACF Executive Director; Don Dudziak, Fund creator
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards fifteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
Jillian Rubio, Executive Director of the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), expressed her gratitude at receiving one of six capacity-building grants given by the Los Alamos Community Foundation to area non-profit organizations.
Building upon a marketing survey conducted for PEEC by UNM in 2021 (also funded by LACF), this funding allows PEEC to create and begin the implementation of a new marketing plan.
“Our intention is to investigate how to reach audiences not currently engaged with PEEC programs, thereby advancing our mission, strengthening our long-term financial sustainability, and positively impacting the community,” said Rubio. “We’re extremely grateful to LACF for their continued support.”
Pictured L to R: Kristen O’Hara, Director of Interpretation; Steve Laurent, LACF Executive Director; Jillian Rubio, Executive Director; Ryan Ramaker, Visitor’s Services Manager; Ashleigh Lusher, Gift Shop & Programs Coordinator; Beth Cortright, Operations Manager
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards fifteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.