Local documentarian and author Dean Decker has spent more than a decade researching and documenting Los Alamos places and history, so it is no surprise that he is creating a fund to benefit the Los Alamos Historical Society.
“Los Alamos history is of course fascinating. So much has already been written about the science of the Manhattan Project. I’ve spent my efforts documenting the community aspects and life in Los Alamos,” explains Decker in addressing what has compelled him to start a seed fund at Los Alamos Community Foundation for the Historical Society.
“Los Alamos Historical Society maintains a very large archive,” said Decker, “and they strive to present new and varied displays about our history. I believe this work is important, and I want to make sure that it continues indefinitely. An endowment is a great way to do that.”
Decker’s fund is termed a “Seed Fund,” which means that the community has five years to raise the $10,000 necessary to create a permanent endowment fund to benefit the Los Alamos Historical Society. While Decker has kicked it off with a personal donation, everyone can help ensure the endowment is fully funded well before the five-year deadline. Donations may be sent to Los Alamos Community Foundation, with a note designating “Los Alamos Historical Society.”
LACF Executive Director Liz Martineau said, “As someone who personally treasures our local history, I’m very excited that this endowment will provide a new revenue stream and annual funding disbursements to the Historical Society to preserve and share our local stories.”
Los Alamos Historical Society Executive Director, Todd Nickols adds, “Dean is an exceptionally generous person, as demonstrated through his writing, his support of our Archives and Collections, his active participation in our exhibit openings, and now with the creation of this seed fund. The Historical Society’s Board of Directors and staff sincerely appreciate Dean’s longstanding support and friendship, which have been invaluable to both the Society and the Los Alamos community. Thank you, Dean!”
Martineau said endowments held at the Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) offer several benefits for donors and local organizations, including expert investing monitoring, providing funding diversity for organizations, providing a consistent revenue stream in perpetuity to local nonprofits, and protecting funds from fraud or bankruptcy.
“We encourage Los Alamos residents who value our unique local history to donate to this new endowment fund for the Los Alamos Historical Society,” said Martineau, “or to the Pajarito Heritage Fund, which focuses specifically on preserving our homesteading history.”
Martineau said LACF accepts online donations on their website (losalamoscf.org), monthly donations through the LANL giving tool, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and one-time gifts.
“You may even designate a fund through your will or trust. We are proud to be local. You are welcome to stop by our office (in the Enterprise Bank and Trust building) to discuss giving options with us,” said Martineau. LACF is located on the ground floor of the Enterprise Bank and Trust building, which provides the space to the Foundation.
A current list of the 24 permanent endowment funds LACF manages is available on the website losalamoscf.org under “donate to a fund.”
Martineau said, “If your favorite organization is listed there, consider donating. If it isn’t listed, maybe you can be the one to start a permanent fund for them. An Endowment Fund is giving that lasts!”
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 twenty-four 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.
Jose A. (Joe) and Mary M. (Marty) Arellano’s story is rooted in the soil of northern New Mexico. From the quiet Arellano family orchard in the Embudo Valley and farming communities of Mora County, the Arellano’s journey is a testament to the values of hard work, service, faith, community, and family.
In northern New Mexico, community is a way of life.
Joe, who lost his mother when he was 11 years old, understands hardship. In the Dixon orchards, he witnessed firsthand that “Families were dependent on each other.”
Marty agrees, recalling that “Families in the little communities of northern New Mexico grew and survived because they shared.”
This spirit of community stayed with them throughout their lives. Joe and Marty met at the Menaul Boarding School in Albuquerque and married in 1961.
A pivotal moment came early in their marriage when someone in need asked them for money. Even though they had little money themselves, the choice was clear; they chose to give their last $20 without question, because, as Marty says, “If anyone has a need, we should help them.”
The years that followed were busy. Joe served five years in the Air Force and then joined LANL, working his way from a technician and machinist to an assistant group leader. Marty was also busy raising three children under the age of two years old, and then joining the LANL workforce.
In 1992, Joe and Marty took on the challenge of property management, but they didn’t just see structures– they saw it as a way to care for people. They purchased an apartment building, then remodeled, cleaned, furnished, and rented the apartments to LANL students, post-docs, and foreign scientists. One apartment purchase led to another.
This February, Joe and Marty celebrated 65 years of marriage. Their family has grown with their 3 children, Karen Edwards, Lee Arellano, and Paul Arellano, to include 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. They find themselves with a “full, rich life,” but ultimately find themselves looking forward.
“We have been blessed. We have enough that we can share,” says Marty, “Why not share and give other people opportunities to improve their lives?”
To honor their values, Joe and Marty decided to leave a lasting impact by establishing a permanent endowment fund through the Los Alamos Community Foundation. Joe says, “Our goal is for this endowment to provide grants to help care for people.” The purpose of this fund is to inspire and uplift people working to better themselves through education and training in nursing, healthcare, the trades, and vocational work.
The name they chose for the endowment reflects their family values, the “Jose A. and Mary M. Arellano Family Endowment.”
“We are humbled by this donation and take the management of these funds very seriously,” says Liz Martineau, Los Alamos Community Foundation Executive Director. “Our community is lucky to have philanthropists like Joe and Marty. They are putting the lessons they learned in life into action to help others. Their generosity will help people for many years to come.”
As Joe and Marty establish this new form of giving, they continue to plant seeds and nourish the soil of our community, ensuring that the next generation thrives.
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 twenty-four 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.
LACF News: The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) organized and facilitated an ABC Suicide Prevention Training session on Nov. 5, for staff members of the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC).
This training is part of LACF’s broader commitment to strengthening local nonprofits and community organizations through the LAUNCH initiative, which provides education, capacity-building, and collaborative programs aimed at improving overall well-being in the region.
LACDC Executive Director Lauren McDaniel emphasized the importance of bringing this training to her team.
“I encouraged LACDC staff to attend this training since we interact frequently with members of the community, as well as visitors. When we empower community members to have open and informed conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, and encourage people to seek help before they reach a crisis, we are not only reducing the stigma around this topic but building a healthier and safer community,” McDaniel said. “I’m grateful to the Los Alamos Community Foundation and other partners for coming together through LAUNCH to offer this program.”
The session was led by Dawnmarie Shipley and supported by Brandi Weiss, both of whom completed Los Alamos’ first ABC Suicide Prevention “Train the Trainer” course and now assist with LACF to deliver training across Los Alamos County.
Shipley guided LACDC staff through the ABC model, which focuses on Ask, Be Present, and Connection—three core skills that help community members recognize warning signs, approach conversations with compassion, and connect individuals to appropriate support resources.
For more information about upcoming training opportunities or to schedule a private training, please contact Brandi Weiss at brandi@losalamoscf.org or visit the LACF website for more information at https://losalamoscf.org/launch/.
LACF News: Los Alamos Community Foundation, in conjunction with their 10th anniversary, is pleased to present Leadership Los Alamos with a $1000 grant.
According to the nomination, “Leadership Los Alamos set me on a life-long path of leading and giving.” LACF Executive Director Liz Martineau says, “We congratulate the volunteers of LLA for creating a collaborative community of leaders who are problem-solvers giving back to our community.” 10 for 10 Anniversary Grant winners to date:
#1 LA Retired and Senior Organization
#2 All Individuals First
#3 Friends of Bandelier National Monument
#4 Los Alamos Little Theatre
#5 First Born
#6 Little Forest Playschool
#7 Hill Stompers
#8 Los Alamos Hockey Association
#9 Leadership Los Alamos
#10 Coming soon!!!. . .
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the local quality of life by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy, and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $2M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate to support local grants and programs, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
LARSO Press Release: Thanks to a generous grant from the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Anchorum Health Fund, the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center is excited to announce the opening of an Art Space for older adults to express their creativity. This vibrant hub is equipped with everything you need to explore your artistic side, including craft paper, collage materials, stamps, paints, markers, and colored pencils.
The Art Space is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the best part is that it’s FREE to use.
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the local quality of life by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy, and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $2M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate to support local grants and programs, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
LACF News: Los Alamos Community Foundation, in conjunction with their 10th anniversary, is pleased to support youth with a $1,000 grant to Los Alamos Hockey Association.
Liz Martineau, LACF Executive Director, explains, “As a community, it is important for us to support positive experiences that build skills and connection for youth. Paul and Jill Cook started an endowment that enables LACF to support competitive sports programs. While we have supported several different programs through this endowment, the Los Alamos Hockey Association is a new grantee for us, as it was nominated through our anniversary celebration. We are inspired by the opportunities this program offers to our youth.”
The nomination noted that Los Alamos Hockey Association is the largest youth hockey association in New Mexico, and has hockey programs for boys and girls aged 4 to 19. This all-volunteer group organizes and hosts the local hockey season. The Los Alamos Hockey Association (LAHA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging amateur hockey for Los Alamos and the greater Los Alamos County area. The organization strives to develop character, integrity, teamwork, and sportsmanship. “We teach our youth the importance of respect for their coaches, teammates, opposing players, and officials. Our Association educates our membership and the public on the fundamentals and goals of amateur hockey while developing a proud and supportive hockey community. LAHA is committed to letting Every Child Play the Coolest Game on Earth,” said Megan Parton, LAHA Secretary.
Martineau asks community members to please consider a donation to the Community Youth Sports Endowment Fund to support local youth sports opportunities like this one. “Let’s make sure all children have the opportunity to benefit from youth sports,” she says. Learn more about all Los Alamos Community Foundation grant recipients and become a regular donor to the Community Foundation at losalamoscf.org.
10 for 10 Anniversary Grant winners to date:
#1 LA Retired and Senior Organization
#2 All Individuals First
#3 Friends of Bandelier National Monument
#4 Los Alamos Little Theatre
#5 First Born
#6 Little Forest Playschool
#7 Hill Stompers
#8 Los Alamos Hockey Association
#9, 10 Coming Soon . . .
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the local quality of life by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy, and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $1.5M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate to support local grants and programs, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
LACF News: Los Alamos Community Foundation, in celebration of its 10th-anniversary, is pleased to award the Hill Stompers with a $1,000 grant for bringing music to our community.
“The Hill Stompers demonstrate how individuals can come together and use their talents to bring joy to our community. Their music enlivens local festivals, weddings, birthdays, parades, and many other events. Their free participation helps many other non-profit organizations create engaging programs,” Liz Martineau, LACF Executive Director said.
The Hill Stompers are a group of amateur musicians that reflect our community, including physicists, engineers, technologists, county employees, merchants, teachers, and retirees.
Organized 25 years ago, community members have grown up enjoying their music, costumes, and antics. They have become a unique local treasure and are creating a music legacy.
“The Hillstompers brought performing music back into my life and have done the same for many others. The joy of watching children dance and be fascinated by the band is beyond description. We have seen children get interested in the band, and then we see them as students learning music, and as adults still keeping their music alive. It’s a wonderful part of the community,” Kristen Kern says.
“The Hill Stompers wholeheartedly embrace individuals of all ages to join in making music and provide no-cost entertainment and fun for everyone, from youth to our elderly,” Betsy Stauffer said.
The Los Alamos Community Foundation’s 10-for-10 grants allow the Foundation to recognize the impact of local non-profit organizations through the stories of those who know them best–community members. Learn more about all of the grant recipients and become a regular donor to the Community Foundation at losalamoscf.org.
10 for 10 Grant winners:
#1 LA Retired and Senior Organization
#2 All Individuals First
#3 Friends of Bandelier National Monument
#4 Los Alamos Little Theatre
#5 First Born
#6 Little Forest Playschool
#7 Hill Stompers
#8,9,10 Coming Soon . . .
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the local quality of life by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy, and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $1.5M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate to support local grants and programs, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
LACF News: Los Alamos Community Foundation LACF) has awarded the July 10-for-10 Grant for community impact to Little Forest Playschool.
“As a parent, Little Forest Playschool has been nothing short of life-changing for our family,” Conner Tharp said. “From the moment we joined, we felt welcomed, supported, and truly part of a community. My daughter has blossomed in their play-based learning environment: gaining confidence, making friends, and learning through creativity and curiosity every day.”
Tharp added, “We’ve seen our child thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. And as a parent, I’ve felt more connected, empowered, and supported. For nearly 75 years, Little Forest has made Los Alamos feel more like home, and I’m so grateful for the impact it’s had on our family’s life.”
LACF Executive Director Liz Martineau said, “Little Forest Playschool has been supporting children and parents, and has been making an impact in our community for 75 years.”
Tharp said that both children and parents set the school apart. “Through the co-op model, we’ve built lasting friendships with other families and had the chance to be involved in our child’s education in a meaningful way,” he said. “The teachers are nurturing, patient, and deeply committed to each child’s growth.”
Tharp said that beyond the classroom, Little Forest is always reaching out—hosting events like their co-op garden planting day, Family Cultural Night, and their Halloween Carnival. He said they regularly offer parenting workshops and connect families with local resources. “Little Forest Playschool is more than a school; it has become a community hub,” Tharp said.
Little Forest Playschool Executive Director April Wade said, “I feel extremely honored to be a part of the LFP community for over 15 years. For 75 years, we have never wavered from our philosophy, vision and mission. We protect our PLAY-based, child-led, screen-free, nature-loving, and hands-on learning approach. We value our co-op model, as we know that building relationships with families, the community, and educators strengthens the children’s sense of belonging and the way they view learning.”
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the local quality of life by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy, and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $1.5M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate to support local grants and programs, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
LACF News: Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) recently awarded First Born Los Alamos a $1,000 grant for its significant community impact.
“First Born makes a significant impact in our community, so we are thrilled to present them with this award,” LACF Executive Director Liz Martineau said.
The First Born award is one of 10 being offered in honor of LACF’s 10th anniversary celebration. Previous 10 for 10 Grant winners include: Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization, All Individuals First, Friends of Bandelier National Monument, and Los Alamos Little Theatre. LACF grants to local nonprofits are funded through generous donations and earnings from endowment funds.
“The First Born program helps families adjust to one of the most transformational moments of your life,” Miriam Kreher said. “When we’ve been at our most tired and helpless, the First Born home visitors, sleep coaches, and lactation consultants have supported us. Welcoming our first baby was a magical moment, but a bit scary, so the help provided by this nonprofit made a huge difference. Healthy families are the building blocks of a healthy community, and Los Alamos is a stronger community thanks to the First Born program.”
Anyone with a story of impact about a local non-profit organization is invited to share it with LACF and nominate them to be considered for a $1,000 grant at losalamoscf.org.
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the local quality of life by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy, and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $1.5M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate to support local grants and programs, visit www.losalamoscf.org.
LACF News:
Los Alamos Community Foundation Surprises Los Alamos Little Theatre With $1000 Grant
Opening night of Copenhagen at Los Alamos Little Theatre (LALT) was infused with extra delight when Liz Martineau, Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) Executive Director surprised Seona Zimmerman, President of LALT, with a $1000 grant, naming it May’s monthly grant winner.
The monthly surprise grants, which highlight local nonprofits, are part of LACF’s 10-year anniversary celebration leading up the organization’s anniversary in November. Community members nominate nonprofits that has impacted themselves or someone else by sharing stories via an online nomination form.
LALT received multiple nominations citing its ability to create a community and welcoming environment. One individual wrote how they did not feel like they had community when they first moved to Los Alamos.
“I do not work at the labs, and it was difficult to make friends. Then I started attending theater productions and eventually tried out for several parts. It has changed my whole idea of what community means,” wrote the nominee.
The Foundation is looking for stories about local nonprofit organizations and personal impact to you or someone you know. Nominations for awards, via a simple online form at our website (https://losalamoscf.org/giving/nominate-your-favorite-nonprofit-for-a-10-for-10-grant/). You may also choose to remain anonymous.
Nominations are reviewed monthly by a committee of board and community members. The winning organization will be given the “gift grant” through a surprise visit by LACF volunteers that may be recorded and shared.
There is no limit to how many organizations a person may nominate, nor restrictions on who may nominate an organization, but a person may only nominate a nonprofit one time as multiple nominations do not increase opportunities for the nonprofit to win. LACF, however, is looking for stories of impact. So if you forgot to include your impact story, note it in your nomination and send again.
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the local quality of life by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy, and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $1.5M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate to support local grants and programs, visit www.losalamoscf.org.