NMCF News
During the most recent Legislative Session, New Mexico Children’s Foundation Executive Director, Jonika Horton, appealed to each member of our State Legislature for their personal help and investment in New Mexico kids…
I am reaching out because there is a growing crisis affecting nonprofits that serve New Mexico’s children—particularly those in rural and underserved areas—and I ask for your support in sustaining these vital programs.
For over 3 decades, the New Mexico Children’s Foundation has been a lifeline for grassroots nonprofits, distributing $2.3 million to 249 organizations across the state. These small but impactful organizations fill critical gaps where state and federal programs often fall short. However, due to recent political and funding shifts, many are losing the resources they need to continue their work.
Policy Changes Are Hurting Our Youth
My own family has experienced the effects of these funding challenges firsthand. My daughter was scheduled to attend a Women in Science event, but it was canceled because federal government-employed scientists—who were set to speak—can no longer commit due to changes in policy. This is just one example of how political shifts are limiting opportunities for our state’s youth.
Our Rural Impact
Here are just a few of the nonprofits we currently support that are making a difference:
Embudo Valley Library – $3,300, this library organizes and conducts an afterschool enrichment program serving grades K-6, along with the Caterpillar Club, a free early literacy program for children ages 0-5.
Growing Great Kids – Raton – $3,000 to establish programs that help parents and caregivers prepare children for public education.
High Mountain Youth Project – Ruidoso – $3,000 to offer a comprehensive safety net for students experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Imagination Library of Luna County – Received $1,500 to provide age-appropriate books by mail, free of charge, to preschool children from birth until they turn five years old.
Literacy Links – Leamos – Silver City – Granted $2,500 to provide school books to school-age children.
Northern Youth Project – Abiquiú – $4,000 to support provide free year-round programs and activities through hands-on art, agriculture, community service, and leadership projects.
Ojo Sarco Community Center – $4,250 for early literacy programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, enrolling all children newborn to age 5.
Truchas Services Center – $4,000 to offer a summer of learning for children aged 6 to 12, including daily science-related lessons and art activities.
Embudo Valley Tutoring Association – $4,000 to provide tutoring, strengthening educational opportunities for children in the rural area surrounding the Rio Grande of Rio Arriba County.
- Make a donation – Your contribution can directly sustain and expand funding for these essential programs.
- Spread the word – Share our mission with colleagues, community leaders, and constituents to raise awareness about the growing funding gaps.
- Advocate for local nonprofits – Help ensure that rural and small nonprofits receive the attention and funding they need to continue serving children.
I would love to connect with you to discuss ways we can work together to protect and uplift the nonprofits supporting children in your district. Please let me know a convenient time to talk.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to New Mexico’s communities. With your support, we can ensure that every child—no matter where they live—has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Jonika Horton
Interim Executive Director
New Mexico Children’s Foundation
Email: jhorton@nmchildren.org
Office: 505.986.2043
Transforming Education for New Mexico’s Children
In 2024, New Mexico reached a critical turning point—our state ranked 50th in education across the nation, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Data Book. While these statistics are sobering, they do not define who we are or what we can become. Instead, they serve as a powerful call to action for everyone who believes in the potential of our children and the promise of a brighter future.
Imagine a New Mexico where every child can dream without limits—where young innovators, thinkers, and leaders are nurtured by resources and opportunities, not constrained by their zip code or circumstance. We envision classrooms filled with creativity and curiosity, where hands-on learning and mentorship ignite lifelong passions.
It’s a vision shared by extraordinary nonprofits leading the charge in educational transformation:
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STEM is Child’s Play: Bringing STEM education to life through fun, hands-on learning experiences. By sparking curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math, these programs help children see the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
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Applied Dynamics Initiative: Providing enriching STE²AM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Math) opportunities, with an emphasis on robotics. By blending creativity with technical skills, students develop a comprehensive skill set ready to shape the future workforce.
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Breakthrough Santa Fe: Pioneering pathways to academic success and college access. Through year-round support and mentorship, they’re helping students break down barriers and pursue the academic futures they deserve.
By supporting these nonprofits, you are investing in New Mexico’s future—fueling the dreams of our children and empowering them to achieve more than they ever imagined. You have the power to help reshape our state’s educational landscape.
Ready to make a difference?
Donate now and help give our kids the education they deserve. Your contribution goes directly toward supporting these programs and other initiatives that are forging a brighter path for New Mexico’s youth.
Because when we invest in our children, we invest in a stronger tomorrow.
#EducationMatters #STEM #STEAM #MakeADifference #InvestInTheFuture #NewMexicoEducation #GiveBack #SupportNonProfits #ChildrensFuture #DonateForChange #YouthEmpowerment
Get Involved: Help Shape the Future with NM Children
Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in our community? At NM Children, we believe that a bright future starts with dedicated individuals who are eager to lend their skills, energy, and heart to a worthy cause. That’s why we’re calling on passionate community members—just like you—to join our Board of Directors or become a vital part of one of our committees.
Why Join Our Board or Committees?
Impact: As a board or committee member, your voice and expertise will directly influence our programs and initiatives, helping to improve the lives of children across New Mexico.
Leadership Development: Whether you’re an experienced leader or someone looking to grow, serving on a board or committee is a fantastic way to develop and refine leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
Collaborative Community: You’ll work alongside a diverse group of dedicated individuals who share a vision for progress. Our team is committed to creating a supportive environment where fresh ideas and perspectives can thrive.
Sense of Purpose: Being part of something bigger than yourself can be incredibly fulfilling. You’ll not only contribute to meaningful change but also form relationships that enrich your personal and professional life.
How You Can Contribute
We welcome people from all backgrounds and skill sets. Perhaps you have expertise in finance, marketing, event planning, legal affairs, or community outreach. Or maybe you simply have a heart for service and a desire to learn. Your unique perspective and talents could be exactly what we need to expand our impact.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re excited about the opportunity to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us today to explore how you can get involved. Visit our Contact Page to learn more about open positions on our board and committees.
Together, we can create lasting impact and build a brighter future for the children of New Mexico. Let’s join forces and serve with purpose—one step at a time.
#JoinOurTeam #NewMexico #Nonprofit #CommunityImpact #MakeADifference #ServeWithPurpose #Committees #ShapeTheFuture
Here’s a fact to brighten your day!
NM Children’s Foundation has been working since 1992 to ensure children in New Mexico have access to the resources they need to thrive.
We know New Mexico best, and our mission is simple: to support programs and projects that serve the critical needs of children and their families in the most underserved settings. Through our annual grant program, we provide essential funding to small, local children’s nonprofits, empowering them to strengthen their impact and deliver much-needed services.
Over the past 30+ years, we’ve granted $2.3 million to 249 nonprofit organizations statewide. That’s the power of community in action!
Want to be part of the change? Find out how you can get involved today!
