Community support is thriving in Mora and San Miguel County, with the Las Vegas NM Community Foundation announcing a total of $233,671 in grants to local nonprofits. That’s a $50,761 increase compared to 2023, proving that investment in community-driven initiatives is on the rise.
From food security to education, the arts, and even esports, these grants will help boost programs that directly impact local residents. Let’s take a look at where the funding is going and how it will make a difference.
Image source: Photo courtesy of Collaborative Visions – https://www.lasvegasoptic.com/news/community/las-vegas-community-foundation-announces-grant-awards/article_859e3c8a-de95-11ef-8258-638e7855dd7b.html
Health And Wellness Leads the Way
With 11 grants awarded, health and wellness projects received the most funding this year. A major focus? Food security, ensuring that more families and individuals have access to nutritious meals.
Some of the key grants include:
- Amistad y Resolana – $10,000 for a new kitchen facility
- Cooking with Kids (Santa Fe-based) – $10,000 to expand into San Miguel County schools
- The Food Depot – $10,000 to distribute more meals locally
- Luna College Foundation – $10,000 for the Luna Eats program on campus
- Rio Grande Recovery – $10,000 for its Recovery Café initiative
- Samaritan House – $10,000 for emergency food services
Other wellness-related grants included funding for spay and neuter clinics by the Animal Welfare Coalition ($10,000), a new flower garden and educational materials for Big Brothers/Big Sisters ($3,500), and general support for Sunrise Clinics ($10,000).
Meanwhile, Mora County’s Collins Lake Autism Center received $10,000 to introduce education enrichment programs to local schools, and the Friends of Montezuma Hot Springs will use their $10,000 grant to build new boardwalks in marshy areas.
Education Grants Strengthen Local Learning
This year’s seven education grants show strong collaborations between schools and community organizations.
- AAUW – $4,000 for local students to attend the summer STEM workshop at NM Tech in Socorro
- Rio Gallinas School for Ecology and Arts – $10,000 for its greenhouse and learning space
- Reading Quest – $9,000 for literacy tutoring at Rio Gallinas
- United World College – $10,000 for reading and philosophy tutoring in Las Vegas schools
- Luna Community College – $10,000 to expand its pre-school greenhouse learning program
Two education-focused grants reflected the area’s diversity of interests. Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance received $10,000 to educate landowners about wildfire restoration, and West Las Vegas High School’s esports team was awarded $6,100 to enhance its competitive gaming program.
Arts And Culture Get A Boost
It was a strong year for arts and culture, with six grants supporting local artists, musicians, and poets.
- Fractured Atlas – $6,000 to help Chad Brown complete his “Phoenix Rising” sculpture at Plaza Park
- Las Vegas Lit – $5,000 to organise the “Exaltation of Poets” conference in September
- Little Las Vegas marketing group – $10,000 for Music on the Gallinas concerts and open mic sessions
- Tarjama Ensemble – $5,000 for its annual world music festival in November
- Las Vegas Arts Council – $3,580 for membership development
- Mora Creative Council – $10,000 to optimise its digital communications network
Community Development And Historic Preservation
- Collaborative Visions of Mora – $10,000 for a new community plaza project
- Las Vegas First – $10,000 to train board members and staff as they transition into a community service foundation
Las Vegas’ rich history also got some recognition.
- Cornerstones Community Partnership (Santa Fe-based) – $10,000 to support the “Viva Vegas” historic preservation conference (October 3-5)
- Citizen’s Committee for Historic Preservation – $1,491 for the historic building plaque program
Additional Grants For Long-Term Recovery
Two $25,000 grants were awarded as part of the long-term recovery program:
- Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance – To provide expert watershed recovery crews in Mora County
- United World College – To help upgrade water supply quality after recent wildfires
More Funding Coming Soon
Thanks to a major grant from Santa Fe’s Anchorum Foundation, another round of funding is expected later this year to support health and wellness initiatives.
Elaine Luna, Board Chair of the Las Vegas NM Community Foundation, summed it up:
“We’re obviously in growth phase. But we are also aware of the long recovery of our service area ahead. Collaboration and partnerships are the key for progress.”
With more funding on the way and a commitment to building stronger communities, Las Vegas and Mora County’s future is looking bright.
