The outpouring of support for the Sandoval family after the death of their sons Pedro and Mateo in early 2020 car accident was overwhelming to their parents Lexi and Ernie. “We were so honored for the community support that raised over $60,000,” says Lexi, who says a family goal was to keep the Pedro and Mateo SandovalStrong Memorial Scholarship Fund …

Last year, Placitas Artists Series (PAS), a 36-year-old organization dedicated to fostering public appreciation of the performing and visual arts in Central New Mexico, moved its endowment assets to the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Board member and endowment committee chair Ron Richman, although an experienced senior executive, could not himself offer PAS sufficient expertise in endowment management. After rigorous examination of …

Katie and Ian Esquibel want to challenge the idea that Albuquerque suffers from brain drain. They hope to pass on their love of the city and state as a vibrant, engaged place by dedicating themselves to improving the community through board service with multiple local nonprofits and volunteering with the Foundation. “As two people who graduated from public schools here, …

During the 14 years since the Jim and Ann Nelson Youth and Foster Care Scholarship was established at the Foundation, the Nelsons estimate they have awarded more than $40,000 to at least  30 students. It was the couple’s volunteer work with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) that spurred them to create a scholarship that provides financial support for young …

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the creation within Albuquerque Community Foundation of the James Ledwith Memorial Scholarship Fund. In spite of a leukemia diagnosis during his sophomore year at Del Norte High School, James graduated with a full tuition scholarship to the University of New Mexico. He continued to pursue his dream of becoming an architect until he …

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) Organization Fund is part of the Foundation’s Philanthropy Central Program. This initiative allows nonprofits to set up organizational endowments, held within the Foundation to take advantage of its benefits, including a diverse investment portfolio and low investment fees that typically only come with very large funds. The program is helping keep IPCC’s focus on …

May Goldenberg and Edward Elder set up the Goldenberg-Elder Family Fund in 2021 to contribute to Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Health, Human Services and Education fields-of-interest. As mostly retired physician assistants, the couple had been aware of the Foundation’s programs through family friends and grant award organizations. When their financial advisor suggested setting up a fund to ensure ongoing support for …

Kathie Dodd, Barbara Cohen and Beth Duncombe drive the Globe Runner Scholarship Fund. They, and generous community donations, are the reason that more than a dozen high school students have been able to experience the life-changing effects of international cultural exchange and family stays over the past three years. Globe Runner, set up in 2021, provides scholarships for half of …

Neither Aleli nor Brian Colón come from wealth. And yet by opening their home to fundraising efforts and lending their names at community events, they have helped raise millions of dollars for worthy causes. In fact, they joke that they rarely have meals with friends without charging them for seats at fundraising dinners. When the Colons were starting out, they …

Dr. Adélamar “Dely” Alcántara was a fierce advocate for social justice and equity, especially for Asian Americans. Two memorial trusts in her name have been established with Albuquerque Community Foundation to ensure her legacy continues. The first will fund New Mexico Filipino cultural activities; the other supports the New Mexico Asian Family Center. Her husband of 44 years, Dr. Theodore …