New Mexico is richly rural. The 121,000-square-mile state of just over 2 million residents is a patchwork of small towns and vast landscapes. Historically and today, the state derives much of its strength and character from its rural heritage.

Since 1983, New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF) has supported rural New Mexico through philanthropic initiatives that build on local resources. In each of  these initiatives, NMCF creates community partnerships to inspire rural development philanthropy statewide.

Strengthening Rural People and Places

This community-based approach to philanthropy creates locally controlled assets and invests them to strengthen rural people and places. This investment builds a community’s ability to shape a better future and promote the well-being of all community members. It unites the tools of community and economic and resource development, engaging all people to come together with their voices, ideas, strategies, talents and giving.

NMCF’s rural development efforts take many shapes, from encouraging community-based economic development solutions to helping build community hubs for education and social services.

Several of our programs address economic viability through a range of issues. One NMCF program, for example, encourages local food production, which supports the economy and promotes sustainable agriculture while improving access to Good Food for New Mexico families.

More than ever, NMCF is developing a strong network of philanthropy and change throughout every corner of rural New Mexico. The result is greater economic stability and a brighter future for rural New Mexicans.