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The Success of Women Building Community

Focus Area: Women, Children & Families

Service Area: Statewide

“New Mexico Community Foundation was bold and risk-taking in making reproductive justice a priority for women and girls in New Mexico. New Mexico Community Foundation was the only foundation outside major U.S. metropolitan areas to embrace this work and accept the matching fund challenge.”

-Adrian Barboa, Young Women United

New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF) invests in efficient and effective nonprofits statewide, through its Women Building Community (WBC) program. Since 2007, twelve organizations, led by women of color, participated and received funding during various phases of the program. WBC goals are to increase collaboration and share resources giving women and girls the economic, social and political power to make wise decisions that support human rights, self- determination and strong families

These grants support anti-violence against women, teen sexuality, parenting, economic justice, clean and safe environments, and immigrant rights. In 2012, total investment by New Mexico Community Foundation reached $1 Million.

“We are proud to have achieved this major milestone. The health and rights of New Mexico women and girls matter. It is often the case that organizations addressing these issues do so with the least amount of resources. Together with our donor partners we are helping to change that and move New Mexico forward,” remarked Jenny Parks, President and CEO of NMCF.

The Women Building Community program, which supports reproductive justice work in New Mexico, has been funded by local foundations and donors, and matched by the national organization Groundswell Fund. Adriann Barboa, former director of Young Women United, recognized NMCF recently by saying, “New Mexico Community Foundation was bold and risk-taking in making reproductive justice a priority for women and girls in New Mexico. New Mexico Community Foundation was the only foundation outside major U.S. metropolitan areas to embrace this work and accept the matching fund challenge.”