FUTURE FUND PROGRAM & GRANTS

In 1998, the Foundation launched an exciting new program, the Future Fund. Starting with 12 couples contributing $400 a year, the Future Fund has grown to 175 members; the endowment has grown to $316,000. This group of young leaders is committed to making their community a better place to live.

The Future Fund’s mission is to acquaint younger members of the community with responsive philanthropy, develop community awareness and nurture future leadership. Members contribute financial resources to an endowment fund and participate in grantmaking, educational and social activities. Members learn that pooling their financial resources is much more powerful than giving a single gift individually.

Membership is continually open to those in their 20s, 30s and 40s who wish to share in the vision of building Albuquerque’s future and help to make dreams come true.

Over the past eight years, the Future Fund has awarded grants totaling $130,000.

2006 Future Fund Grants Total: $15,200

Junior Achievement of New Mexico, Inc.
to expand the recruitment and training of classroom volunteers for on-going economic and business education, $7,550

Talking Talons Youth Leadership
to support a digital video project developed and created by youth to capture stories about educational wild animals for use as a classroom life science teaching aid, $7,650

Future Fund Annual Luncheon Celebrates Grant Award Recipients

Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Future Fund awards grants each year to local nonprofit organizations. Recipients are asked to report back on the results of the funded project. This year the organization awarded $15,000 total to two nonprofit organizations; Junior Achievement of New Mexico and Talking Talons Youth Leadership. During their annual luncheon, the recipients discussed how the grant dollars were spent to educate youth in the community. The luncheon was held at the CNM Workforce Training Center. Lunch was planned, prepared and served by CNM students and APS catering for their mid-term project

Gretchen Kok, Christine Long, Daniel Long, Debbie Dozier, David Dozier	Adam Honnegger, Kate Honnegger, Cathy Cavanaugh, Erica Fore, David Friede
Jamie Jett Walker, Lynn Trojahn, Myra Murphy-Jacob	CNM Students Kerry Hensen, Samantha Sorenson, Victoria Davidson (Director), Anna Tummelson

Members of the Future Fund serve as an example of community philanthropic leadership, assess community needs, address needs through responsive grantmaking, and provide voluntary financial support of the Future Fund Endowment. Future Fund members are part of a group that makes a difference in Albuquerque by leaving a legacy for future generations!

Since 1998, the Future Fund Board has identified two common areas of interest-human services and educational programs serving children. Grants are awarded through a committee of young donors who assess community needs of children, youth and families. The grantmaking committee reviews proposals, visits selected organizations and makes recommendations to the whole board.

2006 Future Fund Membership party, "A Night in Old Havana"

Completion of this extensive grantmaking process has resulted in the awarding of over $100,000 in grants over the past five years, including APS Title I Homeless Projects, Catholic Charities, Roadrunner Food Bank, PB&J Family Services, TVI Foundation, All Faiths Receiving Home, Cuidando Los Niños Daycare, Explora Science Center & Children's Museum of Albuquerque, Health Care for the Homeless, New Mexico Jazz Workshop, SET for Health New Mexico, and two collaborative projects: Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation with Keshet Dance Company, and Sandia Preparatory School with APS Mission Avenue Elementary School. Although all programs funded have been unique in focus, each has benefited disadvantaged children, youth and families.

Each year the Board invites others with a dedication to improving the quality of life in Albuquerque to become members of the Future Fund by contributing to the endowment and participating in the grantmaking process.

Future Fund members meet periodically for educational site visits combined with a chance to relax and meet other members. Pictured here are members enjoying a behind the scenes tour of the new Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Happy hour followed next door at Garduño's on the Green.

      FUTURE FUND MEMBERS 2007-08

Contribute to the Future Fund! [pdf]

Please contact us to discuss giving plans at (505) 883-6240 or e-mail us at foundation@albuquerquefoundation.org