Editor's note: This article was revised and updated on 9/21/2021.
Although much of the philanthropic activity in New Mexico is centered on Albuquerque and Santa Fe, there are a handful of community foundations in the state that address needs in other parts of the state.
One such funder is the Carlsbad Community Foundation (CCF), which was largely formed due to the generosity of one man, A.J. Crawford. Crawford rose from penniless sheepherder to self-made millionaire and was a driving force in developing the ranching, retail, hotel, banking, and real estate industries in Carlsbad.
Here are key things to know about CCF and its approach to grantmaking in Southeast New Mexico.
Education is a Top Priority
It’s no secret that New Mexico has consistently ranked towards the bottom of the list of states in terms of quality education. However, CCF and other foundations are looking to change that by supporting efforts at the grassroots level. In each grantmaking round, education organizations come out on top with CCF’s local giving, and this includes scholarships for both high school students and non-traditional students going back to school. In addition to education, other CCF interests are youth development, parks, and people with special needs.
The Chevron Partnership
The major grant opportunity at CCF comes from a partnership with the Chevron Products Company, which is a division of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chevron Corporation, which provides lubrication and coolant products. The company established the Chevron Catalyst Fund to benefit people in Carlsbad and South Eddy County. This fund supports a variety of topics, including civic involvement, health, diversity, arts and culture, and education. These grants are typically between $500 and $5,000 each and are the most accessible CCF grants for local nonprofits.
Challenge and Matching Grants are Encouraged
Something else to know about CCF is that it prefers to provide challenge gifts that ensure that distributions are released when other donors make matching gifts. This is a common strategy for smaller community foundations to pursue in order to put their limited resources to the best use with greater impact. CCF also looks to support causes that promise to have a big overall community impact. Past funding has gone to Carlsbad CASA, Landsun Homes, Carlsbad Community Concert, and the Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter.
Some Unsolicited Requests are Welcome
CCF will respond to grant requests and also occasionally seek out needs and worthy causes to support. As a rule, the foundation wants proposals submitted in letter form and accompanied by an IRS letter of tax-exemption, budget information, and details about the project’s objectives, significance, and how money will be spent. CCF accepts applications for its Chevron Catalyst Fund between October 1 and October 31. For this accessible fund, CCF notifies applicants about its decisions by the end of the calendar year and then presents checks in the early part of the following year.
To learn more about this locally focused funder, check out IP’s full profile of the Carlsbad Community Foundation, as well as the other foundations featured in our Southwest Funding Guide.