OVERVIEW: The New Mexico Spotlight Foundation supports film and related arts and cultural endeavors in New Mexico.
FUNDING AREAS: Film, arts and culture
IP TAKE: This is a relatively new, single-issue foundation that is working to boost the New Mexico film industry and thereby also helping to boost the local economy.
PROFILE: Established in 2017, the New Mexico Spotlight Foundation (NMSF) is a nonprofit foundation based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The founder, Christa Valdez, created NMSF in response to New Mexico becoming a prime destination for the filmmaking industry, which has propelled the economy and created thousands of jobs. Valdez is a film industry professional and advocate for locally based filmmaking. The foundation aims to “provide education, training and support services to New Mexico based creatives who work in front of and behind the camera.” It funds local efforts for film and related arts and cultural endeavors.
The New Mexico Spotlight Foundation uses donations to provide support services and vocational training for film professionals in the state, including actors, camera operators, directors and other creative types. In this way, NMSF helps local New Mexico residents enter the film industry with fewer financial barriers so they can pursue rewarding careers. Services provided by NMSF include industry workshops and training, tuition assistance for film programs for local talent, financial support to cover production expenses, film festival submission grants and fiscal sponsorship.
Grants range between about $100 and $5,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the awards page of NMSF’s website. Grantmaking focuses on the entire state of New Mexico. Past local grantees include Balian Pictures, LLC, Jaxx Clayton, Elizabeth Nicole, Mariyam Saho, Marie Alvarez and Susan Buchanan.
At times, this foundation accepts grant applications from nonprofits. Follow NMSF on social media to learn about upcoming opportunities. Direct general questions to the staff at contact@newmexicospotlightfoundation.org or 505-750-0241.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS: