Posts by David Izraelevitz

Nonprofit Employees Eligible For Reduced Y Memberships

Nonprofit Employees Eligible For Reduced Y Memberships

Posted on by David Izraelevitz

LACF News: Local nonprofits employees now have access to reduced group-rate health memberships thanks to a collaboration between Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) and The Family YMCA.LACF Executive Director Liz Martineau said the idea for nonprofit employee discounts for Y memberships sprang out of the monthly Executive Roundtable discussions that LACF hosts. “There is great value in organizations banding together to share resources, information and skills,” Martineau said. “We appreciate the efforts of The Family YMCA and our local nonprofit organizations to work together to implement this program.”

The Family YMCA CEO Chris Daniels and LACF Executive Director Liz Martineau work together to bring fitness opportunities to local nonprofit organizations. Courtesy/LACF

Nonprofit organizations wanting to participate in the group rate must first contact Martineau at liz@losalamoscf.org to complete a Memo Of Understanding (MOU), and commit to inputting and updating their list of eligible employees quarterly. She said nonprofits must ensure that participants are paid employees, and that volunteers and board members are not eligible for the program.

Martineau said there are no financial obligations between LACF and the nonprofits, and that after the organization signs the MOU, the arrangements for individual membership benefits can be pursued with the Y’s Director of Operations George Marsden at gmarsden@laymca.org.

“The Family YMCA is fully committed to making healthy activities available for all, so when LACF approached us to see how we might be able to support nonprofit employees in Los Alamos we were eager to help,” Y CEO Chris Daniels said. “As a nonprofit organization with over 100 employees, we understand the importance of nonprofit work and the need to have committed staff. Benefits like this can be an important factor in staff retention.”

About The Family YMCA:

A charitable nonprofit organization, the Y was established in Los Alamos by volunteers in 1955 who recognized the need for a place where families could recreate together. In 2023, the Y served 5,204 people of which 3,062 were youth and teens. They provided $85,373 in scholarships to 148 people who were able to participate in skill-building programs, memberships, camp and after school programs. For more information visit laymca.org.

About Los Alamos Community Foundation:

Founded by volunteers in 2015, Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) is committed to building enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofits through long-term financial investment. LACF’s vision is a thriving community where philanthropy makes a lasting impact. In 2025, the Foundation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. LACF hosts two websites for local nonprofits: Los AlamosGiving.org and VolunteerLos Alamos.org. During the last year, LACF provided training for 60 nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers from across Northern New Mexico, hosted monthly roundtable meetings for nonprofit executives, donated $35,390 in grants to 12 local charities, and hosted giving and volunteer webpages to support local agencies. For more information visit losalamoscf.org.

LACF Awards Grant To High Flyers Gymnastics

LACF Awards Grant To High Flyers Gymnastics

Posted on by David Izraelevitz
LACF News: The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) has awarded a $500 grant to High Flyers Gymnastics to support its work with youth. The grant will be used to purchase gymnastics equipment. Youth sports are not only where future Olympians begin their training, but they are also where future leaders learn teamwork, practice a strong work ethic, and gain self-confidence.
High Flyers Gymnastics owner David Vosburgh with his gymnasts holding the grant check they received recently from the Los Alamos Community Foundation, which they will use to purchase equipment. Courtesy/LACF

“We currently train 220 students in our facility, including a competitive team of 50 girls. This funding will help us purchase new equipment,” Vosburgh said. Gymnastics equipment is expensive. “A new level 4 vault table is $5,687 and a new quad bar set with four 8′ bars is $5,134,” Vosburgh said.  This LACF funding will cover some of the costs, but more money is needed. Anyone interested in donating to help fund equipment is encouraged to contact High Flyers Gymnastics at 1900 Diamond Drive, Suite C, click here or call 505.500.5699.

Community members Paul and Jill Cook established The Youth Sports Endowment fund to benefit youth sports in Los Alamos. Endowment earnings from the fund are directed to organizations that serve youth sports in the community through an annual competitive grant process. The public is invited to contribute to the fund, to help grow the impact it is able to have on local youth.

About the Los Alamos Community Foundation

Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards sixteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.

Anchorum Fellow Community Liaison with the Los Alamos Community Foundation

Posted on by David Izraelevitz

Job Title:  Anchorum Fellow Community Liaison 

Brief Description: The Anchorum Fellow will be fully funded from the Anchorum Health Foundation (AHF). The Fellow will be part of the Anchorum Fellows Cohort that will meet regularly and share information and strategies but will be the employee of the Los Alamos Community Foundation.

Organization:  Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF)

Best Consideration Date: August 31, 2024

For more information, click here.

 

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LACF Receives Multi-Year Funding from Anchorum Health Foundation

LACF Receives Multi-Year Funding from Anchorum Health Foundation

Posted on by David Izraelevitz

Los Alamos, NM — Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) will receive $150,000 along with continued financial support for five years from Anchorum Health Foundation, which is partnering with community foundations across northern New Mexico. This investment acknowledges the vital role that community foundations, like LACF, play in enhancing community health and well-being.

“We are looking forward to working with the Anchorum Health Foundation, an organization that shares our dedication to community collaboration, to strengthen the health and wellness of Los Alamos County,” said Elizabeth Martineau, Executive Director of LACF. “This unique AHF model invests in community engagement to strategically identify and address issues at the local level. Along with Anchorum’s investments and assistance, LACF is poised to leverage community relationships to achieve local change.”

LACF is one of five northern New Mexico community foundations that will be part of Anchorum’s $25 million investment over five years. The others are Las Vegas Community Foundation, New Mexico Foundation, Taos Community Foundation, and Santa Fe Community Foundation. 

“These are investments in the sustained health and vitality of our communities,” said Jenny Parks, Senior Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy at Anchorum. “These commitments provide the stability and resources necessary for innovative solutions, ensuring TCF can effectively address their community’s unique evolving needs and drive impactful change for years to come.”

The funds can be tailored to meet the needs of each community, but they are focused on addressing the social impediments to health, such as food security, safe and affordable housing, transportation and more.

As part of Anchorum’s efforts to build capacity at LACF, they will also sponsor an Anchorum Fellow, who will be an employee at LACF. This Fellow will play a vital role in providing insights about emergent and chronic trends that are detrimental to our community’s health. If you are interested in joining this initiative and making a difference in our community, please visit our webpage, losalamoscf.org, for a job description and hiring details or contact us at info@losalamoscf.org.

About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards sixteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.

Anchorum Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the conditions that have the greatest influence on the health of communities in our region. We are committing our resources to strengthening community-based partners tackling critical local issues. For more information, visit anchorum.org.

Anchorum Foundation Invests $25M In Foundations In Northern NM Including Los Alamos

Anchorum Foundation Invests $25M In Foundations In Northern NM Including Los Alamos

Posted on by David Izraelevitz

Anchorum Health Foundation News:

SANTA FE — Anchorum Health Foundation has announced a $25 million investment over the next five years in five community foundations across northern New Mexico.

This investment acknowledges the vital role community foundations play in enhancing overall health outcomes and reflects Anchorum’s commitment to supporting partners who address health disparities and promote wellness.

Furthermore, this investment extends Anchorum’s service area to thirteen northern New Mexico counties, as well as all of the state’s Pueblos and Tribal Nations.

“We are thrilled to advance these long-term strategic partnerships with community foundations across northern New Mexico,” Anchorum President and CEO Jerry Jones said. “Through targeted financial support and capacity-building efforts, we aim to strengthen these foundations so they can achieve lasting, meaningful impacts in their communities.”

The five community foundations are:

  • Los Alamos Community Foundation;
  • Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation;
  • New Mexico Foundation;
  • Taos Community Foundation; and
  • Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Each foundation will receive a proportional share of the $5 million annual allotment, determined by their capacity, size, and proven track record addressing health and wellness issues within their service area.

“This is more than just a generous donation,” said Rosemary Romero, Chair of the Board of Directors at New Mexico Foundation. “It’s a lasting commitment to enhancing the capabilities of community foundations, empowering them to aim higher and set ambitious goals with the confidence that they have substantial and sustained support.”

This $25 million commitment represents a landmark moment for Anchorum, marking the first major investments in its expansion to serve all of the state’s Pueblos and Tribal Nations and thirteen northern New Mexico counties. This significant endeavor will extend Anchorum’s reach to the counties of Cibola, Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Juan, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos and Union, ensuring that these communities benefit from the dedicated support of participating community foundations.

“This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing health and well-being across a broader region than ever before,” said Jenny Parks, Anchorum’s Senior Vice-President of Strategic Philanthropy. “Investing in the diverse community foundations across our new

service area allows us to gain deeper insights and make more informed grant decisions. By listening to the unique voices and needs of each community, we can ensure our support is impactful and truly responsive to the people we serve.”

The funds at each foundation can be tailored to meet the unique and evolving needs of each community but will be focused on addressing the social impediments to health, such as food security, safe and affordable housing, transportation and more.

“The creation of this fund at Taos Community Foundation means that our work continues to evolve, identifying local needs around the social determinants of health, and offering evidence-based solutions with community input that will align with Taos county’s unique needs, culture, and heritage. De la communidad, para la communidad,” said CJ Grace, CEO of Taos Community Foundation.

“This gift is a tremendous contribution to meeting health and wellness needs in our two counties,” said Carla Romero, Board Chair of Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation. “It has the potential to surpass the nearly $1 million in contributions we received and continue to receive to help with relief efforts after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfires.”

As part of Anchorum’s efforts to build capacity at these foundations, Anchorum will sponsor and support an Anchorum Fellow at each of the five foundations. These Fellows will play a vital role in providing insights about emergent and chronic trends that affect their community’s health.

“This unique Anchorum Health Foundation model invests in community engagement to strategically identify and address issues at the local level. Along with Anchorum’s investments and assistance, Los Alamos Community Foundation is poised to leverage community relationships to achieve local change,” said Elizabeth Martineau, Executive Director at Los Alamos Community Foundation.

Anchorum Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the conditions that have the greatest influence on the health of communities in the region. Anchorum Health Foundation is committing its resources to strengthening community-based partners tackling critical local issues. For more information, visit anchorum.org.

“The Santa Fe Community Foundation is excited to deepen its strong relationship with Anchorum,” said SFCF President and CEO Christopher Goett. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to improving health outcomes in northern New Mexico and leveraging our philanthropic efforts to advance education, housing, and food security.”

LACF Provides Over $38K In Grant Awards And Endowment Distributions

Posted on by David Izraelevitz

LACF News:

Los Alamos – The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) has announced that, thanks to generous donors and endowment funds, community partners will receive more than $38,000 in funding this year.

“The Community Foundation exists to support our community and non-profit organizations through enduring philanthropy. Endowments created by generous donors provide grant funding each year to help sustain and strengthen the capacity of our local non-profit organizations,” LACF Executive Director Elizabeth Martineau said.

Self Help Executive Director Diane Smogor accepts a check from the Los Alamos Community Foundation to fund the nonprofit’s work helping individuals develop self-sufficiency through seed grants, financial assistance, consultation and advocacy. #LosAlamosGives. Courtesy/LACF

This year LACF received 22 grant applications from local organizations that are contributing essential services and enhancing the quality of life in Los Alamos. Grant committee members from the community and the LACF board evaluated each application to determine funding.

“The Los Alamos Community  Foundation is honored and pleased to help some of our local nonprofits in their capacity building. One of the LACF goals is to help our nonprofits in their sustainability, over the last few years we have witnessed this happening. We look forward to helping our local nonprofits in the future,” LACF President Pat Soran said.

To contribute to endowments that provide grant funding, please visit the Los Alamos Community Foundation website at losalamoscf.org. Options include donating to funds that benefit specific organizations like the Los Alamos Little Theater and Los Alamos Family Council, areas one feels passionate about, like music or historic preservation, or contact LACF to create a new fund.

Endowment Funds:

  • Community Youth Sports Endowment
  • Diane Warther Soran Endowment for Community Programs
  • Enterprise Bank & Trust Community Endowment
  • Los Alamos Community Foundation Leadership Fund
  • Los Alamos Little Theater Endowment
  • Los Alamos Retirement and Senior Organization
  • Pajarito Plateau Heritage Preservation Endowment
  • Paul A. and Susan E. Bombardt K-12 Music Education Endowment for Los Alamos Public Schools
  • Rosalie Heller Annual Memorial Lecture Endowment

Click here to learn more about LACF’s 2024 grantees.

About the Los Alamos Community Foundation:

Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in our community by inspiring, facilitating and supporting enduring philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our local nonprofit organizations. The Los Alamos Community Foundation currently stewards sixteen locally endowed funds and has total assets of over $1M. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation or to donate, visit www.losalamoscf.org.

LACF Welcomes New Board Members

Posted on by David Izraelevitz

(LACF News) – The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors: Karen Easton and Steven Lynne, as it increases the number of members of its Board.

“Given the increased assets, number of donor funds, and support for our nonprofits, we decided that adding to our professional expertise and insight into our community needs has become a priority,” said Pat Soran, Board Chair. “Karen and Steve are both thoughtful and well-regarded leaders with broad experience in our community. With Liz Martineau recently hired as our new Executive Director, we are poised for even greater impact and value to our nonprofits and our donors.”

“I am excited to work with Karen and Steve as we begin our journey with the Los Alamos Community Foundation together,” added Martineau. “As we approach our tenth anniversary next year, new perspectives and experience will prepare us for our second decade.”

Karen Easton moved to Los Alamos from Oregon 22 years ago, and has raised two sons who both went through the local school system. She has been in the banking industry since 2007, and after more than 10 years at Los Alamos National Bank, is currently vice president and manager of the Los Alamos branch of Century Bank. She serves the community as a board member of the Los Alamos Family YMCA, board member and Treasurer of Los Alamos Commerce and Development, a Los Alamos County Planning and Zoning Commissioner, and is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Los Alamos. In her free time, Karen likes to hike the area trails and is an avid skier.

Steve Lynne arrived in New Mexico Los Alamos with his wife Suzanne and two daughters in 1996.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting, and prior  to coming to Los Alamos County, Steve worked with public accounting firms in Florida and New Mexico, with an emphasis in auditing local governm

ent clients. He began his career at Los Alamos County, where he held a variety of positions, including Chief Financial Officer, Assistant County Administrator and Deputy Manager. His career in public service culminated in his appointment in July 2021 as County Manager. He recently retired from this position, but he and Suzanne love Los Alamos, have no plans to leave, and are looking forward to being retired together here.

For additional information about Easton and Lynne, along with others serving on the LACF board, please visit www.losalamoscf.org/about-us/our-board-of-directors-and-staff.

About the Los Alamos Community Foundation: Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards fifteen permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about the Los Alamos Community Foundation, visit www.losalamoscf.org.

LACF Welcomes Liz Martineau as New Executive Director

Posted on by David Izraelevitz

(LACF News) – The Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) is pleased to announce local resident and supporter Liz Martineau as its new Executive Director.

“It’s great to have Liz join the foundation team,” said LACF Board Chair Pat Soran. “She brings extensive knowledge and connection to our community that is so valuable to the foundation. Liz is more than ready to help take the LACF to the next level,” he added, “and I look forward to working with such a dynamic woman — welcome aboard Liz!”

Martineau brings 37 years of dedication and service to the Los Alamos community. She has taught elementary school, provided outreach through the Bradbury Science Museum, served as Executive Director of the Historical Society and managed the Los Alamos Ambassador Program. Her experience also includes the Historical Society’s 2015 Capital Campaign and service as president of the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation.

A breadth of volunteer work with local nonprofits gives Martineau a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing these organizations in Los Alamos. Most recently, she has served on the J Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Self-Help Board and the Los Alamos Community Seed Library.

“There are more than 120 nonprofit organizations in Los Alamos that provide necessary services and improve our quality of life. The Los Alamos Community Foundation is in a unique position to foster collaboration among organizations and increase philanthropic impact to sustain them for the long-term,” said Martineau.

“I am honored to join LACF and look forward to continuing the work of Steve Laurent and previous director Rachel Kizielewicz to create lasting impacts in our community,” added Martineau.

Martineau raised two daughters on the Pajarito Plateau. She is a fiber artist who enjoys camping and hiking. She and her husband, Gordon McDonough, also own a traveling math museum. “I enjoy meeting new people, so if you see me out and about at a family math night, concert, or program, please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself,” says Martineau.

Martineau replaces Steve Laurent who announced his retirement in January. They are working together until April 1 to ensure a smooth transition.

Established in 2015, the Los Alamos Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by inspiring local philanthropy and building the capacity and success of our nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 16 permanent endowment funds and supports nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information visit www.losalamoscf.org.