“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” —Nelson Henderson

These words capture the heart and meaning of philanthropy.
The word philanthropy is Greek and means the “love of humankind,”
usually expressed by an effort to enhance the well-being of humanity through
personal acts of practical kindness or financial support.
In America, philanthropy has its roots in necessity:
In this nation’s early years, philanthropy was the only means of
building and sustaining the service institutions each community needed.

This same spirit of philanthropy, born of a desire to build and sustain our community, is at the heart of the Grant County Community Foundation.

Foundation Mission, Vision and Values

MISSION
To enrich lives through collective action in southwest New Mexico

VISION
The Grant County Community Foundation:
• Brings leadership
• Facilitates tangible impact
• Is the foundation for community giving

The mission and vision are expressed by:
• Building a culture of philanthropy
• Advancing local nonprofit organizations
• Stewarding donor funds to ensure sustainability

The following values guide the Grant County Community Foundation:
• We are Transformative and Innovative
• We are Transparent
• We are Responsive
• We are Community Focused
• We are Diverse and Inclusive

CONNECTING DONORS AND THE CAUSES THEY BELIEVE IN

The foundation’s funds come from a variety of sources, including individuals, families, organizations, businesses, corporations, bequests and living trusts. Funds are invested in perpetuity and a portion of the investment earnings are then distributed according to the donors’ philanthropic wishes.

For its donors, the Grant County Community Foundation can ensure a philanthropic legacy that expresses their values and interests in perpetuity. The Grant County Community Foundation offers opportunities for local people who want to give back locally. The beauty of the foundation is that donors need not be wealthy to make a positive difference in the lives of people throughout the area. Through the establishment of permanent funds, donors can sustain local charitable organizations, provide scholarships to area students and fulfill wishes that are close to their hearts. Through the foundation’s planned giving programs, donors can honor loved ones or leave a legacy that benefits the community for generations to come. The Grant County Community Foundation can advise donors on how best to maximize contributions, no matter what size.

For local nonprofit organizations, the Grant County Community Foundation represents a new dimension of sustainability and permanence. Through charitable giving, the Grant County Community Foundation can enrich and advance the missions of these organizations not just for one year, or even one generation, but in perpetuity. Nonprofit organizations exist to provide the programs and services that fulfill their mission. Time and money diverted to fundraising is often a struggle. It is a rare nonprofit that can devote these precious resources to raising endowed funds that can offer long-term financial stability. The Grant County Community Foundation exists to provide this additional dimension of sustainable and permanent financial support for area nonprofit organizations.

The Grant County Community Foundation manifests mutual respect in all we do and honors our sense of place.