Letter from Chair

Letter from Board Chair Jennifer Thomas

I am honored to call Albuquerque home. This is the place where I raise my family, grow my company and work to ensure a thriving community for all. I have invested time and energy in my home and am honored to partner with others who hold the same values.

During my year as chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, I have enjoyed working with incredible people who, like me, are invested in our community. Our joint commitment to seeing our city thrive and grow will create opportunities for education, economic growth, social justice and a better quality of life.

As you’ll read in our Annual Report, the Foundation has made great strides in supporting people and organizations that are working to improve the lives of the people of Albuquerque. In addition to our grant programs, this year the Great Grant Giveaway program awarded over $90,000 to nonprofits in each of our fields-of-interest. The comments we hear from attendees always highlight the direct connection between the Foundation and work of each of the selected nonprofits. We also launched the Mayor's Prize, specifically aimed at job growth, and the Social Giving Club which supports the work of even more nonprofit organizations in our community.

In 2015, our annual fundraising gala, Concours du Soleil, was centered on teen entrepreneurship. We believe that teens who enter the workforce with skills, confidence and mentoring are far more likely to fare better than those who do not. Investing in our young people and their goals will ensure a trained workforce so local businesses can flourish, entrepreneurs are encouraged and more of our young people choose to make Albuquerque home. The Foundation also awarded $151,000 in scholarships to 151 local students.

More than ever before, we’re collaborating with local thinkers, movers, shakers and doers to support transformation and equity in Albuquerque. The Foundation continues to develop innovative pathways to supporting our community and we’re involved in conversations, collaborations and partnerships that will help us—with your help—do just that.

Albuquerque is the place you and I call home. It’s up to us to create change in the city we love so much.

Jennifer Thomas Bank of Albuquerque

letter from board chair