Albert I. Pierce Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Albert I. Pierce Foundation focuses grantmaking on the state of New Mexico and awards grants to local arts and culture, education, and environment nonprofits.
FUNDING AREAS: Arts, culture, education, environment
IP TAKE: The foundation is based in Albuquerque but considers requests from all parts of New Mexico, including rural areas, for program and project support.
PROFILE: The Albuquerque-based Albert I. Pierce Foundation specializes in education, environment, and culture grants in New Mexico. Albert was a Southern California native who went to school in Los Angeles and served in World War II and the Korean War. His connection to New Mexico came after his military career ended and he earned an MBA and began a long career with the City of Albuquerque. Between 1973 and 1990, he served as the executive director of the Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments. Today, the foundation aims to “to memorialize its benefactor through grants which enrich the cultural life, education, and environment primarily of the citizens of New Mexico.”
With a strong New Mexico focus, Pierce supports programs that encourage public participation in educational, environmental and art projects, and which develop or conserve valuable environmental and cultural resources for public use and posterity. The foundation’s support has also extended to STEM education for women and girls, musical education in rural areas, music festivals, robotics for youth, and outdoor initiatives for youth. However, this funder does not typically support construction or acquisition of property, emergency funding, capital campaigns, or fundraisers.
This funder awards about 10 to 15 grants per year that are in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. Pierce typically awards three or four or so grants at the $10,000 level. Lists of past grantees by year are listed on the funder’s website. These groups include Santa Fe Community College, Western New Mexico University, Cancer Services of New Mexico, Great Southwest Council BSA, Harwood Museum of Art, The Albuquerque Astronomical Society, and Duke City Repertory Theatre. Although many grants are made to Albuquerque-based nonprofits, other recent grantees have been located in Los Alamos, Taos, Santa Fe, and Silver City.
The foundation is only accepting applications by invitation for grants. As a general rule, projects must be completed within a year of their start dates. Direct general questions to the staff at 505-883-3114 or aipfound@swcp.com.
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