SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – Today, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association’s Brighter Future Fund awarded $50,000 to six New Mexico non-profit organizations in support of efforts to increase economic opportunities and fight hunger. The six organizations serve ten counties across New Mexico.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to support these organizations in their efforts to strengthen New Mexico and create a brighter and better future for our children,” said Ryan Flynn, Executive Director of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. “These community-based initiatives are game-changers, and all New Mexicans should be proud of their work. The strength and resiliency of the oil and gas industry makes it possible for NMOGA to invest in these efforts all across our state so that more New Mexicans have the opportunity to maximize their potential and achieve their dreams.”

Since December 2019, the Brighter Future Fund has awarded $155,000 to organizations in every corner of New Mexico. These awards are the third installment of a $200,000 commitment this year to invest in efforts to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education, increase economic opportunity, and reduce hunger in communities across New Mexico.

The six organizations receiving awards in this round are: CLN Kids, $10,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger; Community Learning Network, $10,000 to increase economic opportunities; Desert Forge Foundation, $10,000 to increase economic opportunities; Flower Hill Institute, $5,000 to increase economic opportunities; Gallup Main Street, $10,000 to increase economic opportunities; and Jardin de los Ninos, $5,000 to reduce hunger.

“In these challenging times, many New Mexicans and local businesses are finding IT skills and an internet presence are more critical than ever. Thanks to support from NMOGA and as part of the ‘1000 Websites in 1000 Days’ campaign, the Community Learning Network is expanding support and training for local community members to build, launch, and manage their own websites and digital promotions. Working together to support Tech access, education, employment, and enterprise development in our region, CLN is excited to continue the New Mexico TechWorks initiative to build local competency while strengthening our regional economy, one website at a time,” said Jennifer Case Nevarez, Director of the Community Learning Network based in Santa Fe.

Kara Smith, Executive Director of the Gallup MainStreet Arts & Cultural District said, "We are so grateful for funding from the NMOGA Brighter Future Fund to support our Coal Avenue Commons small business and entrepreneur resource center. This initiative will provide resource connections, skills building training, and entrepreneur-focused boot camps. This initiative also aims to provide space for meetings, co-working, and pop-up businesses. All of which is so needed as we move into recovery from COVID-19 and prepare for a revitalization project in our downtown district."

“This funding will be utilized to support the families that we serve to meet their basic needs, and we are extremely grateful for it,” said Michelle Adames, Ph.D., Executive Director of Jardin de Los Niños in Las Cruces. “The goal of this project is to make sure that children have food and nutritious meals over the weekend and holidays when the school is closed. The impact we’ve seen is that children are more alert, attendance rates increase, and after children return from the weekend we can quickly begin the learning process. Beyond that, a decreasing food insecurity supports social-emotional learning and development.”

The Brighter Future Fund is supported by the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, the American Petroleum Institute (API), and their members. The Albuquerque Community Foundation administers the application and award processes and helps ensure funds are invested strategically in communities throughout New Mexico.

For more information about the awardees, guidelines, and application process, please visit https://www.nmoga.org/brighterfuturefund.

About NMOGA:
The New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA) is a statewide coalition of oil and natural gas stakeholders, individuals, and companies dedicated to promoting the safe and environmentally responsible development of New Mexico’s oil and natural gas resources. With more than 1,000 members, NMOGA advocates for sensible and balanced policies for the development, production, and transportation of oil and natural gas, and works to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of industry operations and contributions to the state.

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