United Way of Central New Mexico (UWCNM) will be committing the $10 million gift received from MacKenzie Scott, author and philanthropist, to both accelerate and initiate impact efforts that improve outcomes for families across central New Mexico. The majority of the funds, more than seventy percent, will be directed to sustain impact efforts through grants and programs for the next several years; to conduct community-driven efforts in rural counties and neighborhoods; to expand our 211 Information and Referral service; and to deepen our efforts to support equitable practices. UWCNM will also reinforce our ability to conduct impact efforts for the long-term by establishing an endowment campaign and investing in its capacity to provide continued support.

 

“MacKenzie Scott’s extraordinary gift provides us the opportunity to consider how we can reach further into our community to offer and collaborate on effective solutions, now and for years to come,” said John Carey, Chair of the UWCNM Board of Directors 2021-2022. “Her generosity allows us the ability to create conditions that are more equitable, robust and hopeful for more of our neighbors.”

 

An ad hoc Transformational Gift committee was established by the Board to identify the best use of the gift. The committee will meet quarterly to monitor the progress and impact of how the gift is leveraged.

 

UWCNM was one of 46 United Ways in the country, and one of seven nonprofits in New Mexico, that received a gift from Scott in December 2020. Scott asked a team of advisors to help accelerate her 2020 giving through immediate support to people suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis.