$3.1 million in community investment benefits nonprofits, families, students and businesses
Funding from Laboratory operator Triad supports education, economic development, child care and charitable giving in Northern New Mexico
David Moore, Editor
Small businesses, families, students and nonprofits in Northern New Mexico will benefit this year from a $3.1 million grant from Triad National Security, LLC, the operator of Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Triad board of directors approved the investment to fund education, economic diversity and community giving in the region, and to support the recently opened child care center in Los Alamos.
“Since 2018, Triad has invested more than $15 million in Northern New Mexico through its Community Commitment Plan in order to help enhance Los Alamos National Laboratory’s community-focused work in education, economic diversity and philanthropy,” said Lab Director Thom Mason, president and CEO of Triad. “This funding represents Triad’s continuing commitment to the region and is an extension of the Laboratory’s culture of service.”
Triad is a public service oriented organization equally owned by its three founding members: Battelle Memorial Institute, the Texas A&M University System and the University of California.
Where the grants are going
Three key long-term partners will, between them, receive more than $1.5 million in major investments from Triad’s 2024 Community Commitment Plan. Funding will go to:
- the LANL Foundation for STEM education, scholarships and teacher support
- the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) to support economic diversity including an internship program, and awards to small businesses
- United Way of Northern New Mexico to support nonprofit collaboration and capacity-building, and tackle substance abuse issues.
“We’re excited about the opportunities and activities that Triad’s investment allows us to do in building economic futures in Northern New Mexico,” said Pat Vanderpool, executive director of the RDC. “It allows us to help address the lack of capital for rural businesses through our grant programs and provide no-interest loans to high-growth technology and manufacturing businesses. In addition, it allows us to provide in-person technical support, training and informational events for small businesses.”
This year, $600,000 will support the operations of the new Triad-supported child care facility at 3500 Trinity Drive in Los Alamos, which when fully open will serve approximately 150 children, with priority given to parents and guardians who are Lab employees.
Investing in Northern New Mexico
The Triad investment will also be used to match employees’ nonprofit giving in Northern New Mexico (a small portion of the funding goes to grant administration). Additionally, more than $250,000 will fund a range of grants and sponsorships to other organizations in the region. Eligible nonprofits from the seven counties around the Laboratory (Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Taos) can apply for these funds online, with awards typically valued at $5,000 or less. The next deadlines for applications are June 7 and Aug. 2.
In 2023, Triad made awards to more than 80 nonprofits across Northern New Mexico.
