Special Projects

Red Willow Center
(RWC) is the manager/operator of the 3.3-acre innovative sustainable agriculture and renewable energy site located at Taos Pueblo's Red Willow Education Center.  Its purpose is to model and promote the integration of traditional and sustainability practices for the community of Taos Pueblo. RWC produces fresh, healthy foods in (1) heated and unheated greenhouses that are powered by a host of renewable energy systems, and (2) fields and gardens.  Using cold storage, RWC hosts two direct-to-consumer fresh produce and value-added product markets throughout the year.

Northern New Mexico Resources
TCF developed Phase I of a searchable website of social service organizations and community services.  These groups each have a page describing their services, client profile, and community connections with a link to their websites.  This site creates the opportunity for community volunteers to connect with diverse organizations, where their particular talents and interests may be matched.  It also provides individiuals access to services for which they qualify.   Please visit www.northnmresources.org

D.H.Lawrence Ranch Project
This special project works with UNM to carry forward the ranch's legacy.  Friends of the Ranch will move forward with others committed toward the goals of ranch preservation.  Steps must be taken to develop the relationships, raise awareness, and funds.  The challenge faced is that 100 years of weathering has resulted in deterioration of many of the historical structures.

Youth Micro Loan Fund
This past year, the Foundation hosted two student inters from Southern Methodist University, who elected to work on a new initiative for the Foundation, a Youth Micro Loan Project.  After researching micro-loan and entrepreneurial models of best-practice, the application and partnership guidelines were established and presented to business leaders through the Taos Entrepreneurial Network (TEN).  Centinel Bank of Taos, as our partner, will provide the framework for the loans to be administered with the recommendations of Youth Advisory Council (YAC) members.   Community youth may request loans through an application process, up to $500 for start-up or expansion of business ideas.