United Way of Northern New Mexico receives a $25,000 Blue Impact grant to fuel youth leadership and increase nonprofit capacity
Los Alamos/Española, (September 24, 2025) — United Way Northern New Mexico recently announced that it received a $25,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. The grant will support UWNNM’s Collective Impact program which connects and convenes Northern New Mexico nonprofits and empowers youth to discover their potential and succeed in meaningful careers.
“This Blue Impact grant is a powerful investment in the future of Northern New Mexico,” said Cindy Padilla, Executive Director of UWNNM. “With BCBSNM’s support, we can expand opportunities for young people, strengthen our nonprofits and ensure that families across Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties have the resources to build stronger, healthier communities.”
Blue Impact funding will directly support staff who coordinate youth leadership programs, financial literacy workshops and nonprofit capacity-building efforts. This investment ensures that young people gain the tools to thrive in school, work and life, while nonprofits expand their reach to address systemic challenges such as food insecurity, substance abuse and mental health. With this support, UWNNM will work to grow the next generation of leaders and improve community health outcomes across Northern New Mexico.
Local nonprofit leaders and residents gather for a community event at United Way’s Youth Pathfinder Casita at McCurdy Family Resource Campus in Española Valley.
“At BCBSNM, we believe in the power of collaboration and community,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “Our investment in UWNNM’s Collective Impact program reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and enhancing the well-being of families across New Mexico.”
BCBSNM’s Blue Impact grant initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and collaborate with community organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that address the social and economic factors impacting health and wellness in our state. United Way Northern New Mexico’s commitment to strengthening nonprofit capacity and supporting youth leadership aligns with the vision of Blue Impact to improve health outcomes in communities across New Mexico.
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About United Way of Northern New Mexico
Founded in 1954, United Way Northern New Mexico serves Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties by uniting nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to tackle pressing challenges and empower the next generation. Through its Collective Impact program, UWNNM strengthens nonprofit capacity, supports youth leadership and wellness and addresses critical issues such as food insecurity, substance use and mental health.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
