SANTA FE, N.M.–Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU) has launched the Del Norte LOV (Living Our Vision) Foundation, the mission of which is to improve lives of youth and families in New Mexico with a focus on the communities it serves.
The credit union, which serves Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties, builds upon the credit union’s charitable giving over the 67 years, Del Norte CU said.
The credit union said the Del Norte LOV Foundation is employee-driven and motivated by DNCU’s mission of improving lives and the collective values of the credit union. The Del Norte LOV Foundation will serve as an authentic beacon of hope for northern New Mexico and beyond by expanding several generous donation programs, the CU added.
“We created this employee-run Foundation in order to give back,” said Deb Salazar, board president of Del Norte LOV Foundation and chief experience officer of DNCU. “Now more than ever with the pandemic, we see the need to help others during this unprecedented time. Our staff is passionate about the communities they live and work in. This is our way of extending our heartfelt dedication to our youth and families by supporting nonprofits that assist them through their life stages, such as early childhood development, educational, vocational, and scholarship opportunities.”
Support Planned
The Del Norte LOV Foundation said it will fulfill its mission of improving lives of youth and families by highlighting and enhancing the following programs:
- Scholarships: expanding DNCU youth members’ educational aspirations for a better future
- Grant-making: scheduled, programmatic funding to nonprofits based in New Mexico that improve lives
- Sponsorships: event sponsorships for local nonprofits focused on community support
- Community Engagement: direct programs and events, focusing on financial literacy, education, and volunteerism
“We want to uplift our communities. Through the Del Norte LOV Foundation, we will expand DNCU’s outreach to our local schools, nonprofits, and other institutions that have financial education in their mission-driven work. Partnerships are key,” added Chuck Valenti, CEO/president of DNCU. “We want to create value—for youth and families—to learn how money works, open a checking or savings account, gain access to capital, apply for loans, and so much more. We wish to be a thought-leader of philanthropy and financial literacy in New Mexico. The Del Norte LOV Foundation will lead us in that delivery. We’re thrilled to venture in this initiative.”