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Lohr Foundation outlines grants and offers fast-track funding for Taos schools
Summary
The Lohr Foundation told the Taos board it awards project grants up to $30,000 (no regular application cycles), has invested roughly $358,000 since 2020 in Taos projects, and can provide technical assistance to help schools access funds; staff and board discussed how to route grants without triggering anti-donation rules.
Sonia of the Lohr Foundation presented the foundation's place-based philanthropic model and detailed recent investments in Taos Municipal Schools. "We provide funding support for projects up to $30,000," Sonia said, and added the foundation prefers project-based awards and sponsorships rather than ongoing operational funding. She described student-led grants totaling about $68,000 in recent years and a recent $8,000 award to Taos Middle School for journalism camera kits.
Board members and district finance staff discussed mechanisms to track Lohr funding. Finance staff said the district requested a dedicated fund number (26245) with Public Education Department (PED) to keep Lohr grants distinguishable from general donations, noting that once funds pass through district coffers they become public monies and are subject to the anti-donation rules. Sonia said Lohr can work through nonprofit fiscal agents when appropriate and can extend grant terms to ensure the money benefits students as intended.
