In 2004, the Valles Caldera National Preserve Board of Trustees began looking into the possibility of forming a 501(c)(3) "friends" group to help the Trust accomplish it's goals. While the Trust, as a 501(c)(1), can accept donations and give the donors a tax exemption, it cannot receive money from many private foundations, which closes off one avenue of funding (and many organizations will not provide donations or funding directly to a government entity). After research was done, spearheaded by then Trustees Larry Icerman and Barbara Johnson, the group, Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, was formed.
The Articles of Incorporation were filed September 15, 2006. The Bylaws were approved September 27 and the 501(c)(3) status was granted in January 2007.
The purpose for which Los Amigos is organized is to support the Valles Caldera National Preserve for present and future generations through outreach, education, restoration, and collaboration, and the transaction of any other lawful activities for which corporations may be incorporated under the New Mexico Nonprofit Corporation Act. Los Amigos is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, but not limited to:
- To cooperate with the Valles Caldera Trust (the Trust), a wholly owned government corporation 501(c)(1), in accomplishing educational, interpretive, conservation, research, planning, and improvement projects and programs for the benefit of the Valles Caldera National Preserve (the Preserve).
- To assist the Trust in stimulating interest in the above through publication, purchase, and sale of printed material, visual aids and other material pertinent to the Preserve and the Trust.
- To assist the Trust in developing programs of support including volunteer activities, financial contributions and pro bono services for the benefit of the Preserve and the Trust.
- To pursue any and all charitable activities related to the foregoing specific purposes.
- In carrying out its activities Los Amigos shall emphasize the Preserve and the overall mission of the Trust.
- To be available to serve as the fiscal agent for existing and proposed projects undertaken by the Trust or any other entity working towards Trust objectives.
Los Amigos is working with the Trust Executive Director to identify potential grant proposals. The Trust and Los Amigos are working together to develop a list of projects that Los Amigos will endeavor to raise funds for. The fundraising may consist of any combination of government grants, private foundation grants, and individual donations. In addition, Los Amigos will be helping the Trust by providing volunteers and other assistance.
|
. 
