Celebrations, Reflections & More

Some of Amanda Marquez’s (she/her) earliest memories include fundraisers with her parents, her grandfather providing food and shelter to folks who traveled near his land while experiencing houselessness, volunteering at the senior center where one of her grandmothers worked, and participating in church events hosted by her other grandmother.

Amanda joined the Chi Omega sorority because of her previous experience with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chi Omega’s national philanthropy, and she continued volunteering with the sorority, the philanthropy, and her alma mater after graduation.

When she joined Moss Adams in early 2013, a partner at the firm introduced her to the Albuquerque Community Foundation. For over a decade, Amanda has actively contributed “time, talent, and treasure” to the Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Future Fund, which awards grants to local nonprofit organizations supporting community needs across many categories, including arts and culture, education, and health and human services.

But that’s not all—Amanda has also been active with NDI New Mexico, Quality New Mexico, and several other community organizations. No wonder she was named a 40 Under 40 honoree, recognizing Albuquerque’s emerging leaders and professionals.

Amanda’s annual membership fee for the Future Fund directly contributes to the endowment that makes grant-giving possible. The firm’s Albuquerque office paid her first year's fee as an incentive to join, but Amanda now pays out of pocket through the firm’s GiveBack donation platform. The Moss Adams Foundation matches up to $500 in GiveBack donations annually, amplifying the financial impact of Amanda’s membership.

This year, Amanda completes her three-year term on the Future Fund’s board, and she recently used personal GiveBack time, or paid volunteer time, to attend a full-day board meeting.

Community investment: “Each year, the Future Fund focuses on a different subject to make as large an impact as we can with the grant. This year, it’s healthcare. The nonprofits apply for the grants through the community foundation, and our membership votes on who we want to receive the grant, which is between $20,000 and $30,000. We also vote on several smaller grants throughout the year. I really love how we get to contribute in a way that aligns with who we are, advocate for what we care about, and be a part of the solution for issues facing New Mexico.”

Personal passion: “My grandparents always helped those around them. That’s why Grandpa would bring people to his house, feed them, let them shower, and send them off in my uncle’s clothes. He always said you never know what someone’s going through nor are you to judge, but you can always positively impact them. It’s a core value in our family.”

Community impact: “I think the Moss Adams Foundation has matched somewhere near $2,500 from my Future Fund membership fees, which helps us give more in microgrants and support operational needs. The personal GiveBack time helps me keep up with my commitments without using paid time off, so it’s nice to use that time instead of my personal paid time off, which I could use to travel with friends or prepare for a half-marathon.”

Personal growth: “I’m nearing the end of my time on the Future Fund’s board. At the 40 Under 40 award ceremony, I wondered what organization I would give my time, talent, or treasure to next. I’m not sure, but I know I’ll stay involved in my community. That matters to me, and it matters to the next generation of leaders. I feel it’s our responsibility to do our part to help others in whatever capacity we can. It’s great that Moss Adams supports us in giving back.”

About the Moss Adams Foundation

The Moss Adams Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with a vision to be a catalyst for equity and opportunity that has a lasting impact. It cultivates opportunity in the communities Moss Adams serves by investing in social equity, education, and the environment. Through grantmaking, giving programs, and volunteerism, the foundation fosters a culture of community engagement aligned with the values of Moss Adams and its people.