NLC's 6th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway

Organization Image

A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

Americans for Indian Opportunity
Fundraiser image

Support Native students of Albuquerque. Donate today to help us reach our $30K goal!

$1,650

raised by 8 people

$30,000 goal

in 1 month left

New update

Update posted 1 day ago

Thank you to Native Leadership Collective member Saad K'idilyé for their $500 donation! Your gift directly supports educational success for Native youth.



Native Leadership Collective of ABQ presents:  The 6th Annual Back to School Backpack & School Supply Giveaway



Dear Friends, Family, and Partners,

Every child deserves to walk into their first day of school feeling ready, confident, and supported. For thousands of Native students in New Mexico that feeling comes from a strong community backed by caring individuals.

The Need Is Real

  • 40% of Native American children in New Mexico live below the federal poverty line.
  • Native students make up over 10% of Albuquerque Public Schools' student body.
  • Official school supply lists regularly exceed $100 per student — a burden many Native families simply cannot carry alone.

Making an Impact — One Backpack at a Time

For six years, the 41 member organizations of the Native Leadership Collective of ABQ have come together for one purpose: to ensure no Native child starts the school year without the tools they need to succeed.

Last year, our community's generosity funded 450 backpacks, each filled with over $100 worth of required school supplies. We witnessed firsthand the joy on children's faces when they received brand-name supplies and sturdy backpacks — not from a charity, but from their extended community, because their community believes in them.

Our 2026 Goal

This year, we aim to raise $30,000 to provide 400 backpacks filled with essential school supplies for Native families across Albuquerque.

Event Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026




How Your Gift Makes a Difference

Every dollar goes directly to purchasing supplies. There are no overhead costs. One hundred percent of your gift reaches a student. 

Gift of $100

Fully equips one student with everything on their school supply list — so they start the year confident and prepared.

Gift of $25

Makes a meaningful contribution toward a student's supplies and sends a powerful message: your are community.



Our Community Appreciates our Donor Partners!


Ways to Give

⇨ Online: Click "Donate" for a fast, secure, and immediate contribution.

⇨ By Mail: Send a check payable to Americans for Indian Opportunity to 1001 Marquette Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Write "Backpacks 2026" in the memo line.

Your donation is fully tax-deductible. EIN: 52-0900964 


We want every Native student in Albuquerque to know that their extended family — their community — stands behind them. With your support, we can make that message loud and clear this school year.

Thank you for your generosity, your belief, and your unwavering support.

With gratitude,

Darius Lee Smith (Diné)

  • Chair, Native Leadership Collective of ABQ 
  • CEO, Native Professional Advancement Center

Miranda Conners (Akwesasne Mohawk)

  • External Engagement Liaison, Americans for Indian Opportunity


A project of the 41 member organizations of the Native Leadership Collective of Albuquerque.
Fiscal sponsor: Americans for Indian Opportunity 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization | (EIN: 52-0900964) |
100% of proceeds go directly to purchasing supplies for students.

Giving Activity