Warehouse 505, Albuquerque’s youth non-profit organization, could receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from the city despite the mayor’s proposed tight budget.
People say many non-profit organizations are feeling the budget cuts due to fewer opportunities and lesser funding, which is why they are grateful for the city that continues to invest in their organization and initiative.
Warehouse 505 along Central offers teens from ages 13 to 20 free learning opportunities in art, music, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and financial literacy.
The organization has been around since 2009, however under the current administration, the administration has limited funding opportunities.
“As a nonprofit, when you want to diversify your funding sources, grants and foundations are a fantastic way to supplement your budget, right? But right now, all of the grants are dried up or completely dissolved,” said Robert Stokowy, Warehouse 505 Executive Director.
Stokowy says he is grateful for the City of Albuquerque that allocated them $300,000 to them in its proposed budget for the upcoming year. This comes as the city wishes to cut back spending by $35 millio due to inflation, rising service, and healthcare cost, and a drop in federal funding.
“We appreciate the city’s belief in us,” said Stokowy gratefully.
Stokowy then shared one of their former student, Willow, who joined DJ program when she was young and now owns a DJ business, performing in front of crowds.
Warehouse 505 said that the coty is its bigger partner, so if the funding won’t go through, they will find a way to fill the gap.
The City council expected to approve the final $1.47 billion budget before the end of May.