News & Stories

We believe generosity can last a lifetime — and far beyond. Endowments make that possible. From wildfire recovery to sustaining the arts, community members share how these funds ensure our region is ready for today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.

New Mexico Local News Fund is currently accepting presentation proposals for their 2026 Summit, which brings together journalists, students, educators, technologists, and community leaders to envision the future and develop solutions for the challenges ahead. They welcome proposals for sessions, workshops, panels, or creative presentations that speak to the future of local news in New Mexico, especially in rural, underserved, and bilingual communities.

Free Flow NM, founded in 2020 by Laurie Merrill, combats period poverty and menstrual stigma through large-scale product distribution, innovative programs like Period Pods, and community education across northern New Mexico. Under Laurie’s leadership, the nonprofit has provided over 750,000 menstrual products while reshaping community attitudes toward menstruation with dignity and equity.

In this op-ed, Santa Fe Community Foundation President & CEO reflects on why the Piñon Awards are such a vital way to uplift and support our local nonprofits — particularly now, as so many organizations in our sector are facing unprecedented hardship.

Every scholarship awarded through the Santa Fe Community Foundation reflects our community’s belief in a student’s future. This year, thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteer scholarship committees, more than $750,000 is helping local students like Cyrus and Lola pursue their dreams.

SFCF fund advisor Elizabeth Rice's commitment to philanthropy began early, shaped by her mother’s unwavering dedication to service. Today, after almost 50 years in Santa Fe, she continues to invest in the region she calls home by supporting education and systems change.