Announcing 2024 Piñon Awards Recipients

Honoring excellence in northern New Mexico's nonprofit sector

The Santa Fe Community Foundation is delighted to announce the winners of its 2024 Piñon Awards: The Memory Care Alliance, New Mexico Legal Aid, Lightning Boy Foundation Inc, and Bienvenidos Outreach, Inc. The awards, presented annually by the Foundation since 1987, are a prestigious recognition of excellence within northern New Mexico’s nonprofit sector.

This year's honorees were selected in four categories from an extraordinary pool of nominations. A record-breaking 100+ people wrote heartfelt letters of support for nonprofit organizations serving Mora, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and San Miguel counties.

“The Piñon Awards celebrate those who are the heart of our community, tirelessly working to uplift, empower, and create lasting change in northern New Mexico,” said Christopher Goett, President & CEO of the Santa Fe Community Foundation. "We’re looking forward to celebrating this year’s awardees and our region’s vital nonprofit sector at large during our October awards ceremony."

The 38^th Annual Piñon Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at La Fonda on the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe. Tickets will be available for public purchase on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 through the Foundation's website: www.santafecf.org.

In addition to the award, the four winning nonprofits will each receive a $5,000 unrestricted grant from the Santa Fe Community Foundation, a professionally-produced marketing video, and air time on the Foundation’s monthly radio show on KSFR, 101.1 FM, Community Matters.

Special thanks to our corporate partner Enterprise Bank & Trust for supporting the 38^thAnnual Piñon Awards.

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2024 Award Categories and Winners

Courageous Innovation Award — The Memory Alliance

The Courageous Innovation Award honors an organization that is using a bold and courageous approach, based on sound theory, to create new solutions to persistent problems. The Memory Care Alliance provides ongoing education and support to families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, courageously replacing social stigmas with compassionate understanding, and a vision for life after diagnosis.

Quiet Inspiration Award — New Mexico Legal Aid

The Quiet Inspiration Award honors an organization whose hallmark is to work quietly and respectfully among a wide range of people in the community, and has earned the longtime support and trust of its constituents. New Mexico Legal Aid serves as a voice, defender, and advocate for poor people who are seeking justice in all forms, quietly but diligently helping community members in need access food, shelter, security, and preserve their unique cultural heritages.

Resiliency Award — Lightning Boy Inc.

The Resiliency Award honors an organization that builds the resilience of people and communities most vulnerable to emergencies, such as natural disasters, public health crises, and systemic injustices. The Lightning Boy Foundation is dedicated to nurturing and building confidence and integrity through culture and artistic expression. Through their initiatives, Native American children of all ages are given opportunities to learn various art forms, including the Traditional Hoop Dance, which is said to have its origins in the pueblos of northern New Mexico.

Tried & True Award — Bienvenidos Outreach, Inc.

The Tried & True Award honors an organization that has served the community for over a decade with consistent and high-quality programs, services, and opportunities despite changes in the external environment. Since 1989, Bienvenidos Outreach has served as a beacon of hope in the community, working with unwavering commitment to provide food and clothing to those in need in Santa Fe and the surrounding area.