Empower! Black Futures Community Fund

The Empower! Black Futures Community Fund, hosted by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, is a philanthropic initiative launched in 2023 to support and uplift Black life, arts, and culture across New Mexico. As one of the foundation’s newest identity-based giving circles, this fund is guided by an advisory committee composed of Black leaders from throughout the state. The program represents a community-led approach to grantmaking, emphasizing equitable support and empowerment of historically marginalized communities. By fostering partnerships between local nonprofits and community stakeholders, the fund seeks to build a more inclusive and vibrant New Mexico. The fund supports three core areas: community development, cultural preservation and artistic expression, and financial literacy. In community development, the Empower! Fund focuses on enhancing nonprofit capacities through strategic planning, professional development, and collective initiatives. This includes strengthening internal infrastructure, building leadership pipelines, and promoting strategic collaboration among organizations serving Black communities. These investments are intended to provide a long-term foundation for sustainable community empowerment and organizational effectiveness. In the arts and culture domain, the fund prioritizes the presentation and promotion of Black artistic expression, including showcasing emerging artists, preserving cultural heritage, and encouraging cultural exchange. Funded activities may involve public exhibitions, documentation and archiving of Black history, and the facilitation of intergenerational storytelling and community dialogues. This focus aims to ensure that the rich cultural legacy of Black communities in New Mexico is celebrated and preserved for future generations. The financial literacy component of the grant program supports the dissemination of financial education and resources. This includes real-world financial classes, counseling services, and hands-on experiences tailored to businesses and families in the Black community. The objective is to build financial resilience and autonomy, thereby reducing systemic barriers to economic mobility and expanding opportunities for wealth-building. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations located anywhere within New Mexico that align with the fund’s mission. Proposals must demonstrate a commitment to the stated priority areas and show how their initiatives will benefit Black individuals, families, and communities in the region. The application deadline for the current spring grant cycle is March 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the online portal provided by the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Diane Hamamoto, Director of Grants & Community Impact, at [email protected] or 505.988.9715 ext. 7008. While there is no formal pre-application stage, applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation for assistance if needed. At this time, the fund appears to operate on a seasonal cycle, with a spring application window and potential recurrence in future years. Further information and application access can be found on the Foundation’s official website.