Native American Advised Fund

The Native American Advised Fund is administered by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health and vitality of northern New Mexico. Established in 1993 through a founding gift from Allan Houser, a Chiricahua Fort Sill Apache artist and humanitarian, the fund reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting Indigenous communities. The fund is guided by an all-Native advisory committee that represents the diverse Indigenous populations across the region, ensuring that funding decisions are culturally informed and community-centered. Over time, the fund has distributed approximately nine hundred thousand dollars to Native-led and Native-serving organizations, and it continues to operate in perpetuity using only the income generated from its principal. The purpose of the Native American Advised Fund is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve Indigenous communities throughout New Mexico. The program prioritizes initiatives that uphold and strengthen Native core values, specifically community cohesion, preservation and revitalization of language, cultural continuity, and environmental stewardship. These focus areas indicate that supported projects may include cultural programming, educational initiatives, environmental protection efforts, and community-based services that align with Indigenous traditions and priorities. Funding is limited to the income generated by the endowed fund, meaning grant amounts may vary depending on annual returns. While specific allowable cost categories are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on cultural, environmental, and community values suggests that funds are intended for programmatic activities rather than unrestricted operational support or capital expenditures unless directly tied to program delivery. There is no indication of a required cost share or matching contribution, suggesting that applicants are not obligated to provide matching funds as part of their proposal. Eligibility is restricted to organizations based in New Mexico that serve Indigenous populations. This includes Native-led nonprofits, tribal entities, schools, and other community organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to Indigenous values and community impact. The requirement that organizations be located within New Mexico establishes a geographic limitation, and applicants must show alignment with the mission and cultural priorities of the fund. While nonprofit status is implied, the inclusion of tribes and schools suggests a broader eligibility scope encompassing multiple organizational structures. The application process is conducted during an open grant cycle, with the current deadline set for August 16, 2026. While specific submission mechanics are not outlined, applicants are expected to complete an application through the Santa Fe Community Foundation’s grant portal during the open period. There is no mention of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers, indicating a single-stage application process. Evaluation is conducted by the Native advisory committee, which assesses applications based on alignment with Indigenous values and the potential impact on Native communities. The fund operates on a recurring basis, with grant cycles occurring annually as indicated by the reference to a fall grant cycle. This suggests that organizations may have future opportunities to apply if they are not funded in the current round. Applicants seeking additional information or assistance can contact Diane Hamamoto, Director of Grants and Community Impact, via email or telephone. Award timelines, notification dates, and performance periods are not explicitly stated, but applicants can reasonably expect decisions to follow the close of the application period based on standard foundation practices.

dhamamoto@santafecf.org