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News & Stories
Community Matters: Universal Child Care
On this episode of Community Matters, we explore how universal child care is transforming life for New Mexico families and early childhood professionals. Two leaders close to the work — Dr. Hailey Heinz of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and Deyanira Contreras of Kids Campus at Santa Fe Community College — share insights into our region's evolving child care landscape and why investing in access, quality, and a strong workforce matters for local communities.
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New Mexico Local News Fund 2026 Summit: Call for Presenters
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.
Community Matters: Free Flow NM
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.
Let us honor what sustains us: Our nonprofits
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.
Recent scholarship recipients share words of gratitude
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.
Q&A with Elizabeth Rice
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.
Believing in Every Student: Ina Sussman-Miller's Enduring Impact
Ina Sussman Miller’s life was guided by a strong belief in the power of education. Born in Brooklyn and later making her home in Albuquerque, she spent decades helping young people find opportunities to learn and succeed. Through the Sussman Miller Educational Assistance Fund, her legacy continues to support students across New Mexico and beyond. The following Q&A is shared by a close friend who accompanied Ina in her philanthropic work.
