Announcing the Earthseed Community Fund

Supporting Black Life, Arts & Culture in New Mexico

The Earthseed Black Arts Alliance and the Santa Fe Community Foundation are proud to announce the establishment of the Earthseed Community Fund, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to supporting Black life, arts, and culture in New Mexico.

Through targeted grants, strategic partnerships, and an equitable approach to community philanthropy, the Earthseed Community Fund will foster Black artistic expression, preserve cultural heritage, and promote community development for generations to come.

Raashan Ahmad, founding member of Earthseed Black Arts Alliance, will provide leadership as the Earthseed Community Fund’s advisory committee chair. He says:

"I am indebted to my ancestors for their hard work and sacrifice. I am their wildest dream, and this fund will support our wildest dreams for what future generations can be, create, and manifest."

Donations given in 2023 will help seed the fund’s permanent endowment, which will grow over time and serve Black New Mexicans in perpetuity. An inaugural grant will be made to celebrate Juneteenth in 2024.

“As an African American woman, I am so honored to be a part of this transformative initiative,” says Sandra Session-Robertson, vice president of development and donor relations at the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

“Building a philanthropic legacy for our region’s Black communities is critical, and I look forward to working alongside Raashan and others to grow this fund into a lasting force for good.”

Founded in 1981, the Santa Fe Community Foundation has a longstanding history of serving underrepresented communities across the state through its equity-driven grants programs, educational offerings, community partnerships, and donor services. It is the home of over 500 charitable funds, including its community-led Native American Advised Fund and Envision Fund (LGBTQ+).

“Through the launch of the Earthseed Community Fund, the Santa Fe Community Foundation reaffirms its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all New Mexicans,” says Christopher Goett, president & CEO. “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate and support the rich heritage and resilient leadership of our region’s Black communities.”

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Learn more & Donate

For more information and to donate to the fund, visit www.santafecf.org/funds/earthseed.

Media inquiries may be directed to Raashan Ahmad: raashan@gmail.com

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About Earthseed Black Arts Alliance:

Earthseed Black Arts Alliance is a leading organization committed to promoting and supporting Black arts, culture, and creative expression. They are co-founders of the Earthseed Community Fund alongside the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Learn more: www.earthseedblackarts.org

About Santa Fe Community Foundation:

The Santa Fe Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in New Mexico by inspiring philanthropic generosity, strengthening nonprofits, and fostering positive change. As the largest nonprofit funder in New Mexico, the foundation works collaboratively with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, and community partners each year. Learn more: www.santafecf.org

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