Community Matters: Patti Ward, Fundraising Immersion Program
Patti Ward, Fundraising Immersion Program
Wednesday, March 20, 2025
Listen here
On this episode of Community Matters, we have the pleasure of speaking with Patti Ward, a seasoned nonprofit consultant with over 25 years of experience helping organizations build the skills and strategies they need to thrive. Join us as we discuss key trends and challenges in New Mexico’s nonprofit sector, practical tips for crafting a compelling case for support, and what participants can expect from Patti's upcoming Fundraising Immersion program.
Patti Ward works with nonprofits of all sizes in various sectors, including social services, education, arts, health-related, and faith-based, in primarily rural and small to mid-size communities. Patti co-conducts a six-week “Fundraising Immersion” class annually for the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Patti is a member of theAssociation of Fundraising Professionals in New Mexico and the Texas Plains AFP, Association of Fundraising Professionals, group in Amarillo, Texas. She is a Board Member and membership chair for the Association of Philanthropic Counsel. Patti received her Certificate in Fund Raising Excellence (CFRE) credential in 2004, which demonstrates her professional achievement and commitment to the fundraising profession.
She lives in the Santa Fe area and enjoys long-distance hikes, social dancing, and spending time with her family and pets.
_____
About Community Matters
Our monthly radio show invites subject experts and community leaders to talk about the challenges and inequities our region faces and possible solutions that could contribute to its growth. Hosted by Santa Fe Community Foundation staff, Community Matters airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM on KSFR (101.1 FM). Listen to past episodes here.
Community Matters: Sunrise Clinics
On this episode of Community Matters, we’re joined by Dr. Randal Brown, Founder and CEO of Sunrise Clinics, the 2025 recipient of the Santa Fe Community Foundation’s "Resiliency" Piñon Award. Sunrise Clinics strengthens the health and well-being of rural and frontier communities across New Mexico, including Las Vegas, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari, and Raton. By offering comprehensive primary and behavioral health care on a sliding fee scale, Sunrise ensures that no one is turned away due to cost — building resilience and access in places where care is needed most.
Community Matters: The Friendship Club
Sherman Allen, Executive Director of The Friendship Club and 2025 Quiet Inspiration Piñon Award honoree, leads a decades-strong recovery community offering 50 weekly 12-step meetings, a global podcast, and a hybrid Zoom Room to support connection and well-being.
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.
