Empower! Black Futures Community Fund: 2026 Grant Webinar
A Conversation with the Empower! Advisory Committee
In this webinar, three members of the Empower! Black Futures Community Fund advisory committee reflect on the fund’s open grant opportunity, resourcing Black-led work, and the importance of strengthening Black life, arts, culture, and financial literacy across New Mexico. The Empower! Black Futures Community Fund is accepting applications as part of the Foundation’s 2026 spring grant cycle, open February 9–March 15.
About the speakers
Shani Mikaela is a fellow human, author, musician, systems navigator and creative economic development strategist. In all endeavors she is passionately committed to building people-centered systems that support creativity, equity, and long-term community wealth. www.shanimikaela.com
Hakim Bellamy is a nationally recognized poet, musician, educator, and cultural organizer whose creative lense uplifts Black voices and advances creative and civic engagement across the state. He has had the opportunity to serve as the Inaugural Poet Laureate for the City of Albuquerque (2012-2014), and former Deputy Director for the Department of Arts & Culture at the City of Albuquerque from 2018 - 2022. Bellamy has served as a Fellow for numerous programs throughout his career and holds both an M.A. in Communications, and a J.D. from the University of New Mexico. A National Poetry Slam Champion, Bellamy has performed his work in at least seven countries and continues to leverage his art to transform his communities. www.hakimbellamy.com
Raashan Ahmad is also a fellow human, father, emcee, b-boy, DJ, seeker of all things and curious thinker. A respected community leader, and advocate whose work centers Black life, cultural expression, and community-driven change throughout New Mexico. He runs the organization Vital Spaces in Santa Fe that creates access for resources and opportunities for artists. www.vitalspaces.org
About the Empower! Fund
Founded in 2023, the Empower! Black Futures Community Fund is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to supporting Black life, arts, and culture in New Mexico — and the Santa Fe Community Foundation’s newest identity-based giving circle. Guided by an advisory committee of Black leaders throughout the state, the Empower! Fund takes a community-based approach to philanthropy for a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Northern New Mexico Foundations Join Together to Support Communities Impacted by Frijoles Fire
As the Frijoles Fire impacts communities in Northern New Mexico, the LANL Foundation and Thornburg Foundation are each contributing $10,000 to the Frijoles Fire 2026 Fund, a philanthropic fund established by the Santa Fe Community Foundation to help address the immediate and emerging needs of individuals and families affected by the fire.
Investing in Santa Fe’s Students Through Dollars4Schools
A new school year brings new possibilities for Santa Fe students and educators. Through Dollars4Schools, the Santa Fe Community Foundation provides flexible, timely funding that helps bring innovative ideas to life, put resources in classrooms, and expand opportunities for young people. See what this community investment is making possible — and help local students start the year strong.
Empower! Black Futures Community Fund grants $70,000 in honor of Juneteenth
In honor of Juneteenth, the Empower! Black Futures Community Fund at Santa Fe Community Foundation is proud to announce its second round of grantmaking. The grants, which total $70,000, support organizations uplifting Black life, arts, and culture in New Mexico.
