Q&A with Dorothy Bracey

Reflecting on the lasting impact of community-led philanthropy

SFCF donor Dorothy Bracey reflects on the transformative power of community-led philanthropy. Now a passionate supporter of the Santa Fe Community Foundation, she shares how the Learning Hub, the Community Leadership Fund, and legacy giving have deepened her connection to northern New Mexico. Her story is one of long-term commitment, thoughtful giving, and trust in the Foundation’s enduring mission.
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Please share a bit about where you are from and what inspired your philanthropic journey. Do you have a personal experience or early memory of philanthropy “in action” that influenced you?

When I moved to New York City in the 1970’s, I lived several blocks east of Central Park and worked several blocks west of it. New York was in the midst of its financial crisis and Central Park reflected that. Every day I was aware of untrimmed bushes, dead plants, rampant weeds, broken benches — and a fear of crime. Then — some 40 years ago — a group of determined neighbors decided to remedy the situation by forming the Central Park Conservancy, an organization of citizens donating leadership, labor, and monetary support. Now as I walked to work, I could see — little by little — the park coming back to life and people coming back to enjoy it. Today it proudly sits place among the great parks of the world. That was my first lesson in the effectiveness of private philanthropy.

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Why do you make a charitable contribution to the Santa Fe Community Foundation each year? Why are you such a believer in community foundations?

The Santa Fe Community Foundation supports an impressive range of nonprofits whose work is vital to the well-being of northern New Mexico. It also enables donors to customize their giving through donor advised funds and designated funds. But none of this important philanthropy could take place if the Foundation itself were not financially healthy. It needs to cover the salaries of its remarkable staff, maintain its building, and pay its electric bill. By making an unrestricted annual gift to the Community Leadership Fund, I feel that I am actually supporting all of the causes that the Foundation supports.

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You have shared that you planned to leave your legacy gift to the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Can you share why?

Today’s needs and charitable opportunities are obvious. There can be no doubt that the future — both immediate and far off — will also present needs and opportunities, but we don’t know what they are. By leaving a legacy gift to the Foundation’s Community Leadership Fund, I can be sure that after my death my donation will continue to be used wherever the needs arise.

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How has the Santa FeCommunity Foundation and its team supported your philanthropy here in northern New Mexico?

When I moved to Santa Fe in 2003 I had already fallen in love with its history, art, and culture, and I wanted to support them. I started as a volunteer, was coaxed onto committees, and soon found myself on several nonprofit boards. I quickly realized that I really didn't know how to be a good board member. Fortunately, I discovered the Santa Fe Community Foundation and its Learning Hub. Classes, seminars, coaching — everything from how to write a good thank you letter to dealing with changes to the IRS 1099 — gave me the tools and the confidence to know that I had something besides a checkbook to bring to these organizations that I so valued. I am still grateful to the Foundation.

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