Q&A with Las Campanas Community Grant Fund
When neighbors give together, entire communities benefit
The Las Campanas Community Grants Funds was established nearly 25 years ago as a means for members of The Club at Las Campanas to take philanthropic action together to support local nonprofits in the greater Santa Fe area.
Please tell us about the history of the fund. When was it formed? What inspired its creation?
The Las Campanas Community Grants Funds was established nearly 25 years ago as a means for members of The Club at Las Campanas to take philanthropic action together to support local nonprofits in the greater Santa Fe area. To date, more than $4M in grants to nonprofits has been awarded ($1.1M in 2024 alone).
What types of organizations or causes does the fund support? Why are they important to you?
The Las Campanas Community Funds support greater Santa Fe area nonprofits serving in areas of education, health, and human services, and provides scholarships to eligible students pursuing their goals in higher education.
Can you share a story about a recent grant, project, or milestone that had a particularly meaningful impact?
In 2024, we achieved a key milestone of awarding $1M to area nonprofits because of increased donations from members of The Club. Our all-volunteer board has worked hard to understand the interests and philanthropic objectives of our members and to align our outreach efforts with our donors’ intent. This has resulted in a significant increase in donations over the past four years. Our grants have grown from $203,000 in 2020 to $600K in 2022 to $1.1M in 2024. The members of the Club at Las Campanas strive to make a difference in the community.
What do you value about your partnership with the Santa Fe Community Foundation, and how has it helped you fulfill your philanthropic goals?
The Las Campanas Community Funds board and volunteers bring tremendous energy, skills, and passion to our mantra of Changing Lives Together: Supporting Education, Improving Health and Enhancing Human Services.
We are an all-volunteer organization comprised of members of The Club at Las Campanas and as such, we rely on the support of SFCF to be our administrative partner in serving local nonprofits and scholars.
We particularly appreciate the strong support of staff members Diane Hamamoto, Director, Grants & Community Impact, and Diane Addis, Development Associate. They have provided sustaining support to LCCF as we increase our community impact and continue to pursue our strategic goals.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the fund and its role in strengthening the community?
We hope to achieve a sustained level of giving at least $1M annually to nonprofits in the greater Santa Fe area. Our members have shown a willingness and strong interest in collective philanthropy that can be well served through LCCFs approaches, and we are committed to maintaining their trust and support so that we may serve and improve lives of those in need in the Santa Fe community.
The Las Campanas Community Grant Fund is a component fund of the Santa Fe Community Foundation.
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.
Q&A with Dorothy Bracey
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.
