Newsletter: February 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

 

Greetings, everyone! I hope this message finds you, your families, and your communities well.

The deadline for our first round of 2026 grant applications has officially passed. Our Board of Directors will convene on March 13, 2026, to review submissions and determine award recipients. We look forward to announcing grantees for this first round of grants in next month’s newsletter.

February was a full and productive month for the Chamiza Foundation. In addition to planning for our upcoming “Chamiza Foundation Pueblo Symposium”, we participated in several events to share more about our mission and the resources we provide to the New Mexico Pueblo Communities.

On February 5, 2026, we attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) New Mexico Chapter Funders Fair — our first time participating in this event. We were honored to be invited and to take part in a Funder Fair Session, which was designed to foster meaningful connections between funders and nonprofit professionals. These sessions created space to share program priorities, explore funding opportunities, and exchange ideas that strengthen the philanthropic sector. Although we did not have the opportunity to connect with Pueblo representatives at this event, we met many dedicated leaders from impressive nonprofit organizations across the state. It was inspiring to see the breadth of impactful work taking place throughout New Mexico.

The following day, February 6, 2026, Board Chair Mr. Jim Phillips and I attended American Indian Day at the State Legislature. While we had hoped to host a table to formally share information about Chamiza, we were unable to secure a space this year. Nevertheless, we made the most of the opportunity by introducing ourselves to tribal leaders, nonprofit partners, and other attendees. During the event, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Mr. Springbird Samora, Secretary to the Taos Pueblo War Chief, as well as Mr. Alvin Warren, a former Chamiza Foundation Board Member.

 

On February 11, 2026, I attended the Santa Fe Regional Gathering hosted by Exponent Philanthropy. This in-person convening brought together leanly staffed funders from across New Mexico to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. It was a valuable opportunity to share updates about Chamiza’s work, hear about innovative initiatives across the state, and discuss both the strengths and challenges facing our organizations. We also gained insight into emerging trends in philanthropy and received updates from our co-hosts: NM Groundworks, Southwest Philanthropy, and the McCune Foundation. Beyond the learning, the gathering provided a meaningful chance to reconnect with colleagues and strengthen relationships within our philanthropic community.

To conclude the month, on February 26 we hosted another Grant Writing and Learning Outcomes Workshop in Santo Domingo Pueblo (see below for additional details and photos). These workshops continue to be an important part of our commitment to building capacity and supporting our Pueblo communities.

We are grateful for such a strong and energizing start to 2026. As we continue preparing for the upcoming Pueblo Symposium, we anticipate that the months ahead will be just as active and impactful.

Sincerely,

Dr. Amanda J. Montoya

 

 

 

 

 

Chamiza Foundation Granting Writing & Learning Outcomes Training

Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM

February 26, 2026

 

 

We were honored to receive a second request from the Santo Domingo Pueblo Employment and Training Department to host another Grant Writing & Learning Outcomes workshop for their Tribal Programs Employees on February 26, 2026. The workshop drew not only members from Santo Domingo Pueblo but also San Felipe Tribal Members. The day was filled with positivity, gratefulness, and a readiness to learn and grow. We truly appreciated the opportunity to visit Santo Domingo Pueblo, share what Chamiza is all about, and showcase the resources and support we offer.