The Empower! Black Futures Community Fund is a new initiative created by the Earthseed Black Arts Alliance and the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Established in 2023, this fund is dedicated to supporting Black life, arts, and culture in New Mexico. The 2025 spring grant cycle marks its inaugural round of grantmaking, made possible through the support of early donors. This fund aims to provide resources to nonprofit organizations that focus on empowering Black communities through cultural, artistic, and economic development.

The grant program focuses on three priority areas. First, it supports community development through capacity building, strategic planning, professional development, and collaborative initiatives. Second, it fosters Black artistic expression and preserves cultural heritage by funding projects that present emerging artists, document Black history, and promote cultural exchange and community dialogue. Lastly, it seeks to enhance financial literacy by creating and distributing financial resources and offering real-world financial education, counseling, and hands-on experiences targeted at Black-owned businesses and families.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations based in New Mexico that serve the Black community. Additional eligibility requirements include tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, classification as a public or governmental agency or a federally recognized tribe, or having a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must be at least three years old, employ staff, and provide services without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Furthermore, organizations that have already applied for a Community Grant from the Santa Fe Community Foundation in the same calendar year are ineligible.

The grant offers funding in four tiers based on an organization’s annual budget. Organizations with an annual budget of up to $50,000 may apply for $5,000, those with budgets between $50,001 and $150,000 may apply for $10,000, organizations with budgets between $150,001 and $500,000 may apply for $15,000, and organizations with budgets over $500,001 may apply for up to $20,000 in general operating support.

The application deadline for the 2025 spring cycle is March 9, 2025. Organizations interested in applying should ensure they meet eligibility criteria and submit their proposals before this deadline. For further inquiries, applicants can reach out to Diane Hamamoto, Director of Grants & Community Impact, via email at dhamamoto@santafecf.org or by phone at 505-988-9715 ext. 7008.