Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

06/12/2026

We continue to honor the legacy of Kevin T. Riedel as we celebrate the Endowment Anniversary of the Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund. ⚽

Kevin was a devoted referee with the Las Cruces Soccer Referee Association and a proud soccer dad whose love for the game and his community left a lasting impact. His spirit continues to inspire all who knew him. With the ongoing support of his family, the Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship helps students involved in the Las Cruces Soccer Referee Association or Las Cruces Youth Soccer Association take the next step in their journey through higher education.

Emily, a 2025 scholarship recipient stated, “I’m incredibly honored to receive the Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship—this support not only helps me pursue my civil engineering education but also encourages me to keep giving back through the soccer community I love."

To give a gift to support the Kevin T. Riedel Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, please visit: https://cfsnm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1208

06/12/2026

Today we proudly celebrate our very own President & CEO, Dr. Terra V. Winter on her nine-year anniversary at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico! 🎉

Over the past nine years, Terra has been a driving force behind Your CFSNM’s growth and impact. Through her heart for community, unwavering dedication, and belief in the power of philanthropy, she has helped strengthen Southern New Mexico.

Terra’s leadership has guided the Foundation through moments of both opportunity and challenge, including emergency response efforts that brought critical resources and hope to communities when they needed it most. Her ability to bring people together, build meaningful partnerships, and inspire collective action has created a lasting legacy of generosity and positive change throughout Southern New Mexico.

More than a leader, Terra is a mentor to many, and a steadfast advocate for the people and organizations working every day to make Southern New Mexico stronger. We are deeply grateful for her vision, compassion, and tireless commitment to our mission of serving, connecting, supporting, and sustaining our communities. The impact of her work can be seen across the region, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation for years to come.

Please join us in congratulating Terra on nine incredible years with CFSNM and thanking her for the difference she continues to make every day. 💙

Happy Anniversary, Terra! We are truly grateful to work alongside you and learn from you every day.

06/11/2026

Grantee Spotlight! 🌟

Recently, our Grants & Scholarships Coordinator, Valeria, had the opportunity to visit Camp Invention, a 2025 Devasthali Family Foundation Fund Grantee.

Camp Invention helps students in grades K-6 stay engaged in learning during the summer while building creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. By combating summer learning loss and introducing students to hands-on STEM experiences, the program helps prepare young people for future success in school, careers, and beyond.

Developed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention brings STEM to life through engaging, hands-on activities that encourage creativity, innovation, and teamwork. The program empowers students to think critically, explore new ideas, and discover their potential as future innovators and leaders.

Established in 2011 by Drs. Ammu and Rama Devasthali, the Devasthali Family Foundation Fund supports initiatives focused on education, the arts, and child hunger throughout southern New Mexico. Through investments in programs like Camp Invention, the fund helps create opportunities that strengthen communities across the twelve counties served by CFSNM.

A special thank you to the Devasthali Family for their generosity and vision. Their commitment to expanding educational opportunities is making a lasting difference for children, families, and communities throughout Southern New Mexico.

06/10/2026

Join Us in Alamogordo for PDN Nonprofit Board Training! 🌟

This two-day training is designed to help nonprofit board members and community leaders strengthen their knowledge, skills, and confidence in board service. Presented in partnership with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, this training will explore essential topics including board roles and responsibilities, effective governance, board structure and leadership, fundraising fundamentals, fiscal oversight, financial accountability, and nonprofit fiscal policies and procedures. Whether you are new to board service or looking to strengthen your leadership, this training offers practical tools to help your organization succeed.

Day 1: Friday, June 26 | 2:00–6:00 p.m.
Day 2: Saturday, June 27 | 9:00–1:00 p.m.
Where: Flickinger Center for Performing Arts, 1110 N. New York Avenue, Alamogordo, NM

One-Day Registration: $10
Full Two-Day Registration: $20
Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

To register, visit: https://cfsnm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=4697

Invest in your leadership, strengthen your board, and gain valuable knowledge to better support your organization's mission and long-term success.

06/10/2026

Join us on Wednesday, June 10, from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (2640 El Paseo Rd.) for our monthly Interagency Council Meeting!

We are excited to welcome PFLAG Las Cruces as our featured presenter. They will share more about their mission, programs, and the meaningful impact they are making in our community.

Friendly reminder: The Interagency Council has transitioned to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. To share announcements through the listserv, please send them to [email protected].

Let’s come together to celebrate community, share resources, and support one another. We hope to see you there!

06/09/2026

Your CFSNM June vlog is here! Catch up with all the things happening this month! ☀️

06/09/2026

Today we are celebrating the Endowment Anniversary of the United Way of Southwest New Mexico Fund! 🎉

UWSWNM’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening financial security, and supporting health and wellness continues to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout the region. This endowment helps carry their mission forward for years to come, providing lasting impact and continued support for the communities they serve.

We are especially grateful for our partnership with United Way of Southwest New Mexico. As a hosting partner of Southern New Mexico Giving Day, they help foster a spirit of generosity and community that strengthens Southern New Mexico year after year.

To make a donation to support the UWSWNM Endowment Fund, please visit:
https://cfsnm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1330

06/08/2026

Your CFSNM was honored to support this year’s McKinney-Vento Project Link Senior Graduation Ceremony, a meaningful celebration of the perseverance, resilience, and accomplishments of graduating seniors. It was a privilege to recognize these students and the determination, courage, and hard work that brought them to this important milestone. We are inspired by their journeys and look forward to the impact they will make in Southern New Mexico and beyond.

The McKinney-Vento Project Link Program provides critical support to students and families experiencing housing instability, helping ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed. Through tutoring, school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, and connections to community services, Project Link helps remove barriers and create pathways for students to thrive in and out of the classroom.

Thanks to the generosity of the BBMS Impact Fund, the Josefa Jiron-Chavez Foundation Fund, and the Dee and Dorris Charitable Fund, all held at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, and in partnership with the Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation, graduating seniors received laptops, backpacks, and other essential supplies to support their next chapter. These gifts represent more than practical tools, they reflect a community that believes in these students, their potential, and their future success.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the McKinney-Vento Project Link team for their unwavering commitment to students and families. Your dedication continues to make a meaningful difference in so many lives.❤️

06/05/2026

Join us for an evening of community, connection, and celebration as we come together for the Corazones in Action event on June 12th!

The evening will feature live acoustic music by Avery Johnson, the debut of the limited-edition 1 in a Melon Summer Shandy brewed in partnership with our friends at Icebox Brewing Co., and fun door prizes available to all guests in attendance.

Final voting will also take place! Every $10 donation equals 1 vote and every contribution helps support meaningful work happening throughout our region. Donations can be made online or in-person at the event.

Donate online: https://cfsnm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=4927

📣We are also excited to introduce a special Bonus Impact Award!
One nonprofit in attendance will be randomly selected to receive a $100 award in support of their mission. Nominations for this award may be submitted by any staff member, volunteer, or board member representing an attending organization.

The three organizations that were randomly selected for the final ballot are:

✨ Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces
Providing a safe, supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, build confidence, and reach their full potential through enriching programs and mentorship.

✨ El Caldito Soup Kitchen
Serving free, nutritious meals with dignity and compassion to individuals and families in need, while fostering a welcoming space for connection and support.

✨ Luna Star Fine Arts Studio
Empowering youth and community members through creative expression, arts education, and opportunities to explore and develop artistic talents.

WHERE: Icebox Brewing Co. – Picacho Location (2825 W. Picacho Ave.)
WHEN: June 12 | 5:00–7:30 PM

06/05/2026

The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico was honored to be part of the first Las Cruces taping of Pass the Sopapillas, with our President & CEO, Dr. Terra V. Winter, joining fellow changemakers to discuss jobs, family economic security, and the locally driven solutions that help our communities thrive.

Conversations like this remind us that the strongest solutions come from listening, collaborating, and investing in the people and places we call home. We are grateful to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for providing this opportunity and for creating spaces where meaningful dialogue can lead to lasting impact.

Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives and commitment to building a stronger future for Southern New Mexico!

At the first Las Cruces taping of “Pass the Sopapillas,” New Mexico leaders discussed jobs, family economic security and locally rooted solutions.