By partnering with the Community Foundation, you can help the community and the causes you care about through the most effective philanthropy possible.

THREE WAYS THAT YOU CAN BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE FOUNDATION

Create A Fund

• Through the Foundation, an individual, family, or nonprofit organization can create a unique fund tailored to meet specific interest.
• You may choose any name you wish for your fund.
• Grants made from your fund will always be awarded in the name of the fund.  If you desire anonymity, the Foundation will protect your identify. 

 Give To An Existing Fund

• The Foundation can help you target your gift to meet the community's most pressing needs.  If you already know the name of the existing fund, make a gift now online.

Plan For A Future Gift

• Bequests through Wills or Trusts
• Charitable Remainder Trust
• Charitable Lead Trust
• Retirement Plan Donations
• Life Insurance Policies

HERE ARE SOME BENEFITS OF CHARITABLE GIVING THROUGH US:

EASY AND EFFICIENT.  You can manage your philanthropy quickly from one fund with minimal effort so you can focus on the causes you care about supporting.  You receive the maximum tax advantages while we handle the administrative details.

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE.  We'll help you determine the best philanthropic fund for your charitable goals.

INFORMATION YOU CAN USE.  We assess community needs and the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations seeking to meet those needs.  Thirty-one nonprofit organizations have agency endowments managed by the Foundation, and we know the effectiveness of services provided by these nonprofits.

PERSONAL ATTENTION.  We have access to the latest trends and experts in the field of philanthropy.  As a member of the Council on Foundations, we can secure legal opinions about charitable giving and identify charitable models in other areas.

MAKING A GIFT 

It is important that you make an informed decision when you make a gift to charity including a gift to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.  We hope the following outline will help you in making the best decisions as you strive to help others and our community.

What Are Your Interests and Goals?

It is important for you to know what you want to support.  Then support the charitable activities that will ensure your generosity makes a difference.

• Are you interested in the arts?  Child or the elderly?  The environment?
• Do you want to support current programs?  Or, do you want to support an endowment that will address your interests for generations to come?
• Do you want to use your gift to pass your charitable ideals on to other family member?
• Is your gift intended to create a lasting memory of a loved one, your family or your business?

 The Community Foundation can help you identify your interests.

What Is The Credibility Of The Charity Or Program You Are Supporting?

Any nonprofit organization you wish to support should be able to provide you with evidence of its charitable status.  A public charity can share with you its tax return or other financial data if you are interested in reviewing these items.  You can review some of the infomation by going online to www.guidestar.org.

The Community Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a public 501(c)(3) Charity and is recognized in the state of New Mexico.  Our financial audit and other organizational information are available to you.