Chamiza Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Chamiza Foundation is a family foundation, made up primarily of Pueblo members, that supports the cultural preservation of the Pueblo community in New Mexico.
FUNDING AREAS: Language revitalization, sustainable agriculture, traditional building, traditional arts and crafts, storytelling and oral history, youth education and leadership programs including environmental stewardship and ecology, intercultural exchange
IP TAKE: This funder is all about the Pueblo culture in New Mexico, but non-Pueblo groups who support the 19 New Mexico communities can get involved too. There are some great opportunities here for Pueblo artists.
PROFILE: Established in 1989, the Chamiza Foundation is based in Santa Fe and aims to preserve the culture and traditions of the Pueblo Indians. The organization started when long-time New Mexico residents Gifford and Joann Phillips learned about the Pueblo culture and collaborated with a UNM professor and Pueblo elder by the name of Alfonso Ortiz. Learn more about the founders here. The foundation’s areas of interest are language revitalization, sustainable agriculture, traditional building, traditional arts and crafts, storytelling and oral history, youth education and leadership programs including environmental stewardship and ecology, and intercultural exchange.
Chamiza started as a family foundation but now more than half the board is made up of Pueblo members. Chamiza is committed to grassroots grantmaking that supports leadership in the Pueblo community. It is interested in long-term relationships with Pueblo communities and ongoing collaborations. Chamiza typically awards up to a couple dozen grants per year. Grantees include the Nambe Pueblo for its Expressions Through Art Project, the Poeh Cultural Center for its Traditional Pottery Renewal Project, and the Santa Ana Pueblo for its Men’s Project. The funder has also given to River Source, the Santa Fe Indian Center, and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.
Grants are usually between $4,000 and $8,000. Information about past grantees can be viewed here. The funder accepts proposals from the 19 Pueblo Indian tribal communities in New Mexico and Isleta del Sur Pueblo in El Paso, Texas. Also, non-Pueblo organizations that serve these communities may be eligible for grants too. Funding is not typically given for economic development, entrepreneurship, health issues, or construction of renovation projects.
Grant seekers have two opportunities to submit applications during the year, one in February and the other in August. The board typically meets in September to award grants. Groups planning a summer project should apply during the February application window. Download the grant application from the website. Requirements include a letter of support from the Governor of the Pueblo, a tribal program administrator, or a tribal council member. Email applications to apply@chamiza.org. Email is the preferred method of submission, but grant seekers can also contact the foundation to mail it in, if necessary.
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