Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico recognized for disaster relief leadership
The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico received a 2025 Special Recognition Award for leading collaborative disaster relief through its Greatest Needs Impact Fund.
The foundation earned a 2025 Special Recognition Award from the New Mexico Association of Emergency Management Professionals for its coordination of relief and recovery efforts across southern New Mexico.
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico received a 2025 Special Recognition Award from the New Mexico Association of Emergency Management Professionals for its leadership in disaster relief and recovery efforts across the region.
The honor, presented at the New Mexico Emergency Management Symposium, recognized the foundation’s Greatest Needs Impact Fund and its collaboration with emergency managers, disaster case managers, community organizations and local nonprofits to provide coordinated assistance during crises.
Through the fund, the foundation has distributed more than $2.5 million to individuals, families, small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by fires, floods and acts of violence across southern New Mexico.
CFSNM President and CEO Terra V. Winter and Director of Impact and Outreach Diana O’Brien served as keynote speakers at the symposium, sharing insights on community collaboration and long-term resilience.
Doña Ana County Emergency Manager Amanda Bowen said the recognition reflects the foundation’s strong partnerships and fast response to local needs. “The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico exemplifies what community-centered emergency management should look like,” Bowen said. “Their quick action and unwavering commitment to helping those in crisis have made a lasting difference in our state.”
The foundation credited its success to support from local governments, regional partners and donors. Major contributors to the Greatest Needs Impact Fund include Doña Ana County Government ($500,000), the Albuquerque Community Foundation Emergency Action Fund ($183,480), the Walmart Foundation ($150,000), ConocoPhillips ($125,000) and YesWay/Allsup’s ($100,000), among others.
CFSNM serves 12 counties across southern New Mexico, connecting donors with community needs and supporting charitable organizations through grants and scholarships.
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