Southern New Mexico Giving Day Expands Reach

Regional fundraising event integrates local giving days to support nonprofits across 12 counties

Apr. 20, 2026 at 6:08am

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of people gathered around a table covered in donation jars and fundraising materials, conveying the atmosphere of a community-driven philanthropic event.A community fundraising event brings together local nonprofits and donors in a spirit of shared generosity.Silver City Today

The Gila Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico have joined forces for the Southern New Mexico Giving Day, encompassing 12 counties and integrating their in-person events like Give Grandly! in Silver City. The expanded partnership aims to reduce redundancy for participating organizations and reach a broader audience of potential donors.

Why it matters

This collaboration brings together longstanding local giving events under a regional umbrella, allowing nonprofits to focus their efforts and tap into a wider pool of donors across southern New Mexico. It highlights the power of community foundations to coordinate and amplify grassroots philanthropy, especially in rural areas.

The details

The online donation component of the Southern New Mexico Giving Day started on April 18 and runs through April 24. The in-person Give Grandly! event in Silver City's Gough Park is in its 12th year, while the Southern New Mexico Giving Day is in its 7th. Organizers say the unified effort will 'reduce redundancy' for participating nonprofits. Groups like the New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition and Gila Valley Library have been among the top fundraisers in past years and are taking part again.

  • The online donation period for the Southern New Mexico Giving Day began on April 18 and runs through April 24.
  • The in-person Give Grandly! event in Silver City's Gough Park is taking place on April 21, 2023.

The players

Gila Community Foundation

A community foundation serving Grant, Hidalgo and Luna counties in southwestern New Mexico, and a co-organizer of the Southern New Mexico Giving Day.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

A community foundation serving 12 counties in southern New Mexico, and a co-organizer of the Southern New Mexico Giving Day.

New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition

A Grant County-based animal welfare group that provides low-cost spay/neuter services, foster care, and other assistance for pets in the region.

Gila Valley Library

A public library serving the Gila, Cliff and Buckhorn areas, which has been a top fundraiser at the Give Grandly! event in the past.

Viejitos Car Club New Mexico Southern Chapter

A community service-oriented car club based in Grant County that is participating in Give Grandly! for the first time this year.

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What they’re saying

“Instead of dividing their time and resources, organizations can now focus on a single campaign that amplifies their reach and impact.”

— Terra V. Winter, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

“We're hoping that organizations here in Grant County are able to reach a broader audience in, say, Las Cruces, who maybe haven't heard of those organizations.”

— Stephen Lindsey, Chair of the Gila Community Foundation's board of directors

“I feel really good that so many people are stepping up. We serve mostly low-income folks, so if they're stepping up with $5 or $10 donations or whatever, that's just wonderful.”

— Arlan Lazere, Founder, New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition

“I'm one of those people that doesn't have a mindset that if someone else has some, then we're going to get less. I always feel like there's enough for it to go around for everyone.”

— Esti Gutierrez, Director, Gila Valley Library

“We hope that this little bit of money will help them get extra resources for the education of the students themselves, or for spreading awareness to their peers, to help them so they're not bullied so much.”

— Stephanie Medina Torres, Secretary, Viejitos Car Club New Mexico Southern Chapter

What’s next

The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico will host its own in-person event, the Food Truck Giveback, on April 24 in Las Cruces. This will provide another opportunity for participating nonprofits to connect with donors and raise additional funds.

The takeaway

This expanded regional giving day demonstrates the power of community foundations to coordinate and amplify grassroots philanthropy, especially in rural areas. By bringing together longstanding local events under a shared platform, the Southern New Mexico Giving Day aims to increase the impact and reach of nonprofits serving communities across the region.