Chamiza Foundation
The Chamiza Foundation is a private foundation based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, dedicated to supporting New Mexico’s Pueblo Indian tribes and communities. Established in 1989, it supports the continuation of Pueblo culture through grassroots grantmaking and long-term collaboration with Pueblo communities.
Chamiza Foundation at a glance
In short: Chamiza Foundation gave $206K across 16 grants in 2025 (avg $13K), mostly in New Mexico. 33% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $206,115
- +117.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 16
- +77.8% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $12,882
- +22.5% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $3,897,115
- +0.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (5 of 15, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New Mexico (93% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Chamiza Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The website describes applications through regular granting cycles and provides online, email, and mailed submission options. It also states that every application must include an updated letter of support from the relevant Pueblo Governor; projects involving multiple Pueblos require support letters from each Governor. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds, according to its filing statement.
- Review Cycle
- The listed 2026 deadlines were February 6 and May 8, 2026; both have passed.
- Deadline
- The listed 2026 deadlines were February 6 and May 8, 2026; both have passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1919 Fifth St Ste C, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 699-4154
Website: https://chamiza.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Chamiza Foundation
Who Chamiza Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Santa Clara Pueblo ($20K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $155K.
Grant Size Distribution
79 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 79 grants of 79 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation describes its support as focused on New Mexico Pueblo communities and also lists Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in Texas among eligible applicants. In filing year 2025, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in New Mexico and 7% to recipients in Colorado.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 16 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Chamiza Foundation open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 15 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. With only 15 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $11K; repeat grants $15K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 27% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+3%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 125% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $95K (2024) to $248K (2021). In 2025 it made 16 grants totaling $206K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Partners in Education Santa Fe, NM | River Source Fund | $15,000 |
| Zia Pueblo San Ysidro, NM | Tsiya Keres Language Preservation | $15,000 |
| Pachamamas Path Taos, NM | Across America Cultural Exchange | $15,000 |
| Santa Clara Pueblo Espanola, NM | Agroforestry Advisory Council | $15,000 |
| Keres Childrens Learning Center Cochiti Pueblo, NM | Serving the Whole Primary Child Project | $15,000 |
| Taos Pueblo CMS Taos, NM | Taos Pueblo Sewing Pride Project | $15,000 |
| Trees Water People Fort Collins, CO | Restoring & Protecting Pueblo Lands in Jemez MTNS | $15,000 |
| Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Albuquerque, NM | Cultural Dance Program | $15,000 |
| Taos Pueblo Warchiefs Office Taos, NM | Eqine Health Clinic Project | $15,000 |
| Conservation Legacy Ancestral Lands Albuquerque, NM | Acoma Traditional Farm Crops | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Chamiza Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing reported 9 grants, and the 2023 filing reported 10.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,897,115 | $425,822 | $430,194 | $206,115 | 16 | $371,122 | $368,574 | $296,278 |
| 2024 | $3,889,755 | $538,073 | $313,792 | $94,644 | 9 | $255,719 | $449,859 | $277,420 |
| 2023 | $3,665,380 | $355,577 | $322,919 | $132,166 | 10 | $267,821 | $305,988 | $249,356 |
| 2022 | $3,616,693 | $427,359 | $373,916 | $200,221 | 19 | $321,322 | $368,381 | $252,509 |
| 2021 | $3,551,202 | $362,096 | $418,603 | $247,639 | 25 | $365,321 | $304,435 | $290,149 |
| 2020 | $3,605,073 | $253,404 | $390,327 | $216,257 | 34 | — | $201,650 | $243,017 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Chamiza Foundation reported a distributable amount of $296K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated commitment is to the continuation of Pueblo culture. Its funding priorities include language revitalization; sustainable agriculture; traditional building; traditional arts and crafts; storytelling and oral history; youth education; leadership programs, including environmental stewardship and ecology; and intercultural exchange. The Foundation generally does not support economic development, entrepreneurial enterprises, or health-oriented programs. Construction or renovation is generally outside its focus unless it includes a traditional architectural aspect and youth education component and does not interfere with traditional community participation.
Eligible applicants include New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo communities, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Pueblo community leaders and artists, and non-Pueblo organizations serving Pueblo communities. Non-Pueblo organizations must provide a letter of support from the relevant Pueblo Governor; the Foundation prefers applications submitted by the Pueblo department or program partnering with the organization.
The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of supported organizations. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center says its mission is to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture and advance understanding of Pueblo history. Keres Children’s Learning Center describes a Keres-language immersion and intergenerational cultural curriculum for students from birth to age 18. Partners in Education says it works with teachers to support excellence and positive change in Santa Fe public schools.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 16 grants totaling $206,115. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $15,000, with a median of $15,000. Its website describes awards as averaging $4,000–$8,000.
Among the largest reported 2025 grants were $15,000 to Partners in Education for the River Source Fund; $15,000 to Zia Pueblo for Ts’iya Keres language preservation; $15,000 to Keres Children’s Learning Center for the Serving the Whole Primary Child Project; $15,000 to Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for its Cultural Dance Program; and $15,000 to Trees, Water & People for restoring and protecting Pueblo lands in the Jemez Mountains. Gerard’s House received $5,000 in 2025.
The Foundation’s application page lists two 2026 rounds. Those deadlines—February 6 and May 8, 2026—have passed. Applications require a detailed program budget, including specified cost categories and any in-kind contributions; at least two bids or estimates for printing or equipment costs; and a letter of support from the Pueblo Governor. The Foundation’s indirect-cost ceiling is 7%. Projects are to be completed within one year, with extensions only for unforeseeable and unavoidable circumstances. The Foundation does not fund individuals. It also says it does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations; its website directs applicants to submit proposals during its regular granting cycles.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists James Phillips as chair, Alice Phillips Swistel as vice chair, Brian Vallo as president, Vernon Lujan as vice president, Trisha Moquino as treasurer, and Ben Calabaza as secretary. It also lists Marjorie Phillips Elliott, Alissa Chavez Lowe, Aaron Sims, and Claire Elliott as directors. The Foundation’s website identifies Dr. Amanda J. Montoya as executive director.
Chamiza Foundation is led by Amanda J. Montoya, Executive Director since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 14 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Amanda J. Montoya
Executive Director
Executive Di → Executive Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$78K (2020) → $88K (2025)
Brian Vallo
President
Secretary → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James L. Phillips
Chair
Director → Director & Cha, 2023
Director & Cha → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marjorie Phillips Elliott
Director Fmr Chair
Chair → Director Fmr, 2024
Director Fmr → Director Fmr Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Sims
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alissa Chavez Lowe
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Claire Elliott
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elena Aguilar
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kayleigh Warren
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nina Swistel
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alice Phillips Swistel
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Trisha Moquino
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vernon Lujan
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ben Calabaza
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (5)
- Former: Ted Jojola (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Beverly R. Singer (2020–2022) — Vice President
- Former: Diane Reyna (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Hayes Lewis (2020–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Deborah Flynn Post (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $88K, to Amanda J Montoya (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Chamiza Foundation
How much does Chamiza Foundation give each year?
Chamiza Foundation gave $206K across 16 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $95K across 9 grants.
What is Chamiza Foundation's typical grant size?
Chamiza Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $12,882, across 16 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Chamiza Foundation that year got $11K on average.
Where does Chamiza Foundation give grants?
Chamiza Foundation gives mostly in New Mexico: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Colorado (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Taos, NM (4 grants), Santa Fe, NM (3 grants), Albuquerque, NM (2 grants) and Espanola, NM (2 grants).
Does Chamiza Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 6% of Chamiza Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 16) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Chamiza Foundation's largest grantees?
Chamiza Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Santa Clara Pueblo ($20,480 across 2 grants), Partners in Education ($15,000) and Zia Pueblo ($15,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Chamiza Foundation?
Chamiza Foundation reported $3.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $371K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $296K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Chamiza Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated commitment is to the continuation of Pueblo culture. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Chamiza Foundation?
The website describes applications through regular granting cycles and provides online, email, and mailed submission options. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Chamiza Foundation's EIN?
Chamiza Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-0373197. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Chamiza Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Chamiza Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/chamiza-foundation-morg_4d14396138c245f5a6d9056e6394b250
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_850373197_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Chamiza Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/chamiza-foundation-morg_4d14396138c245f5a6d9056e6394b250},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Chamiza Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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